Don't know about brands, but if plinking go cheap AF and defense moderately expensive.
My Bond 45 doesn't feel much different using my loads for 230 ball or 200 lead, maybe a bit less "shock" on the 200 as opposed to the 230, with both using same powder and charge.
The 4 rounds of spendy defense rounds I shot felt less impressive than my reloads, and I don't load hot.
Some of that may be due to the weapon being stainless and for the size it's hefty, no clue..
I also found that lead bullets are much much more accurate in it. Granted, hitting a barn door at 30 feet accurate.