147gr. will always provide better penetration.
When I hired on, they chose 147 gr. because it was subsonic, so they reasoned that it would not over-penetrate.
WRONGO!
Decades later, we understand that the 147 is THE penetrator of the 9mm rounds. Why? Momentum.
After that, in the glossy magazines, the 9mm 147gr became the "over-penetrator". Any of you remember reading all those glossy gun magazines?
Then they learned how to build bullets.
Today? Fact is, as with every other caliber, heavier is better. The light-weight-high-speed rounds have fallen by the wayside on the street.
9mm? Pick a proven 147gr load.
The old 115 +P+? Sub-optimal, but if you do your job you will be fine. And that's the point. "WHAT" you shoot is less important than "HOW" you shoot.
My current recommendation? Federal 147 gr HST.
Works like a charm in the pup, and has a great record on the street.
