In my opinion, the Federal 155gr Hydra Shok, which is available to anyone, is probably as good as anything else available. I base this on FBI test results as much as any data I have read. I tend to lean toward the rounds that penetrate deeper in the FBI gelatin tests.
In my honest opinion, shot placement/accuracy is first and foremost in the list of required elements of an effective defense shooting. If you can't put 'em where it counts, they won't count. I hold penetration as the second most important element. Barring a psychological response to being shot on the BG's part, you have to go deep enough to damage vital organs and cause sudden and massive blood loss or cause damage to the central nervous system/brain to effectively stop an attack. Again, if they don't go deep enough to count, they won't count.
Any additional tissue damage that *might* come from expanding projectiles or "blades/petals" is an added bonus, but it can't be depended on. I've seen some pretty dim reports regarding the percentage of times that expanding bullets fail to expand, which effectively means that you may as well be shooting FMJ.
The 155gr Federal Hydra Shoks are accurate from my G22.(requirement #1 met) The FBI tests also indicate that they penetrate sufficiently in gelatin, which theoretically translates to deeper tissue penetration. (#2 should be covered). Lastly, if/when the Hydra Shok does expand, they should be at least as effective as most any other JHP in the same weight and caliber.
Just my .02...
Oooops, I forgot the SXT vs. "T" question. I wish I knew the exact differences. However, I don't. The information that I have read claimed a revised jacket/scoring and a different (slower if I remember correctly, could be wrong though) rate of expansion. If I can find the article I read I will tell you more but basically I think the "T"s allegedly penetrate a little deeper than the SXT's due to slightly slower expansion. Anyone else seen this info? I hope I can find it again.
------------------
***************************
Georgia TFL'ers get together:
May 20, 2000-From 3pm to 6pm
http://www.wolfcreek-gun.com
***************************
R6...aka...Chris
[This message has been edited by Rainbow Six (edited April 26, 2000).]
) .40 load, which is the 155gr Federal Hydra Shok. 