Posted on 07/27/2012 8:39:45 AM PDT by stuartcr
Is there really an issue with using handloaded ammunition for self defense?
If the PD you get info on is large enough, it’s likely they have approved loads for back-up or off-duty pieces in calibers other than duty calibers. Of course, you should also consider that most PDs have made allowances in the duty loads for the increased numbers of females on their force. You are going to have to experiment to find the best fit.
In terms of reliability, factory self-defense type ammo is quite good. Is it as reliable as you could make a handload if you take the time to test and determine the absolute best load for your pistol? No...simply because you are doing it by hand and aren't depending on the mechanical repeatability of machines that do go out of true. An experienced handloader can, if dedicated, make much better quality ammo than a mass producer.
In terms of liability it's very unlikely that a criminal case of self defense will be determined by what ammo you used, and a lot of states limit civil liability in cases of self defense. I've had this discussion with a lot of people and the absolute only example that I've ever been provided of ammo being a factor in a trial was a case where they prosecution probably already had a conviction and were piling on. This comes down to your particular situation.
Personally I don't carry with handloads. There are a few reasons for this, the primary reason being is that I haven't found a good performing hollow point at a good price.
2)If I did have a gun and wanted to reload for it, I would not hesitate to use reloads for practice and hunting..
3)I would not recommend using reloads for self defense because you just never know when you get a box of primers that sat on the shelf and somehow deteriorated. This could lead to a misfire and catastrophe.
4)If you buy a small amount of ammo for self defense, load up your weapon(s) with the good stuff and throw away the box. If you happen to have to shoot someone, you can say you just bought some ammo, don't know anything about it, don't have the box it came in, etc.hunting for some poor homeless dope addict who only wanted to get in out of the cold when you shot him.
If you use your own hot load ammo and think they can't figure out what you were using, you haven't heard of CSI. They are going to take your firearm from you and there's probably a chance you still have some rounds in the cylinder or the clip. Gothcha. With all the great defensive loads for sale, you are not very bright to load your own and wear or show anything that draws attention to yourself to portray yourself as the fastest gun in town.
Well, hopefully, it will never get to that, and the only time she’ll shoot, is at the range.
Thanks
Very strange. I just read it, out of google. But the link on FR doesn’t work.
Now try. Something fell off, I think.
I'd go with whatever Mas suggests, because he's the guy you want on your defense team if you're ever on trial for using a gun for self defense.
Mark
I have had primers that didn’t fire.
Actually, there's a court case that cause a suicide to be tried as a murder. A couple had a handgun for self defense. The woman was sensitive to recoil, so the guy loaded up some light loads for her to use. However, he loaded them using +P cases, and when she killed herself, the prosecution claimed that the lack of GSR at the wound site indicated that it was a murder, not suicide. However, it was later proven that the light loads would not leave the amount of GSR the prosecution was looking for.
It was a real mess, legally,
Mark
Yes, I agree completely. The best thing is always not to shoot. You need to be situationally aware enough to put yourself in a position of dominance. You always want to appear to be a HARD target. If you can do that 99.9% of the cowards will pass you by for easier pickings. Once you shoot it will take years to extricate yourself from the event along with much $.
Given the number of self-defense shootings that may have used hand-loads over the years, it doesn't seem like a big issue.
/johnny
I agree. I don’t know how much of a hard target my wife would be. This weapon is primarily for home defense when I am on travel. I doubt my wife would carry it, although she may be persuaded to keep it in the vehicle.
While that used to be the case, it certainly isn't always the case anymore. I don't know how many stories I've read here on FR where the shooter was no-billed, or charges never filed, just days after a good shoot.
/johnny
That’s good to know. thanks
I’m just waiting for the first case involving these factory loads:
http://www.hornady.com/ammunition/zombiemax/
Not really for the serious reloader, but for the home amateur reloader. Maybe battery powered as well, so it could be used in the field.
Dillon Precision is the way to go, but there's no reason for you to use primed brass. I never had a bad cartridge (after having adjusted the dies properly) reload in probably several hundred thousands rounds loaded over the years. Excellent consistency too. I had an RL-550 and it was great! Very easy to change calibers without having to make any adjustments. There were a couple of times I had issues with parts, once where I admitted I had broken something, a couple of others where I managed to lose things, and a call to D.P. got me replacement parts and spares, fed-ex, next day, at no charge. I've never experienced that level of customer service.
These reloading presses are all mechanical, so no power is needed (unless you buy a case feeder, but those are for SERIOUS reloaders!)
Mark
Its not the criminal case pertaining to the shooting itself but the civil suit(s) brought by the criminal and family. Then there’s the possibility of harassment by the criminals friends and family. You can get a court order but that doesn’t stop them from harassing or even trying to murder you. Its a big hairball and the load is completely on the victim. Its better not to shoot if you can.
I'm another, but I was always very careful while reloading - No distractions like tv or radio. But I was reloading for competition shooting, and probably loaded several hundred thousand rounds over the years in different calibers.
Mark
As for harassment or attempted murder, there's an immediate solution for that, as well.
/johnny
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