Re-loaded ammo in carry pistol ??

[Dave70968]

One thing to be aware of is that powder burns and powder residue are not the same thing. A well-experienced criminalist can make a very good estimate of the distance from the muzzle to the target and even though various factors will be considered, these estimates are usually quite accurate. The closer the shot, the more concentrated the residue on the target.

Factory loads merely permit a better comparison of the test results as opposed to the use of hand loads. The use of hand loads won't by itself make a legitimate self-defense shooting into a crime, but it might make self-defense harder to establish in court, particularly when the distance from the shooter to the target is in contention.

This exactly. Is the (probably-negligible) benefit of your handloads worth the many thousands (or tens of thousands) of dollars you'll pay me (well, probably @henschman) to overcome that extra hurdle? For myself, I say no; Speer Gold Dots work just fine for me, and even at $1/round, are a real bargain compared to lawyers' and expert witnesses' hourly rates.

 

[Gunbuffer]

I think handloaded hollow points filled with mercury topped with a bit of sealant is a bad thing...

easy there, chacal

 

[RustedBeef]

He advised against using reloaded ammo in your carry gun for liability insurance purposes, saying that if ever the issue came up if you had to go to court, they can't try to charge you with [reloading (making) your own ammo for the sole purpose of killing someone], & that this issue wouldn't come up with factory loaded ammo.

That's like saying you made dinner for the sole purpose of eating.

 

[D. Hargrove]

easy there, chacal

I am certainly not Mexican..lol

 

[Shadowrider]

Does anyone know of a charge being brought because of the use of reloaded ammo?
Does anyone know of reloaded ammo being a factor in a conviction?
Does anyone know if it's ever even been brought up in a court of law?

All honest questions. I'd love to see the case(s).

 

[Gunbuffer]

I am certainly not Mexican..lol

believe you missed the reference to the mercury bullet comment

 

[cktad]

If you lived in an anti gun state or city they might use any excuse to sway the jury. But in Oklahoma I doubt they would even consider what ammo you used. As far as science why would a reload be any more deadly than factory ammo. I understand the distance argument but a good shoot is a good shoot.

Now if you are wearing a "kill them all and let God sort it out" t-shirt in court, have Punisher grips on your gun and using Zombie or widowmaker branded ammo you might be seen in a bad light in court.

The number one rule after a shooting is don't run your mouth or do interviews on TV.

 

[Dave70968]

If you lived in an anti gun state or city they might use any excuse to sway the jury. But in Oklahoma I doubt they would even consider what ammo you used. As far as science why would a reload be any more deadly than factory ammo. I understand the distance argument but a good shoot is a good shoot.

Now if you are wearing a "kill them all and let God sort it out" t-shirt in court, have Punisher grips on your gun and using Zombie or widowmaker branded ammo you might be seen in a bad light in court.

The number one rule after a shooting is don't run your mouth or do interviews on TV.

But when the question is "was it a good shoot," the distance argument might just make the difference. And, again, we're focusing on one element, but there are a whole host of things that ballistics specialists know to look for that we're likely not even considering; "I don't know what I don't know."

We're all free to carry whatever ammo we choose, of course, but I just don't see the relatively minor benefit being worth the potentially major downside if things go badly. Simple cost-benefit analysis.

 

[D. Hargrove]

believe you missed the reference to the mercury bullet comment

I did for sure, I realize you were referencing Day of the Jackal. I took it as, well, the Mexican word for a gay guy that does not embrace the gay culture... Like a tough top, ya know...lol

 

[dennishoddy]

As to the OP's comment that his handloads are more accurate, I'm sure they are; the question is, what level of accuracy do you need? Is that extra inch of group spread at 25 yards really going to be relevant?

That extra inch can mean missing the heart when your aiming for it and might just give the person enough time to shoot back. Granted pistol rounds commonly carried aren't man/woman stoppers, but an inch could very well buy some time.
For real, if I'm 25 yards away, I'm not shooting, I'm running for cover.