Personally, my life is worthless to defend with super ammo
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Seriously though, the "value pack" stuff really isnt bad ammunition. Its not as "high tech" or packaged as the new uber ammo. The valuepack JHP use older designs, usually updated slightly with a better ogive for function in a wider variety of weapons. The designs they use have been killing for decades, so I would not sweat it. Hornady uses their XTP which is known for deep penetration (if loaded correctly) and decent expansion, however (as much as I like the XTP) they have a tendency to clog easily and limit their expansion. Alot of my .45 loads I make for carry are usually a copy of either the 185 or 200 gr. Flying Ashtray loads or very very fast 230 gr ball (950 fps).
Many people are hung up on what ammo they are carrying and seriously believe that they cannot defend their lives unless they have the absolute best. It has to have a catchy name like Hydro-shock or HST or Gold Dot or Power Ball, loaded in 20 count, not 50. There is NOTHING wrong with this ammunition. I am not trying to say its not effective or snake oil or whatever. However, there are designs that have been killing for years that people overlook in their mad dash for what the new flavor round this month. If you are short on budget or are looking for a load you can hoard up, the value lines of ammunition do just fine. But for carry, any of the aforementioned ammunition is just fine. The super ammo has alot of features that are very well thought and required for defense: deep penetration, good expansion, flash supressed powders, nickle cases for reliable extraction under any circumstance. These are all hallmarks of quality ammuntion. However, with my study of ammo today, I have not seen one issue where the nickle cases matter or much of the above. Most of the value ammo I have seen has little to no flash (in many cases, except the Golden Sabres. Good bullet, but sparks like a Japanese kids toy) and in many personal and other's observations, provide good expansion and penetration.
Hydroshocks are a great round. Looking at it, it looks like a Federal Classic with a post to keep junk from clogging, Good Ideas! Ive also seen and horsed with the HST, once again, Great round! Would I stockpile either personally? No. Too much money for too little ammo that I can handload for half the cost, twice/thrice the count and more fun
. Are they effective? Heck yes! Why would I carry old designs? Because they work too! People tend to poo poo whatever isnt the newest tacticool round available. Take .38 for example: people will go out of their way and go nuts over the newest Gold Dot or short barrel that, when 158 gr. SWC or SWCHP has been servicing people for years. Which one would I trust? Both. Which one do I carry? The old idea.