I think the number one concern is reliability. Which, if either +P or standard, runs better in your pistol?
Number two would be penetration. Certainly MOST 45ACP penetrates well. I'm not a fan of pre-fragmented stuff, no matter the energy dump.
Third would be expansion. The "better" hollowpoints from recent years all hit about the same. I've seen up to .74 inches in print.
Third would be energy dump.
If you can get 1,2,and 3 from a load that also gives you 4, why would you not do so? I would not give up much on 2 and 3 for energy, and never would give up #1!!!
I recently tested out DT 185gr GDHP +P in my 4 inch, and liked it. No failures, and a GDHP penetrates and expands well. Why choose NOT to have the extra foot pounds that DT offers above the normal Speer loads?
In truth, I'll say that I did not have a chrony available to confirm the fps and subsequent energy levels, but I do THINK they are there...
Mag 1 is DT 185gr GDHP 10+1 rounds.
Mag 2 is the same at 13 rounds.
Mag 3 is 230gr FMJ at 13 rounds. If I get to mag number 3, odds are I'm having to shoot through something, by this point, to stop BG from shooting me or mine. Sounds like a job for FMJ for me...
As others have said, this is just my way, and my opinion...
