Self Defense ammo vs reloads

[Ukiahgunnut]

I was trying out an idea I have had for a while. I reloaded 5 rounds of 4.8 gr Win 231 with a 115 gr in a 9mm cartridge. I then took those rounds and some Hornady Critical Defense 115 gr FTX rounds, that I carry, out to the range and fired them both. I was completely surprised by the fact that my home (reloaded) made rounds shot with much more authority than did the FTX rounds! I paid more for 25 rounds of FTX than I pay for 50 rounds of normal ammo. Would any one care to comment? As a note to my reloaded cartridges, the Speer Reloading Manual (No. 12) calls for 4.5 to 5.0 gr Win 231 with the 115 gr FMJ I was reloading. So I was not shooting any hot rounds. Could this be so that they do not penetrate the walls of a home or apartment?

UGN

[1lostinspace]

Well yeah! No factory ammo can match a well developed reload.

[hayaku]

be careful with using handloads you made yourself for home defense.

from what i understand, prosecutors can go after you for intent to maim/kill by developing a cartridge for such effect. most instructors i spoke to will say if you had to (and you need to be able to talk about you had no choice but to use deadly force and the circumstances), you should always use factory ammo or reloads from an ffl reloader. even then, its still a legal mess after the fact, but if you used factory ammo, they have one less thing to question you about...

screwy way of thinking but prosecutors ain't always after the bad guys...

[ubet]

Hayku, if its a good shoot, its a good shoot. If its not a good shoot and you end up in a courtroom, yes maybe.

If you search my posts, I started a topic about this and their were links to were in fact hand loads had caused problems in court, but they were those 1 in 1trillion cases.

[rsrocket1]

From what I've heard, Hornady Critical Defense is supposed to be a lower velocity, lower recoil "defensive round" meant for short ranges and not for penetrating car doors, concealment walls, etc.

If you are going to carry with those bullets, the best practice rounds would be to try to develop a load that matches the velocity of these rounds. You can use cheap LRN's or plated RN's because all you are trying to do is to emulate the recoil of your carry rounds.

A lot of "defense" rounds claim wild velocities. If you are going to carry those rounds, it would be best to chronograph those rounds in your gun, then develop a practice round to match the bullet weight and speeds of those rounds.

Then only carry the commercial rounds, that way you don't need to explain anything to a lawsuit happy lawyer.

[Ukiahgunnut]

I have taken the CCW courses and have the license, so I am very familiar with the "advantages" of carrying factory ammo. I carry the FTX rounds and NOT reloads. I was just trying to understand why the FTX's were so weak. I see now. Thanks.

UGN

[MAC USMC]

ADVICE

Your personal choice of ammunition is no longer the critical issure it was in past years. More important is the LOGIC used in deciding to shoot someone and whether it was truly NECESSARY to prevent injury or death to yourself or another party.

Regarding lawyer inquiries, be extremely CAUTIOUS if you decide to answer DEFENSE LAWYER questions or those of his hired gun private investigator. Your are NOT

[MAC USMC]

continued ----

required to even talk to them at all. PROSECUTION ATTORNEYS, assuming the shot person is being charged with a crime against you and/or others, will need your statements to build a case.

The decision to shoot someone must be predicated upon FEAR that great bodily harm will occur against yourself or another person. NEVER is it lawful to shoot someone over property theft. Your statement to the police should establish that you FEARED FOR YOU LIFE (or that of others) and took action for protection purposes.

There is much more to all this than stated here, but these are basic concepts to consider.

[MAC USMC]

RELOADED AMMO

I also carry my own reloaded ammo, OFFICIALLY not because it is hotter, deadlier or has more penetration, but because ammunition is EXPENSIVE and my funds are LIMITED.

The logic here is based on personal ECONOMICS rather than developing a LETHAL CARTRIDGE. In Court this may arise and your response should be appropriately framed.

[Dianne]

If anyone is interested we are making a 45 Auto Self Defense cartridge usng the Barnes 185 gr XPB bullet. This is new made ammuntion not reloaded, 950 fps, 100% weight retention and it expands to twice is diameter. Sold 20 rounds to a box or in bulk 250 round.

[vmwerks]

To the OP, I would never carry self made handloads for SD. To high a chance for a squib or misfire....