Reloads?
- Thread starter willy
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Gutpile Charlie
US Veteran
A reload is better than a sharp stick to the eye...however...I wouldn't use them.
Why add a "possible" complication to an issue that will be the most life changing thing in your life...should it ever come to pass?
Just doesn't make sense.
However...if I didn't "have" any factory loads...I'd use them.
Why add a "possible" complication to an issue that will be the most life changing thing in your life...should it ever come to pass?
Just doesn't make sense.
However...if I didn't "have" any factory loads...I'd use them.
Last edited:
Well, at the risk of beating this dead horse, most people aren't going to answer this. There has been so much invective thrown back and forth already.
Most people never get in a gunfight, and most shooters don't get charged or sued after the investigation. For those that do, EVERYTHING will be picked at beyond all reason.
"Back in the day" handloads may have been superior to much of the commercially available ammunition. Now, I just buy a box of Gold Dots (pick your own favorite defense load) and don't worry about it.
Most people never get in a gunfight, and most shooters don't get charged or sued after the investigation. For those that do, EVERYTHING will be picked at beyond all reason.
"Back in the day" handloads may have been superior to much of the commercially available ammunition. Now, I just buy a box of Gold Dots (pick your own favorite defense load) and don't worry about it.
Erich
Member
I don't use them "only," but I use handloads only in my .38s all the time (right now, in fact) and in my .357s/.41/.45s on hikes. And some other times.
Last edited:
Pointman_FL
Member
Strictly factory ammo in carry guns: Winchester Ranger T series in my 1911s and in the Glock 19 truck gun. My J frames get Speer Gold Dot +P 135 grainers.
For plinkers and paper punching, happy to use handloads/commercial reloads.
For plinkers and paper punching, happy to use handloads/commercial reloads.
Dan Cash
Member
I pack a lot of different guns depending upon the occasion. I use factory only in the .22s; the others get what is at hand which is usually hand loads. Have not had to shoot any humans or sub humans but have knocked off some pretty robust 4 legged critters. What was in the gun at the moment seemed to work very well.
enfield
US Veteran
I've had FTF's with reloads. Seems that the primers aren't quite the same quality as used in carry ammo or there's something wrong with my reloading process. Never had an FTF with premium carry ammo.
38-44HD45
Absent Comrade
Duke426
Member
I do use reloads as my carry ammo and here is the reason why:
I am carrying a S&W model 13 and I don't like the blast and recoil I find with factory .357 Magnum ammunition. However, I want something with a bit more "oomph" than .38 Special +p loads. Therefore, I hand load a 158gr mid-level magnum to about 1100fps.
I believe if it is a righteous shooting then the type of ammunition will be moot. I understand the opposing viewpoint and respect it as well.
I am carrying a S&W model 13 and I don't like the blast and recoil I find with factory .357 Magnum ammunition. However, I want something with a bit more "oomph" than .38 Special +p loads. Therefore, I hand load a 158gr mid-level magnum to about 1100fps.
I believe if it is a righteous shooting then the type of ammunition will be moot. I understand the opposing viewpoint and respect it as well.
I use only factory ammo in a carry gun. One exception: when I go into the woods huckleberry-picking I carry a 4" 500S&W, and it is loaded with my heavy handloads. If I should ever have to draw down on an errant griz I will simply have to pray that his/her family-members don't sue me.
flop-shank
US Veteran
With ridiculously high prices, less than impressive quality control and potentially spotty availability, I'm done with factory ammo. When the last of mine is gone, I will carry handloads in all of my centerfire weapons.
Bassamatic
US Veteran
I have a lot of confidence in my handloads...but I still load factory ammo in my carry guns.
cmort666
Member
I never carry reloads. They create too many forensic ambiguities, even in a good shoot.
Reloading makes it affordable for me to practice.
Reloading makes it affordable for me to practice.
While I try to only carry factory loadings in practice I carry both, depending on which firearms I'm carrying. If I'm carrying a 38 Special it's going to be reloads because I do not buy factory 38 Special loads. 9x19, 9x18 32 ACP will always be factory, assuming I can FIND ammo in the stores. 38 S&W will be factory only because I still have some 380 Z2 ammo left, 32 Long and 45 ACP is a toss up.
I've heard the argument about reloads but I've also heard the same argument used against carrying hollow points because that could alsol be brought up by a prosecutor. Heck, if I was a prosecutor trying to get a self defense shooting turned into a manslaughter charge I'd try to find out what kind of targets the defendant used. You think if I found out they regularly practiced on silhouette targets I wouldn't bring that up saying the defendant was planning on shooting someone and the targets were proof?
I've heard the argument about reloads but I've also heard the same argument used against carrying hollow points because that could alsol be brought up by a prosecutor. Heck, if I was a prosecutor trying to get a self defense shooting turned into a manslaughter charge I'd try to find out what kind of targets the defendant used. You think if I found out they regularly practiced on silhouette targets I wouldn't bring that up saying the defendant was planning on shooting someone and the targets were proof?
Last edited:
tenntucker
US Veteran
I use handloads in every gun I carry.
I use hand loads for everything from big game hunting to my house gun, when I carry I use premium factory ammo. Not because it is more dependable, my reason if it ever came down to a court issue I bought what was recommended by the retailer for the gun. An issue I hope I never have but something to be prepared for.
Len
Len
cowart
US Veteran
You can get this exact load as factory ammo - see Tactical Short Barrel Lower Recoil Low Flash 357 Magnum Pistol & Handgun Ammunition
YogiBear
Absent Comrade
Aloha,
A good friend is a family court judge, NRA member, FFL holder etc.
We have discussed this issue and he said that it has Not come up so far in shootings in Hawaii.
He did say that using "factory" ammo wouldn't hurt......
More of a problem here is in getting your gun Back from the local PD. The hoops they make you jump thru is worse than clowns in a circus.
Which is why I choose to use inexpensive M-10s and M-13s.
A good friend is a family court judge, NRA member, FFL holder etc.
We have discussed this issue and he said that it has Not come up so far in shootings in Hawaii.
He did say that using "factory" ammo wouldn't hurt......
More of a problem here is in getting your gun Back from the local PD. The hoops they make you jump thru is worse than clowns in a circus.
Which is why I choose to use inexpensive M-10s and M-13s.
Duke426
Member
cowart, thank you for that link. That is exactly what I want in a factory load.
Factory all the way with CC...I always thought it was interesting that so many handloaders talk about how conscientious & precise they are with their ammo, BUT swear they would never use anyone else's even if given the load specifications????
Actually, my point has to do with the OP's concerns...The distrust of one making a mistake or someone else's.
Actually, my point has to do with the OP's concerns...The distrust of one making a mistake or someone else's.
Last edited:
