To my knowledge there is no difference in most calibers. Speer did make a 40 caliber 165gr that was downloaded by 100-150 per an order from a big agency several years ago. Speer no longer makes it.

Packaging seems to be the only difference now. The LE boxes are 50 rounds vs 20 rounders for the PP line. I believe the projectiles and load are the same.

I much prefer the 124gr +P for my pistols over the 115. I bought them online and paid about as much as the 20 round boxes cost locally.

 

I think it is the group the item is intended for.

 

The difference is that the personal protection is optimized for shorter barrel pistols (3" and under) LE is optimized for full size service pistols (4" and greater) in practice, both are adequate for either type. Please see shootingthebull410's excellent videos on both. and one of the other posters is correct, 115gr is too lite, 124gr or 124+P in gold dot will definitively neutralize just about anyone. My personal choice for both is 147gr Federal LE HST, most accutate in my S&W shield and Ruger American pistol. (shield for carry, RAP for home protection)

 

In 9mm, specifically for home/personal protection, I prefer CorBon's 115 grain JHP round...offers 1350 fps and 466# of disbursable kinetic energy...there's very little other 9mm ammo do I consider for that purpose.

I grew up on .357's so the 9mm already feels 'soft' to me...the CorBon is really the only 9mm ammo I prefer for home/personal defense.

https://shopcorbon.com/CORBON/Original-JHP/SD09115-20?mfp=3-caliber[9mm Luger P]

You might look at Buffalo Bore ammo...or Littlestone's Ammo (they have a fantastic reloading program if you hang onto your casings!)

Buffalo Bore Ammo: https://www.buffalobore.com/

Littlestone's Ammo: Welcome to Littlestone Ammunition - Committed To Quality. Dedicated To Accuracy.

My recommedation is shoot at least 100 rounds of each of the various ammo you're considering to see how each performs in your pistol...which one your gun likes...and which one you like!

 

Law Enforcement ammo will typically be constructed to meet or exceed the FBI Protocols. Various criteria such as minimum and maximum penetration depths in gelatin, as well as performance penetrating barriers and auto-glass are specified. Self-defense ammo marketed to the general public may or may not satisfy all those criteria. A bullet that will expand after penetrating clothing loaded to function in a wide variety of weapons is all that is needed. Both types of ammo have their uses, which is why Hornady markets both Critical Defense and Critical Duty lines. I carry Critical Defense in my .380 pocket auto, and is also what I purchased for my mother to have in her LCR she keeps in her bedroom. The ammo in my .40 and .45 caliber semi-autos that accompany me out on the road is duty-type ammo loaded with tougher bullets. I'm not a cop, but I still want the ability to defeat barriers and auto windshields should the need arise. Be sure to test all carry ammo for reliable function and point of impact from your gun.

 

My understanding of speer gold dot is that LE comes in 50 round boxes.
Sales to the public in 20 round boxes. (the rounds are the same.)
The federal HST's that I use. same thing. law enforcement/ personal defense
federal offers differnt bullet weights in their LE calibers.
forexample 40S&W (155.165,180 LE) (180 grain only in personal defense)