Hornady's Critical Defense loads a 115-grain FTX bullet at 1,135 fps for 332 ft-lbs of energy, a power factor of 131. The FTX is a hollow point with a polymer tip set in the cavity; Hornady's stated purpose for the tip is to keep the cavity from plugging and to start expansion. From a 25-yard zero the bullet sits 1.4 inches low at 50 yards and 10.5 inches low at 100, moving at 1,025 fps at 50. In a 1.9-pound compact pistol the estimated recoil energy is 3.9 ft-lbs, the lowest of any load compared here.

Hornady American Gunner 115 XTP is the nearest match: 20 fps faster with 9 ft-lbs more energy and about 3 percent more recoil. Federal HST 124 is only 15 fps faster but carries 32 ft-lbs more energy and about 19 percent more recoil. The +P loads sit further out: Hornady Critical Duty +P 124 FlexLock at 1,175 fps and Winchester Defender +P 124 at 1,200 fps produce about 24 and 28 percent more recoil energy than the Critical Defense. Federal Hi-Shok 115 +P+ is the outlier at 1,300 fps and 432 ft-lbs, with about 26 percent more recoil. Drop at 50 yards runs from 1.0 to 1.4 inches across the group, so none needs a different hold.

This load is for everyday concealed carry in small pistols, where the lightest recoil in the group helps recoil-sensitive shooters keep the muzzle down. For practice ammo that feels close to it, Federal American Eagle 115 FMJ is 45 fps faster and kicks about 7 percent harder. Shooters who want more energy at the muzzle should look at Federal HST 124 at 364 ft-lbs. If the pistol is rated for +P, Critical Duty +P 124 FlexLock produces 380 ft-lbs; check the rating before loading it.