[BillCA]

If cost is a major factor, then those who duplicate factory performance by handloading can, and should, practice with their handloads. When it comes time to holster the gun and hit the street, loading factory ammo means;

Nearly identical performance as your practice load.
You remove the "handloaded ammo" equation from any litigation.
A supposedly more reliable product.
Flash suppressants when you need them.
Latest expanding bullet technology.

Those who carry their own handloads should keep some detailed notes about the development of those loads. The purpose here is to show how you selected a commercial load, noted its ballistic performance, bullet type, etc. and worked to safely replicate that load. Notes on the accuracy of the load along with any chrono data would show a jury that you were following "industry norms" and not trying to create extra-lethal ammo.