Paul, I have read about using reload for self defense and It is strongley rcmd. against doing it. If you ever need to defend yourself and use you reload ammo the lawyer will have a field day with you,something about over kill?? I dont recall its been many years ago but ever sence I purchase factory ammo for personal defense. It just something the courts have made us do.I know none of us want to drop the hammer on another peson It will change your life a great deal and something you must be sure of before it happens.