How do you load your magazines?

[Adam Helmer]

Yesterday at my local gun club a retired U.S. Marshal, and tactical pistol competitor, was shooting his semi-auto handguns. At the end of the session, he reloaded his 9mm and .45 magazines. For the 9mm he alternated WW Ball 115 grain cartridges with 115 grain WW Silvertips. For the .45, he loaded 230WW Ball and 190 grain hollowpoints alternately.

I asked Tony what was the deal here? He told me he does double and triple "Taps" and wants to be sure to defeat hard targets. He may have a point and I am still getting my mind around his theory for handgun targets and how one loads the magazines. I did load a 9mm magazine his way "just in case."

Anybody have any thoughts on the subject?

Adam

[Jack]

I've heard of the practice before, of loading alternating FMJ's and expanding bullets.
I don't do it, myself.
I wonder if the point of impact of the different loads is enough to be a concern.

[Adam Helmer]

Jack,

An excellent point about different points of impact for the different rounds. Tony showed me how they are within 2-3 inches at 25 yards for all rounds fired.

Adam

[Mr. 16 gauge]

With my luck, I'd shoot a HP when I need a FMJ & vice versa....so I just load all HPs anymore.
Also, I remember hearing about people loading slug, buckshot, slug, buckshot in their defensive shotguns......what's up with that?

[Dale]

Should one be concerned that a FMJ may entirely penetrate the intended subject and do some collateral damage on the other side because it did not expand?
Just a thought.

[buckhunter]

I use only HP's in the 9mm. As for a 45, FMJ's are a pretty good load for anything. I see not point for HP, FMJ, HP. Really doesn't make sense for me. I'm not worried about stopping a tank.

[GoodOlBoy]

when I can afford them I like to alternate fmjs and 230gr golden saber hps in my 45. The golden sabers get to be a bit pricey and since I believe in practicing with what you are going to use for defense I am out of them at the moment, so I am loaded with FMJs.

I have also considered SPs for my 45, but can't get a good source for them. IE I find them once in a blue moon.

GoodOlBoy

[Brother Rockeye]

With my luck, I'd shoot a HP when I need a FMJ & vice versa....so I just load all HPs anymore.
Also, I remember hearing about people loading slug, buckshot, slug, buckshot in their defensive shotguns......what's up with that?

my buddy used to load birdshot-slug in his bear backup...if the birdshot doesn't turn em...they get slugged ;)

[spike1]

I usually do not carry one in the tube on my 1911 unless I feel the need. To make up for this I always load with one round nose FMJ at the top. This insure my ability to get the first round in the tube under less than ideal conditions. The rest are all HP

:eek:

[kt]

friends, i thought i posted this yesterday but apparently not. i think the anser is just shoot a good hp, or better tipped bullet like a powerball that will not clog punching through leather or denim. as for the alternating the stack, i have not found two bullets that shoot very much to the same poi. also a fella on another site reguarding glocks mentioned ( and i dont know his backround) that if you alternated fmj and hp and you shoot somebody a prosecution can use that information to make claim that you premeditated the shooting in some states.
thoughts?
kt

[GoodOlBoy]

dunno about that claim, I do know that a 230grain golden saber 45 and a 230 grain FMJ 45 shoot within a 1/2 inch of the same poi out of my 1911A1.

GoodOlBoy

[Adam Helmer]

kt,

Where does the nonsense end? First, we hear gum magazine gurus (?) telling everyone to "Only Use Factory Loads" or else they will say you are a demented killer in a justifible shooting. Now some mope says to "alternate fmj and jhp bullets" is somehow premeditated a shooting. What hogwash!

First of all, using factory ammo will not make a "Bad" shooting automatically "Good." Second, the main question is: Was the use of deadly force justified? How that force is applied is up to the applier. Many states have "Castle Doctrine" laws now to further shield the force applier.

Adam

[Dale]

Premeditated = Characterized by deliberate purpose, previous consideration, and some degree of planning.

If I ever have to shoot someone you're darned tooten it will be premeditated. If you don't do it with some degree of planning, consideration, and a deliberate purpose, I am not so sure you should be carrying in the first place.

Not that I ever hope the situation arises but I'm just saying...

[Adam Helmer]

Dale,

Excellent analysis.

Premeditated may also apply to future planning rather than committing murder. With no PARTICULAR person in mind, I say loading up the mags and practicing is merely very good preparation in case of need in gravest extreme. Be well.

Adam