I know it's kinda generic, but whatever shoots best. Are there better defensive rounds out there? Yes. If you're buying new, stick with Speer Gold Dots, Federal HST, or Hornady Critical Duty (or Critial Defense in a pinch). Are the Hydra-Shoks and XTP still lethal? If you do your part, yes. Find out whichever shoots best out of your guns, that you can afford and easily find, and keep them loaded with that. Check out SGAmmo.com for some good deals on defensive rounds. Good luck!!