CCW ammo

I use my reloads in my CCW.  Just wondering if others use their reloads or stick with strictly factory ammo for CC.

My brothers both think I'm crazy!  They don't trust reloads.  I trust mine.

BEAR

Good point CB, never thought of that one before.

In my 380 Bersa, I use factory as I don't have any dies or components, perse' for reloading it.

In my Beretta 92 FS 9mm, I use reloads.

Based on recent ammo prices, if I should shoot anything factory, it should be the 9mm Beretta

20 Rounds of Federal Hydrashock 380 ammo was $25

This one is ALWAYS good for an arguement on almost every shooting board I've ever seen. The proponents of handloads will say that in a justifiable shooting, the ammunition used will not matter. The opposing arguement is you never, ever give an opponent's attorney ANY leverage for any purpose.

The propenents of handloads say there are NO verifiable cases where handloads made a difference, the opponents usually cite Massad Ayoob's writings to try to explain why they believe it isn't a good idea.

The propenents then ridicule Ayoob, usually calling him a wannabe part time cop, and by that time the whole thread degenerates into a pissing contest.

Me? I carry either Corbon's  .45 ACP 230 gr +P jhp, or the late (still have some) Pro-Load 230 gr +P jhp. Same in 9x19, either CorBon or Proload. I've spent enough time in a courtroom, either as a witness, a juror, or a defendant that I NEVER want to make an opening for someone's scumsucker attorney about anything.

I'm confident that my handloads will function reliably and work as intended, I'm also confident that 98% of attorneys are shitbags who care for nothing more than winning, morals and ethics be damned.

Interesting thoughts.

I primarily carry a 2" 38 spl.  For some time my reloads were tri-plex.  Now I carry semi wad cutters that I shoot very well double action

CB raises a good point.  But to be valid you would have to shoot only Remington green box or something pretty tame (maybe a target load).  So many loads have things like "Plus P", or aggressive trade names.  I remember the "Black Talon" loads that got so much CBS publicity (like 'cop killer') that there were forced off the market.

I was really concerned with the "reliability issues".  Generally if is a good shoot, no one would be prosecuted.  If is prosecuted the jury will be deciding legal issues such as "were you in reasonable fear of your life"?

A civil  suit by a surviving perp might have the jury listen to such dribble.  But it the guy is alive, maybe the load was a failure.  Shooting to wound is not a "reasonable" strategy for me.

I admit, the liability issue is less than it was previously, at least in my state. The so called "castle doctrine" legislation here did more than remove the "duty to retreat". The legislation also disallows ANY civil action if the shooting is lawful...if a grand jury nobills you, there is no civil relief possible to the shootee or the shootee's family, if you put his lights out.

 I still carry top if the line factory for defense. I wouldn't hesitate to shoot someone if needed with one of my handloads, but they wouldn't be my first choice.

I use hand loads only.  Fact is, I can't remember the last box of factory ammo I bought in any cartridge - rifle or pistol.  My load is 8.2 grains of HS6 under a 230 gr Golden Saber or Hornady XTP.  It's a stout, but manageable load.  I seal the primers to ensure they'll go pop with I need them to.  Every so often, I shoot out my carry clips and replace the rounds with fresh ones. 

Any lawyer who argues it's a killer round will have to overcome me pointing out that there are many more powerful factory loads.  Would they rather that the BG I legally shot was shot with a hotter load?  I load for economy, and they can't prove nothin' else.  Anyone who don't trust their own handloads shouldn't be handloading.

24 the department is right.  As a LEO you have department "standards" if you deviate, your liability risk goes up.  For a civilian there are no standards, so what ever ammo a guy chooses the facts of the shooting will determine the civil trial.  Just thoughts.

BEAR

Crap, I already responded to this one.  Recycling old topics now?

I use handloads in my .38 snubnose, I load hollow base wadcutters loaded backwards for maximum expansion as quick as possible. I load winchester factory silvertips in my .357, and in my .45, I use factory hardball. The SIG P226 carries 9MM +p+.

A side note on handloads Bear, tell your brothers that on Tuesday past, I shot my .38 spl 5 times with handloads that were loaded 25 years ago. They were soft lead Buffalo bullets with about 8 grains of unique and Remington primers. OH, Yes, tell them that They have been loaded in my snubbie for 5 years and I had all the faith in the world in  them. I guess there were no boogers to shoot at all during that time. I HAVE to do something about that............................Kingpin