I picked up a box of the 115gr 9mm HTP when a local LGS had it on sale.

I did an informal unscientific expansion/penetration test using water jugs fronted with four layers of denim.I fired the test round at 10 feet using my Sig Sauer P6 (3.6 inch barrel).
The test round lost its copper jacket before it passed through the denim and did not expand.
Oddly enough the lead slug ended up in the shape of a cylinder.
Penetration was not great either aprox. 11 inches.
I was hoping this round would perform decent so that I could stock up on a viable defensive ammo at an affordable price .

Even though my test was not to FBI standard nothing this ammo did gave me confidence to carry it or to purchase more.

 

My carry ammo choice is Winchester 147 grain.I shoot more wolf than anything Remington makes and sells under their name.

 

I've got some of this cheap 9mm HP for extra mags that I don't carry just in case because most any HP will be better than a FMJ in 9mm.
IMI 9mm JHP Handgun Ammunition : Cabela's

But I'd spend the extra bucks to get some premium defensive ammo from any of the ammo manufacturers.

 

I believe this stuff is just a repackaging of the old economy UMC jhp load, much like the Ultimate Defense line is just a repackaging of the golden sabre. It's nothing new. My out back behind the trailer water jug test of the 115 grain UMC load demonstrated that it will expand decently out of a G26 through 4 layers of denim. I think it's an OK performing economy load. I wouldn't feel unarmed carrying it, but I wont be replacing my HSTs with it.

 

I have compared the HTP load to some of their old UMC stuff, even going so far as to beak down a few rounds. It is the same ammo. It makes me wonder if Remington thinks that their consumers are so stupid that a simple repackaging scheme will somehow make their economy line of ammo something that it ain't. I'd be sticking with the HSTs, too.

 

Honestly, don't bother with the stuff. You can get way better loads for marginally more online. If you want to stock up on a budget JHP, than stick to Federal 9BPLE 115 +P+ which you can get for $17/box pretty regularly.

You can get 50 rd boxes of Speer Gold Dots, Remington Golden Sabre's, Hornady Critical Duty, Federal HST, and Winchester Ranger for about $25-30.

Check out SGammo.com. (Not affiliated) but one of my favorite venders.

 

What Bubbatime said. There are a lot better choices out there for defensive purposes, and I completely agree on SGAmmo, they usually have some good premium ammo in stock these days, prices are competitive, and service is very good. In 9mm, go with Federal HST, Winchester Ranger T, Gold Dot, or Golden Saber over the Remington HTP. Even the old Federal 9BP is a better choice in my estimation, either the standard pressure or the +P+.

Edit:
9mm / 9x19 | SGAmmo.com

Look at the Gold Dot offerings, 147 grain Golden Saber, HST, 9BP, and even the Critical Defense or ZombieMax would be better, IMHO.

 

I chronographed it, along with some other 9mm loads (average for at least 5 shots):
Glock 19:
Remington HTP 115 gr. +P @ 1,177 fps / 354# KE
Remington 124 gr. +P Golden Saber @ 1,136 fps / 355# KE
Federal HST 147 gr +P @ 1,044 fps / 356# KE
Federal HST 124 gr. +P @ 1,210 fps / 403# KE
Winchester Ranger T 127 gr. +P+ @ 1,235 fps / 430# KE

 

All of the above is valuable info for me. Thank you all for replying. I guess I'll be sticking with my Hornady Critical Defense 115gr jhp. It's more pricey, but until I find something far more reasonably priced that comes within a 10% +/- on the ballistics, I don't think its worth risking. HST will not be on my shopping list. Y'all saved me about $20 today. Thank you. Happy Father's Day to all you other DADS out there!

 

I guess I'll be sticking with my Hornady Critical Defense 115gr jhp.

That ammo is not considered a top load. Stick to this list below and you can't go wrong. Hornady has even said themselves that they did not design the Critical Defense to meet FBI performance guidelines. If you want to use Hornady, stick to their Critical Duty line which meets FBI standards.

Best Choices for Self Defense Ammo

HST will not be on my shopping list.

It should be. It is the top performing 9mm ammo right now. A little expensive, but you only need two boxes, one to test function and the other to load your magazines up.

 

I shot some of my wife's friends .40S&W Remington that had to have been stored for about 5 years at least. It was range ammo and it functioned well in her Sig P239. That's all i can say about Remington.

 

I only carry HST 147 or Golden Saber 147 for SD ammo, both standard pressure. I can get it from time to time for 26 a box of 50 and that's not bad for carry ammo. I would never consider 115 as SD ammo, 124 HST if I can't find 147. Basic rule is: You have to have shot placement and penetration, expansion is just a bonus and light,fast bullets stop too fast. With the size most humans are becoming penetration is more critical than ever.