How often do YOU train with self defense rounds?

BillyBeards · December 3, 2011, 05:38 PM

I am very new to shooting but I do enjoy going to the range and shooting very much. I don't think twice about putting 100+ rounds through my Glock 26 but today was the first time I shot Hollow Points.
I can notice the difference for sure between the FMJ and the HP and I was curious how often some of you shoot your self defense rounds?
Please keep in mind that I am very new to shooting and because of were I live I do not carry. This is only for home defense and range practice.

Thanks

Deja vu · December 3, 2011, 05:45 PM

My home defense rounds are typical factory rounds. I shoot 357 magnum and I feel that any factory 125 grain JHP or SJHP is just fine.

I mostly shoot reloads but I typically load them to a similar level as factory ammo unless I am loading for hunting.

I shoot at least 1 box (50 rounds) every week end (unless I am out of town)

orionengnr · December 3, 2011, 05:48 PM

I mostly shoot my own hand loads but I typically load them to a similar level to factory ammo.

Willie Lowman · December 3, 2011, 05:50 PM

Very rarely.

Once a year maybe.

Not as often as I should.

I shoot a lot of FMJ range ammo to make up for it.

Shadi Khalil · December 3, 2011, 05:53 PM

I shoot about 3 times a month and probably go through 50 to 75 self defense rounds. Most of them are shot through my S&W 637 and a mag or two through a Sig. I usually use Winchester PDX .38 +P, Federal hydra shoks or Gold dots.

Sleuth · December 3, 2011, 06:02 PM

I carry semi-autos, so reloads produce about the same recoil effects as self-defense rounds. Since I have ranges on my property, I shoot on average 2-3 times a week. I rarely shoot Factory self-defense ammo.
At about 10,000 rounds per year, they are just too expensive for no change in recoil/blast. Once I am sure they will work in my carry guns, I save the factory stuff.

Reloading = shoot more for less.

MTT TL · December 3, 2011, 06:10 PM

With pistol about once a quarter I will shoot up the magazines and reload them as part of a range trip. The shotgun is fairly similar but I shoot less due to cost of the slugs being a bit higher than pistol rounds.

The rifle I shoot fairly often.

Stevie-Ray · December 3, 2011, 08:42 PM

My carry ammo is all I put through my carry weapon on range trips, usually 50 rounds or so.

Sparks1957 · December 4, 2011, 07:28 AM

Since my SD guns are kept loaded at home, I'll run a magazine of my SD ammo through them when I get to the range, then switch to cheaper FMJ stuff, then load them back up with SD ammo before going home.

It not only gives me some practice with the ammo, it serves as a magazine function check too.

BillyBeards · December 4, 2011, 09:22 AM

I forget that a lot of you guys reload so your cost is not as high. I went to Walmart for the first time to look for ammo and I was pleasantly surprised at the prices compared to the LGS I just came from. I'm still trying different types but I left myself one full magazines in the house of Hydra-Skok for now.
Either way it's funny trying out different rounds.
My wife says it's only a matter of time until I want to get into reloading. I've always worked on my own cars when I raced, I work on my guitars and amps, why should this be any different.

FireForged · December 4, 2011, 10:49 AM

Heck, I carry Federal AE 9mm FMJ all the time.

old bear · December 4, 2011, 11:22 AM

All of my range shooting, which is not as much as it could be, is done with my carry ammo.

catnphx · December 4, 2011, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Sparks1957 said: Since my SD guns are kept loaded at home, I'll run a magazine of my SD ammo through them when I get to the range, then switch to cheaper FMJ stuff, then load them back up with SD ammo before going home.

It not only gives me some practice with the ammo, it serves as a magazine function check too.

Me too.

Sparks1957 · December 4, 2011, 03:43 PM

Hehe, great minds think alike. Seriously though, I do recommend that people practice with their chosen SD ammo to know that it works well in your weapon, and to know its performance which will vary from your cheaper FMJ

NYPD13 · December 4, 2011, 04:42 PM

Carry load cycled twice a year with monthly practice using less expensive handloads. Since the fundamentals don't change regardless of ammunition choice I see no need to blow off $50 boxes of Gold Dots for practice.

m&p45acp10+1 · December 4, 2011, 05:00 PM

I reload so I load up some rounds that are similar to the expensive factory defense ammo. I shoot usualy at least once a week if not more, unless it is cold wet and crappy outside like it is right now.

Though I am cleaning up my reloading area so it is not that bad of a deal.

gearhounds · December 4, 2011, 05:20 PM

The difference in recoil between the two (unless the FMJ rounds are green/frangible, or target rounds) will be neglible. I have no issue practicing with FMJ, and carrying HP ammo other times.

Patriot86 · December 4, 2011, 06:42 PM

Every other time I go to the range I will usually fully load a magazine with HD rounds, or half load two magazines with different brands. In .40 S&W I like Gold Dots, in 9MM I like HST and Crit Def. IMO it is VERY important you test your gun and often with whatever rounds you are trusting your life with. The gun is just the hammer, it is useless without the nail. I also can't tell you how many forums I have read here on TFL about gun X not liking JHP Y.

Glenn Dee · December 4, 2011, 07:32 PM

On every range trip... After shooting what ever handgun or rifle I'm enjoying I'll always put a load, and a reload of self defense ammo through what ever self defense gun I'm carrying

C0untZer0 · December 4, 2011, 08:04 PM

About once every other month I'll put 9 rounds (loaded mag +1) through my primary.

Right now those have been Winchester PDX, but I'm going to start using Ranger T 147gr. Both of these rounds are really expensive, and I haven't noticed much of a difference in recoil between them and the 115 fodder I practice with.

So I don't shoot the more expensive SD ammo too much.

Mobuck · December 4, 2011, 08:18 PM

I carry GoldDot HP ammo and have several thousand rounds of handloads using this bullet(bought as pulls from incorrectly loaded ammo) to the same specs as the factory loads I carry. Absolutely no difference between the two loads. Best of both worlds=lower cost w/o reduced performance or function.

(*_*) · December 4, 2011, 09:05 PM

While I test any carry gun with 300 rounds of defense ammo thats about it.

jason_iowa · December 4, 2011, 09:24 PM

10% of the time maybe. I can't really tell the difference in recoil between them. I use full size handguns except for a J frame in .357 which I always run hot loads through.

orionengnr · December 4, 2011, 10:51 PM

Just to be clear, I put 200-300 rounds of carry ammo through my carry gun before I trust that load.

Thereafter, I shoot a lot of similarly-powered handloads, and only burn the ammo in the mag once or twice per year to replace it with fresh.

Don P · December 5, 2011, 07:54 AM

Quote:

I am very new to shooting but I do enjoy going to the range and shooting very much. I don't think twice about putting 100+ rounds through my Glock 26 but today was the first time I shot Hollow Points.
I can notice the difference for sure between the FMJ and the HP and I was curious how often some of you shoot your self defense rounds?

I am skeptical of the quote and the reason why is, if both the practice ammo and SD ammo is of the same weight bullet how are you able to tell the difference between the 2. I can't tell the difference between my 115 grain fmj and my 115 grain hp. Strange

December 3, 2011, 05:38 PM	#1
BillyBeards Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2011 Location: Rockland County NY Posts: 128	How often do YOU train with self defense rounds? I am very new to shooting but I do enjoy going to the range and shooting very much. I don't think twice about putting 100+ rounds through my Glock 26 but today was the first time I shot Hollow Points. I can notice the difference for sure between the FMJ and the HP and I was curious how often some of you shoot your self defense rounds? Please keep in mind that I am very new to shooting and because of were I live I do not carry. This is only for home defense and range practice. Thanks

December 3, 2011, 05:45 PM	#2
Deja vu Senior Member Join Date: March 14, 2010 Location: Border of Idaho & Montana Posts: 2,584	My home defense rounds are typical factory rounds. I shoot 357 magnum and I feel that any factory 125 grain JHP or SJHP is just fine. I mostly shoot reloads but I typically load them to a similar level as factory ammo unless I am loading for hunting. I shoot at least 1 box (50 rounds) every week end (unless I am out of town) __________________ Shot placement is everything! I would rather take a round of 50BMG to the foot than a 22short to the base of the skull. all 26 of my guns are 45/70 govt, 357 mag, 22 or 12 ga... I believe in keeping it simple. Wish my wife did as well... Last edited by Deja vu; December 3, 2011 at 06:28 PM.

December 3, 2011, 05:50 PM	#4
Willie Lowman Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2009 Location: Uh-Hi-O Posts: 3,006	Very rarely. Once a year maybe. Not as often as I should. I shoot a lot of FMJ range ammo to make up for it. __________________ "9mm has a very long history of being a pointy little bullet moving quickly" --Sevens

December 3, 2011, 06:02 PM	#6
Sleuth Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 445	I carry semi-autos, so reloads produce about the same recoil effects as self-defense rounds. Since I have ranges on my property, I shoot on average 2-3 times a week. I rarely shoot Factory self-defense ammo. At about 10,000 rounds per year, they are just too expensive for no change in recoil/blast. Once I am sure they will work in my carry guns, I save the factory stuff. Reloading = shoot more for less. __________________ Sleuth

December 3, 2011, 06:10 PM	#7
MTT TL Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2009 Location: Quadling Country Posts: 2,780	With pistol about once a quarter I will shoot up the magazines and reload them as part of a range trip. The shotgun is fairly similar but I shoot less due to cost of the slugs being a bit higher than pistol rounds. The rifle I shoot fairly often. __________________ Thus a man should endeavor to reach this high place of courage with all his heart, and, so trying, never be backward in war.

December 3, 2011, 05:48 PM	#3
orionengnr Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Posts: 5,173	I mostly shoot my own hand loads but I typically load them to a similar level to factory ammo.

December 3, 2011, 05:53 PM	#5
Shadi Khalil Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2006 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 5,210	I shoot about 3 times a month and probably go through 50 to 75 self defense rounds. Most of them are shot through my S&W 637 and a mag or two through a Sig. I usually use Winchester PDX .38 +P, Federal hydra shoks or Gold dots.

December 3, 2011, 08:42 PM	#8
Stevie-Ray Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: The shores of Lake Huron Posts: 4,783	My carry ammo is all I put through my carry weapon on range trips, usually 50 rounds or so. __________________ Stevie-Ray Join the NRA/ILA I am the weapon; my gun is a tool. It's regrettable that with some people those descriptors are reversed.

December 4, 2011, 07:28 AM	#9
Sparks1957 Senior Member Join Date: September 4, 2011 Location: Vermont Posts: 1,552	Since my SD guns are kept loaded at home, I'll run a magazine of my SD ammo through them when I get to the range, then switch to cheaper FMJ stuff, then load them back up with SD ammo before going home. It not only gives me some practice with the ammo, it serves as a magazine function check too.

December 4, 2011, 09:22 AM	#10
BillyBeards Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2011 Location: Rockland County NY Posts: 128	I forget that a lot of you guys reload so your cost is not as high. I went to Walmart for the first time to look for ammo and I was pleasantly surprised at the prices compared to the LGS I just came from. I'm still trying different types but I left myself one full magazines in the house of Hydra-Skok for now. Either way it's funny trying out different rounds. My wife says it's only a matter of time until I want to get into reloading. I've always worked on my own cars when I raced, I work on my guitars and amps, why should this be any different.

December 4, 2011, 10:49 AM	#11
FireForged Senior Member Join Date: November 4, 1999 Location: Rebel South USA Posts: 2,074	Heck, I carry Federal AE 9mm FMJ all the time. __________________ Life is a web woven by necessity and chance...

December 4, 2011, 11:22 AM	#12
old bear Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2009 Location: Not close enough to the beach Posts: 1,477	All of my range shooting, which is not as much as it could be, is done with my carry ammo.

December 4, 2011, 03:43 PM	#14
Sparks1957 Senior Member Join Date: September 4, 2011 Location: Vermont Posts: 1,552	Hehe, great minds think alike. Seriously though, I do recommend that people practice with their chosen SD ammo to know that it works well in your weapon, and to know its performance which will vary from your cheaper FMJ

December 4, 2011, 04:42 PM	#15
NYPD13 Senior Member Join Date: September 10, 2008 Posts: 370	Carry load cycled twice a year with monthly practice using less expensive handloads. Since the fundamentals don't change regardless of ammunition choice I see no need to blow off $50 boxes of Gold Dots for practice. __________________ "THE CONSTITUTION ONLY GIVES PEOPLE THE RIGHT TO PURSUE HAPPINESS, YOU HAVE TO CATCH IT YOURSELF." ~BENJAMIN FRANKLIN.

December 4, 2011, 05:00 PM	#16
m&p45acp10+1 Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 3,930	I reload so I load up some rounds that are similar to the expensive factory defense ammo. I shoot usualy at least once a week if not more, unless it is cold wet and crappy outside like it is right now. Though I am cleaning up my reloading area so it is not that bad of a deal. __________________ No matter how many times you do it and nothing happens it only takes something going wrong one time to kill you.

December 4, 2011, 05:20 PM	#17
gearhounds Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2011 Location: M'burg WV Posts: 332	The difference in recoil between the two (unless the FMJ rounds are green/frangible, or target rounds) will be neglible. I have no issue practicing with FMJ, and carrying HP ammo other times. __________________ Busting thugs since 1992

December 4, 2011, 06:42 PM	#18
Patriot86 Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2010 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 1,293	Every other time I go to the range I will usually fully load a magazine with HD rounds, or half load two magazines with different brands. In .40 S&W I like Gold Dots, in 9MM I like HST and Crit Def. IMO it is VERY important you test your gun and often with whatever rounds you are trusting your life with. The gun is just the hammer, it is useless without the nail. I also can't tell you how many forums I have read here on TFL about gun X not liking JHP Y.

December 4, 2011, 07:32 PM	#19
Glenn Dee Senior Member Join Date: September 9, 2009 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,560	On every range trip... After shooting what ever handgun or rifle I'm enjoying I'll always put a load, and a reload of self defense ammo through what ever self defense gun I'm carrying

December 4, 2011, 08:04 PM	#20
C0untZer0 Junior member Join Date: April 21, 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,555	About once every other month I'll put 9 rounds (loaded mag +1) through my primary. Right now those have been Winchester PDX, but I'm going to start using Ranger T 147gr. Both of these rounds are really expensive, and I haven't noticed much of a difference in recoil between them and the 115 fodder I practice with. So I don't shoot the more expensive SD ammo too much.

December 4, 2011, 08:18 PM	#21
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	I carry GoldDot HP ammo and have several thousand rounds of handloads using this bullet(bought as pulls from incorrectly loaded ammo) to the same specs as the factory loads I carry. Absolutely no difference between the two loads. Best of both worlds=lower cost w/o reduced performance or function.

December 4, 2011, 09:05 PM	#22
(_) Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2011 Location: AL Posts: 160	While I test any carry gun with 300 rounds of defense ammo thats about it.

December 4, 2011, 09:24 PM	#23
jason_iowa Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2011 Posts: 686	10% of the time maybe. I can't really tell the difference in recoil between them. I use full size handguns except for a J frame in .357 which I always run hot loads through.

December 4, 2011, 10:51 PM	#24
orionengnr Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Posts: 5,173	Just to be clear, I put 200-300 rounds of carry ammo through my carry gun before I trust that load. Thereafter, I shoot a lot of similarly-powered handloads, and only burn the ammo in the mag once or twice per year to replace it with fresh.