The actual Hydroshock bullets themselves are good performers. They are not, however, loaded in the most powerful rounds of a given caliber.
Two rounds that are clearly more powerfull are the Speer Gold Dots or any offering from Cor-Bon.
Cor-Bon has no problem with bullets that fragment somewhat and, indeed, this can be a good thing. Cor-Bons tend to be some of the highest velocity rounds out there.
Gold Dots are electrochemically (as I recall) bonded so they stay together through various mediums (car doors, windsheilds, wall board, leather, denim etc) and still have a good chance of becoming an expanding projectile. From what I understand, they have proven themselves anectdotally in actual gunfights.
Some of Federals Law Enforcement Only offerings are hotter in the 9mm offering. I carry the Federal 9BPLE 115 gr +P+ in my 9mm carry guns and Speer Gold Dots in my 40's. I have thought about making the switch to all Gold Dots since they are easier to get.
All in all Federal makes a good product with some of the best quality control, but they are not pushing the envelope enough for me.