Many thanks to:

Oldherkpilot (Herkybirds are still flying high!)
jakpro
oullh
gunny4053
NomadicVagabond
mustangman
robkarrob

I carefully checked on all the ammo you mentioned and finally decided on the Hornady Critical Defense .40 S&W 165gr FTX as best suited to my need. I would have selected the Federal HST 165gr but there is none to be had (Law Enforcement is getting ALL of it and it is on long-wait backorder for them). The HST 180gr has performance problems, especially with short barrels, as with the Shield (but others as well). With the exception of the nature of the bullet's expansion characteristics (the HST expanded "petals" is formidable indeed), the Hornady and HST perform equally well. Thanks again, guys.

You're welcome

I started off with the Hornady Critical Defense .40S&W 165gr as well. My Shield didn't like them like my FS M&P did. Kept getting FTF, likely due to the polymer tip of the bullet.

I sent my Shield back twice before it was flawlessly fixed. The polished the feed ramp, replaced my my guide rod/spring, and lightened my trigger (unrelated). Now it eats everything, including the Hornady's, but I've since standardized on the Speer Short Barrel Gold Dots which were always reliable in my Shield.

I love the critical defence. I used them for awhile then switched to the critical dutys. Never had a prob with either in my 40 shield. Goodluck with them

As long as they are accurate and cycle with no problem, I would think any of the currently produced SD JHP's discussed should get the job done.