The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Alright once and for all, is it ok to reload self defense ammo?

DaveInPA · March 5, 2008, 08:48 PM

I'm wondering if I'm ok loading my own self defense ammo. I know the rule of thumb is to run at least 500 rounds of the ammo you want to carry for SD through your gun before you trust it when it's loaded in the gun strapped to your hip. Well, running 500 rounds of factory JHP .45 ACP ammo through my 1911 would get real expensive, real quick.

I'd much rather load my own JHP rounds, test the hell out of them for way less money, and then carry them. I've heard the argument that if you were to god forbid have to shoot someone in self defense and you used hand loaded ammunition, that you would be in legal trouble somehow. Is there any truth at all to this? How would anyone even know you were using reloads in the first place?

I hope this can be cleared up to some extent!

March 5, 2008, 08:48 PM	#1
DaveInPA Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2008 Location: Berks County, PA Posts: 1,106	Alright once and for all, is it ok to reload self defense ammo? I'm wondering if I'm ok loading my own self defense ammo. I know the rule of thumb is to run at least 500 rounds of the ammo you want to carry for SD through your gun before you trust it when it's loaded in the gun strapped to your hip. Well, running 500 rounds of factory JHP .45 ACP ammo through my 1911 would get real expensive, real quick. I'd much rather load my own JHP rounds, test the hell out of them for way less money, and then carry them. I've heard the argument that if you were to god forbid have to shoot someone in self defense and you used hand loaded ammunition, that you would be in legal trouble somehow. Is there any truth at all to this? How would anyone even know you were using reloads in the first place? I hope this can be cleared up to some extent!