RE: useing self loaded ammo for self defense
 

Hopefully I will never be on the receiving end of one of those [ "wimpy" .243 Win or the "hammer of Thor" .257 Roberts], let aloneboth than one for comparisson. :D:DWe'll just have toleave that to the critters in the woods to tells about it.

RE: useing self loaded ammo for self defense
 

I also shoot 99 percent hand loads but also have a box or two of factory for carry cuns. I used to shoot competition but kind of got burned out on it. To much reloading.

RE: useing self loaded ammo for self defense
 

That's exactly what a fellow I know who has MN & Utah Permit to Carry training says. He also says that "hollow point" ammunition for the same purpose, though effective, prosecuters and juries may say you're using to do undue damage to the perpetrator. This fellow has both extensive military and 30 year civilian law enforcement firearms trainer experience and a veterarn of L.A. Sheriff's dept. He had to face such a situation at least once when he had to use his sidearm against a felon who was threatening him.
The legal system is not your friend should anyone use deadly force even in a justifiable situation. So, you need to do everything possible including choices ammunition to give the other side as little as possible to make a jury believe you were trying to do anything other than at a last resort trying to stop someone who posed a deadly threat to you, you family or other innocents.

RE: useing self loaded ammo for self defense
 

All of my handloads are "reduced power target ammo";)

Why are the bullets hollowpoints?

They were on sale.

RE: useing self loaded ammo for self defense
 

Let me pass along a bit of sage advice I got from a respected CCW instructor:
Should the need for self defense ever arises don't hestitate, be decisive andprotect yourself and your family. Then immediately call the best lawyerin the state and put him on retainer.

RE: useing self loaded ammo for self defense
 

ShatoDavis, that's exactly what I've heard from several MN & Utah certified Permit to Carry instructors, as well as from those who wrote MN Permit to Carry Law. You're most successful if you never have to draw and/or shot someone even for justifible reasons. But if you do, tell the responding law enforcement officiers as little as possible and no more than you legally required to before talking toa lawyer.
Basically, "the guy was attacking me, family, etc... there is the evidence... and I don't give my permission for any searches." They will do what they have to do under the law and you'll likely be taken into custody and booked, at least until you can talk to a lawyer and with the lawyer you give your side of events or maybe not at all.
It is a very sobering thing when you take the training to find out the seriousness and ramifications of defending yourself, family or innocents with deadly force. It's something each person needs to have clear in their mind what they can and will do, should the circumstances cause you to make that decision.