For my M&P 45s, my preference is the Speer 185 Gold Dot, when I can find it. My short barreled 45s (Sig Ultra and XDS-45) are loaded with the now discontinued Taurus 185 gr hp, which uses the Barnes bullet. The load is accurate, reliable, controllable, and affordable plus I hoarded quite a few boxes over time. The plan was to use the same in my Shield 45. Nothing against the specialty rounds, but most are too expensive by my wallet to practice with for any amount of rounds. My reloads duplicate my defense loads for bullet weight, velocity, and recoil.
I typically like to put 50 rounds of factory through a virgin firearm before switching to my reloads and had picked up a box of PMC Bronze 185 HPs. They shot so well out of it and were quite controllable, I am inclined to stay with it. The PMC is very inexpensive compared to most defensive rounds (50 rounds for $24.99 at my LGS).
Briefly tried the Colt 185 SCHP and my Taurus 185s. Was interested in the Colt ammo being it too is inexpensive (~$100 for 200 rounds), uses the Barnes bullet, and did well in what tests are available online. Both shot well, but the colt ammo was noticeably hotter. I am considering it as a substitute for the Gold Dots in my M&P 45s.
