Hornady's Critical Duty 124-grain FlexLock is a +P load at 1,175 fps with 380 ft-lbs of energy, a power factor of 146. The FlexLock bullet is a hollow point with a polymer insert in the cavity, designed to keep the cavity from plugging on barriers so the bullet still opens. From a 25-yard zero the bullet is 1.2 inches low at 50 yards and 9.4 inches low at 100, still moving 1,080 fps at 50. In a 1.9-pound compact pistol it produces an estimated 4.9 ft-lbs of recoil energy.

It sits between the standard-pressure 124-grain carry loads and the hottest +P here. Federal HST 124 and Speer Gold Dot 124 both run 1,150 fps and 364 ft-lbs, 25 fps and 16 ft-lbs behind the Hornady, with about 4 percent less recoil energy in the same pistol. Winchester Defender +P 124 goes 25 fps faster at 1,200 fps and 396 ft-lbs, with about 4 percent more recoil. Federal Hi-Shok 115 +P+ is the fastest here at 1,300 fps, 125 fps ahead, and kicks about 2 percent harder. Drop at 50 yards is within a third of an inch for all of these.

This is a carry load for full-size and compact pistols rated for +P. Check your pistol's manual first; not every 9mm is rated for sustained +P use. For practice ammo that feels like it, Norma Range & Training 124 at 1,181 fps is within 1 percent of its recoil energy; Federal American Eagle 124 is about 4 percent softer. If your pistol is not +P rated, Federal HST 124 or Speer Gold Dot 124 give up 25 fps and 16 ft-lbs at standard pressure. For a lighter hollow point, Hornady American Gunner 115 XTP runs 1,155 fps with about 17 percent less recoil energy.