Handload your carry ammo, or buy it?

[Sabre]

I would like to avoid the "theoretical legal implications of carrying handloads" discussion, please. I'm sure we've all seen it and it's been beaten to death. I AM however, very interested in seeing how many of my fellow forum-ites prefer to carry thier own handloads. I understand that some of you, like those who prefer to carry RA45T, can't handload as you can't buy the Winchester Ranger bullet as a reloading component (Or can you? If you can, please tell me where!)
Please, I encourage you to vote, and thank you for your time!!

P.S.: I carry handloaded 230gr Gold Dots.

EDIT: Well dog-gone it! I forgot to add the poll!! I had to start another thread for the poll. I apologize. Here's the poll: Clicky me (http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=314)

[Mannlicher]

I have not loaded .45 ACP stuff in a long time. I have been carrying Federal HydraShock 230 grain for years.
I do a lot of reloading for other calibers, but only for revolvers. In my carry gun, I want consistancy and reliability.

[harytaint]

If you dont trust your loads why do you reload? I bought a box of 225 gr speer hoolows with expansion tips a box of 100 for 20 bukcs and loaded them. Shot 5 to test and they are great. You should be more confident when reloading, if you feel that you are not how do you know one of your loads might not go koboom?

[stans]

I buy my carry ammo, it is convenient and might circumvent a liability issue should a shooting occur. So far, no one has ever been sued for using handloads for defense, but I just would not want to be the test case. The big ammo makers all put out fine defensive loads.

[primersinmyshoe]

Shoot reloaded ammo in a carry gun!? NO WAY! No matter how careful I am, I still get a bad one once in a while. For plinking/target shooting, reloads are fine. Even for matches, I shoot my reloads. But I wouldn't bet my life on them. All it takes is a primer with fractured compound (due to too much force while seating), that you can't even see upon inspection, to ruin your day. Been there, done that.

[jester_s1]

And besides that the manufacturers have the pressure barrels that make them able to take the pressure right up to maximum power with complete safety- not really possible for the handloader.

[Mannlicher]

Still on the same subject, I think I should make my position more clear. I don't carry reloads in my 1911s because I don't currently load for that cartridge. I DO carry my reloads in my revolvers, .38, .357, .44 Mag and .45 Colt. I use a variety of revolvers as Concealed defensive handguns, and I am very comfortable with my reloads for that purpose.
Safety, reliability, and effectivness are very important to me. The loads I carry I have developed, refined, and used, in some cases, for over 25 years.

[Mace]

Do you really want to explain to a judge why standard loads are not good enough to kill someone???

From a liability standpoint handloads are ou the window..

[mvician]

Mace,
Would you actually say to a judge that you meant to kill someone? :eek:

Mike

[Mace]

If that is what it takes then yes.

Course I live in the state that hired Judge Mills Lane :D


Honestly I should not have used the term "kill". But the point is still the same. How will you answer the judge when he asks you "Why are standard loads not good enough??"
Or
"Did you need to create a bullet that CAN kill someoen better than say a Hydroshock??"

That is all I am saying. If I end up in a self defense postition and I have to draw my pistol (or whatever) I want to have all of my ducks in a row. If a judge asks me why I have Black Talons in my gun it is because the gun shop told me that they were the most effective.
With Factory loads there is a lot less explaining that you potentially might have to do..