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First, I'f I'm a "random person with an unqualified opinion," you most certainly are too: pot, meet kettle.
Bingo.
Second, what have your friends in law enforcement and ballistics research told you about the actual use of handloads as evidence in a criminal case or civil suit? If you could share their stories, it would be a really valuable contribution to this discussion.
Not my friends, however, they do tend to recommend against using handloads for defensive purposes, as there is an increased risk of financial loss.
Can you link us to any threads discussing the use of handloads as evidence in an actual case? That would also be a big help - it would keep us from having to wade through pages of "unqualified opinion."
Sure, but you will just end up with "qualified opinions".
Here is one, with an opinion from a State Prosecutor. No specific cases of people being prosecuted for using handloads, but he does mention a case where a person was prosecuted because he carried two pistols. Apparently, the prosecutor felt that by carrying a back up pistol, the defendant was out looking for trouble.
Again, it's a question of mindset and intent.
http://www.tacticalforums.com/cgi-bin/tacticalubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=78;t=001538;p=1
Sounds like you're making a great decision for yourself. I'd also spend a few extra bucks to avoid worrying about something like this.
You hit the nail on the head, on both statements. I can't make decisions for others, but I can explain my decisions, and explain why I think it's a bad idea.
Just remember that opinions aren't facts, and not everybody worries about the same things you do.
Agreed. My point is to get people to think beyond the initial cost factor, where the only consideration is thinking "I can get 100 rounds of handloaded 230gr XTP for $27, or I can get 100 rounds of Ranger T for $85".
As mentioned before, I hand load as well, but not my defensive ammo. I actually have 3 types of ammo on hand:
- Defensive: Factory JHP for pistols, Factory OTM for Carbine, Factory Buckshot for Shotgun.
- Practice: Factory and Handloads of various flavors.
- Emergency: Ammo that could be put to use as defensive ammo, in an emergency, as an absolute last resort, since this is in fact handloads. I keep enough defensive ammo on hand that I should never, ever, need this emergency ammo, but it's there.