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Handloads for Defense Loads

5mmgunguy
I have heard alot about using handloads for defensive purposes...for my wife I was going to load less than than a max load...about 975 fps with a 125 gr HP 9MM...would that be bad too?
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  • rufe-snow
    The argument against using handloads for self defense is that they would make you look like a bad guy in the eyes of the jurors, not only in a criminal trial, but also in a civil trial where it doesn't take a full unanimous decision of a jury to convict you.

    Most folks who aren't into guns or handloading, like the folks who will be on the jury, don't know one gun or handload from another, i.e. it won't make any freeking difference what handload you put together.
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  • Cornflk1
    Mixed feelings on this. I use handloads for my handguns, but I do tend to down load for the fact that I don't want a " hot load" going through several rooms if my aim in the dark isn't what I would hope for.

    On the other hand; with the "castle law " in place here (IN.), supposedly if you shoot at someone, protecting your own home, you should be protected from prosecution---don't really want to be a test case if I can.

    Why don't you buy a 20 ga. pump shotgun and use factory loads. Easier on your wife to use, easier to get on target in the dark, don't have to worry about nerves in the middle of the night--usually just the sound of a pump being loaded will get a bad guys attension.
    And it won't penetrate several rooms, but will put most people down with just the first round.
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  • shootuadeal
    quote:Originally posted by rufe-snow
    The argument against using handloads for self defense is that they would make you look like a bad guy in the eyes of the jurors, not only in a criminal trial, but also in a civil trial where it doesn't take a full unanimous decision of a jury to convict you.

    Most folks who aren't into guns or handloading, like the folks who will be on the jury, don't know one gun or handload from another, i.e. it won't make any freeking difference what handload you put together.


    i have heard that before however i did read an article somewhere, wish i could remember where, that a lawyer went looking for a case where handloaded ammo was used and it was used against the shooter, no such case existed. sounds like a rumor that has some truth to it IF it ever where to happen but so far it hasn't happened.
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  • nmyers
    I prefer factory loads for self-defense because they are consistently higher quality than my reloads. That goes double for rounds fired in an automatic.

    I also prefer minimum loads for women (unless they are highly trained & experienced). They make it easier to get back on target if there are multiple perps. And, a round that stays in the perp will usually deliver more energy to the target than one that punches completely through.

    Neal
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  • beantownshootah
    quote:I have heard alot about using handloads for defensive purposes...for my wife I was going to load less than than a max load...about 975 fps with a 125 gr HP 9MM...would that be bad too

    This is controversial. Some people say that if you are ever involved in a shooting using handloads, the prosecutor (or plaintiffs in a civil action) will try to paint you as a lunatic, and this could work against you.

    As already mentioned, I have yet to see any documentation of this actually happening successfully in the real world.

    If a shooting is obviously clean (ie a felon is trying to kill you, and you shoot them) I don't see how this is going to make ANY difference.

    On the other hand in a borderline or questionable shooting. . .it might (eg if you accidentally shoot the neighbor's kid with your handloads. . .you're hosed).

    I don't see how it would work against your WIFE, if she were shooting ammo YOU loaded. All she says is "my husband gave me this ammo".

    My opinion is why give lawyers "ammunition". . .(so to speak)?

    Factory loaded 'personal protection' ammo isn't cheap, but basically you only need a few loads to carry and practice with, and it ought to work as well as anything you load yourself.

    As to the specific load you mentioned (a 125 grain 9mm at 975fps); that particular load is a bit on the weak side for 9mms. Its roughly ballistically equivalent to a .38 special.

    That's not great, but it ought to be enough, and you've also got (maybe) 15 of them, so that can't hurt either!

    The only caveat with that particular load is that it might not be powerful enough to cycle your gun's action reliably. If you DO want to keep a defensive gun loaded with that round make sure to test it extensively to ensure reliability before you load it for defensive purposes.

    If it doesn't cycle the gun reliably, you'd have to swap out the recoil spring in the gun for a lighter one (then swap it BACK to fire ordinary loads).
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  • rsnyder55
    One thing you may want to consider when using handloads is the forensic evidence.

    This is hypothetical:

    If you shoot a reduced power load, it may alter the forensic evidence and appear that you fired when you were not in any danger.

    For example, a reduced power handload may leave the powder residue of a factory load from a further distance. You may have fired at six feet, but it might appear the distance was greater and therefore the immediate threat did not exist and you could have avoided firing by leaving, etc.

    Since we are speaking hypothetically....
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  • beantownshootah
    quote:Originally posted by rsnyder55
    One thing you may want to consider when using handloads is the forensic evidence.

    This is hypothetical:

    If you shoot a reduced power load, it may alter the forensic evidence and appear that you fired when you were not in any danger.

    No it won't.



    quote:For example, a reduced power handload may leave the powder residue of a factory load from a further distance.
    Again, no it won't.

    quote:
    You may have fired at six feet, but it might appear the distance was greater and therefore the immediate threat did not exist and you could have avoided firing by leaving, etc.
    With all due respect, this line of discussion utterly ridiculous.

    Stop watching CSI.
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  • partisan
    I reload plenty, but always keep the handguns loaded with factory. I really don't know how consistent they are, but +1 for the jury thing. BTW, when I had to qualify yearly with my handguns I only used my reloads, no factory. The factory loads thousands an hour. I took my time by weighing each load. I know this is a little extreme, but what the hell, I enjoy loading anyway!
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  • Anonymouse
    Why even mess with the possibility that it may cause problems? If she ever has to use it, she won't even feel the recoil from a 9mm factory load. And there are plenty of low recoil, low flash factory self defense loads anyway.
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  • glabray
    There are two situations in which handloads have no place: (1) When hunting dangerous game up close, and (2) In a self-defense situation. The issue is reliability. In both situations, you want as near 100% reliability of the ammunition and gun as is possible. All it takes is one primer that was handled with oily fingers or not seated deep enough, one reloaded case that splits or is a tad too long, or one powder charge that is missing and you are in a world of hurt. The factories don't handle the primers. They use virgin brass. They have extensive quality control programs. Do you?
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