I'll add my 2 cents here. Take this for what you will:

Putting 5-15 rounds of hot loads through it in a gunfight isn't going to "hurt" it. Even if it did, if it gets YOU through the fight unhurt, it's done it's job, and that's the ONLY thing that matters.

Do not worry about hurting your defensive carry gun. It's purpose is to protect you. If somehow a situation arose where you have to destroy it to save your life, you should feel no reservations about doing so. If you have a gun that you like but it's too nice to carry, then don't carry it. Your carry gun should be all business. If it loses some bluing, if it gets a scratch, it's all in the line of duty. Don't worry about it; be proud of it.

Worry less about your ammo hurting your weapon, and worry more about your ammo hurting your enemy. Carry the load you can place accurately on target, and something designed for short barrels so you're not wasting excess powder on flash and recoil for no added velocity.