There was a thread, I believe in the Bunker, where the S/M's put a bunch of HP Defense rounds to the test. I can't find it at the moment, but I know someone will know the thread and post the link.
The most important characteristic is finding a round your weapon will cycle and a round/caliber that YOU shoot well. It doesn't matter what any of us shoot well if you are not us & if you can't hit a barn with our round of choice.
Having said that.....
I carry Winchester Ranger +P hollow points. A full mag of them in the summer, but I alternate them with ball ammo in the fall and winter months in case someone is wearing a Carhartt, heavy denim covering or the like. I want to be able to hit hard, penetrate and follow up with a massive wound channel that causes extensive bleeding.
The Rangers, in my opinion, star out in a perfect pattern that will slice, sever, nick or otherwise invade with the intent to cause significant bodily harm.
Remember the "Black Talon" controversy? The Winchester Rangers are the "modified" version of those exact bullets. They still do a tremendous amount of physical "meat" trauma.
Pick a round that feeds well, then test it on wet newspaper and see the results for yourself.
Good luck!
JD