Posted on 07/27/2012 8:39:45 AM PDT by stuartcr
Is there really an issue with using handloaded ammunition for self defense?
I think it’s a standard legal thing. The range that I use, won’t allow handloads with anything rented from them.
Have you ever looked at how many reloading websites there are?
Hornady Critical Defense .38 Spl. standard pressure with 110gr. bullet that has a polymer tip. The tip ensures that the HP won’t get clogged with debris and forces expansion when it encounters soft tissue. Its what I carry in my S&W Airweight and it is very controllable.
I have no idea what that meant.
Yes it seems to be. But I also think it is like a universal informal rule of thumb. Get a good Corbon round for your wife’s Charter Arms. It is high-powered enough and has excellent ballistic performance.
I’ve been reloading for about 30 yrs now, and have never had a squib or double-load.
I’m still trying to find something official, even court results about this issue.
“Even being as careful as possible there was still variation between rounds. There were also the inevitable double charge and squib (no charge) loads.”
Use the caliper on every component at every stage, follow the specs. to the letter, pay attention, be picky and stay away from the booze while reloading. :)
(Experience is the best teacher)
I’ll give it a try, thanks. I’ve never loaded anything with a bullet that light, I’m pretty much a 158grlswc shooter in my 4” Rossi.
Store bought is probably the best way to go, as I don’t let other people shoot my reloads.
If you buy reloads, there is a significant reliability issue. Reloads I’ve bought at gun shows jam my revolver about 1 time out of 50, although I now know to check all reloads for primers that stick out.
If you reload your own, then you should know how well it functions. A good home reloader can make ammo just as reliable as the manufacturer.
The only legal liability would be if you hotloaded something and the gun blew up and injured someone. For self defense, it is assumed that you are willing to kill someone when you shoot them. I don’t care if it is a 22 LR - if you shoot someone, you accept responsibility for killing them.
Does it show you are some wild eyed killer? Nope.
If I took up reloading, it would be so I could load 44 specials at 44 special +P type levels for shooting in my 44 magnum. I find a 240 grain bullet at 1400+ fps uncomfortable to shoot and excessive for anything I care about. The same bullet at 1000 fps is about right. Standard 44 special would put the same bullet at about 800 fps.
So what would the prosecutor argue? That a 240 grain bullet doing 950-1000 fps makes me a wacko, while factory ammo at 1400-1500 would not?
In addition, I’ve seen challenges issued to see if anyone can cite a case ever where handloading was used to attack the defendant in a self-defense case. I’ve yet to see anyone come up with a case.
If you shoot someone in self-defense, you accept the idea that killing them was justified. So it is up to the prosecution to show killing them was NOT self defense, and prove it beyond a reasonable doubt.
OTOH, if you fire because ‘you just wanted to wound them’, then you are in a HEAP of powerful doo-doo!
Make sure your search terms include "Massad Ayoob" - he has written on the subject multiple times. IIRC, he and other gun rag writers opining on the subject have said if you want a solid point for your defense is to find out what a local police force uses/approves and make your selection from that.
That load will be a pussycat in your Rossi. They also make a +P load.
The Critical Defense loads were engineered to penetrate a variety of barriers (glass, sheetrock, clothing, etc.), then penetrate at least 12” in ballistic gelatin, and fully expand. It is the most technically advanced ammo available.
I haven’t seen anything other than web postings on this either.
Sorry. If I had read all the posts before hitting reply, my answer would be more specific for your background.
Hate it when that happens...no offense.
I’m thinking that a police load would be too much for my wife. That could affect her choice about carrying it.
I’m looking for something for my wife. I just got her a Charter Arms On-duty. Only weighs 13-15oz unloaded.
I have never been able to find any case where it was an issue. One gun writer wanna-be-lawyer Massad Ayoob, started the whole mess. He was pretty widely read at the time and the rumor spread like wildfire. And I believe he said MIGHT could be used against someone.
Here in Texas,anyway, ALL killings go before a grand jury. whether police or civilian. if no indictment is returned, that is the end of it. there won’t be any civil suit either.
The way I figure it, if the DA has to argue your handloads made the gun too deadly, then he OBVIOUSLY has no case whatsoever!
Unless, of course, he is a TV DA and his accusation (unanswered by YOUR attorney) leads you to break down on the stand and confess you had been planning to murder the victim for years...
Guess I’ve seen too many Perry Masons & Matlocks!
No prob
No matter what you load, if it ever goes to trail, the perp’s barrister is going to say “factory ammo is just not deadly enough so he had to load up super deadly blah blah”
Ask your local police what they use and do likewise. That negates any ammo related vulnerability because they surely must know the proper ammo to use...
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