I know that linking blog posts is very 2000s reddit but this one is worth posting.
Half the posts on this sub are about carry ammo. Which carry ammo should I pick? I currently carry Speer Gold Dots; should I switch to Hornady Critical Duty? What about this new 3D-printed Adamantum bullet from Skibidi Tactical Munitions that costs $5 per round; is it worth a look?
There hasn’t been a significantly better bullet in 9mm for a long time. The Federal HST is old enough to drink. The Speer Gold Dot is due for a colonoscopy soon. They’re still top choices for carry ammo. There are new projectiles (e.g. Gold Dot G2) that might be better for law enforcement applications but I’d argue that they’re no better, and are sometimes worse, for concealed carry. There are whiz-bang new gimmick rounds but those just make cool Youtube videos of exploding watermelons.
In short, this is not a difficult choice. Do not waste time, money, or thought trying to find the carry load that ekes out an extra .02” of expansion. Pick your ammo and move on.