Best load for carry??

[Al Morgan]

What's the best bullet/load to carry for self defense?

What are the advantages/disadvantages of reloading your own ammo?

[Brad VanHorn]

I like Winchester Ranger and Remington Golden Sabre ammunition, but this is just a personal preference. Pick a modern hollow point by a reputable manufacturer. Winchester, Remington, Speer, Federal... all make quality ammo. Also, make sure you function check your gun with the ammo you choose. I have a sub-compact 9mm that works perfectly with 115gr and 124gr loads, but won't cycle properly with 147gr loads - that's something I wouldn't have known had I not done some testing.

When you ask about reloading are you asking for the purpose of self-defense? If so, I recommend against doing this. Would it truly be a problem for you? Maybe, maybe not, but why offer an unscrupulous lawyer an opportunity to attack you? "Well ladies and gentlemen, normal hollow points aren't good enough for Mr. Morgan. He had to load his own 'special' hollow points." Or whatever... Again, use good factory ammo; it's one less thing to be conscious of should you find yourself subject to legal action.

[John Stowe]

My lawyer said to use ammo that said "Defense Ammo" or something to that effect on the box or in the advertisement... :cool:

[Joe Ford]

If I was carrying a snub nosed revolver I would use the Speer ammo specifically designed for short barreled revolvers. Triton also and may still make short barreled ammo. These are basically loaded with faster powders. Other than that all I consider is Winchester White box personal defense ammo. In test after test is has been proven to me that these are excatly the same as silver tips without the nickle cases or silver tip. Same velocity same penetration same expansion and around 1/4 the the cost.

[Al Morgan]

If I elect to use Winchester Ranger Ammo (formerly called Black Talon) will I get in trouble if I have to use it? :confused: I mean it's supposed to be sold to Law Enforcement Only. Just wondering what the liberal courts would say about that. :(

[A. L. Shear]

In my jurisdiction I have yet to see a justifiable homicide be ruled anything but what it was due to ammo or gun.

I think sometimes civilians worry a little too much about what ammo to carry(like what gun also). We all say its the training and practice. Just like unarmed combat. Me, if I have a 38, 9, 40 or 45 it really would make no difference. The round in it would be the one that fed with 100% reliabilty, shot to point of aim, exhibited the lowest amount of muzzle rise for the fastest follow up shops possible for me and be of a good HP.

Speed and accuracy. In 9mm I like Fed. 115gr 9BP and 9BPLE. Always have.
In 40 I like Winch. Ranger 155gr LE or Silvertip(almost identical).
In 45 I like 185gr. HP NO +P.

Just my opinion. In my duty guns I carry these loads. Because they are 100% reliable, 100% accurate for me and I trust them.