Gold Dot LE vs. Regular

[bnightrider]

The pup's first date will be coming soon.  I just purchased a lot of Speer Law Enforcement Gold Dot 124gr rounds.  My question is if these work as well as the "normal" (non-LE) rounds.  Also, and this may be a dumb question, are there any legal considerations when it comes to using LE rounds for self-defense?  Thanks.

[kjtrains]

I don't think so, as long as they are sold legally.  Just my opinion.

[bnightrider]

Anyone on the first questions - LE rounds different/safe for R9 fire.  From what I have read on other forums, they are same rounds except LE's come in boxes of 50 and not 20.  I think the non-LE rounds also have the nicer nickel look instead of brass.  Let me know if you know.  Otherwise, looks like I will have half a case of 9mm.  Good thing I have an unpicky Kahr.

[sdlsaginaw]

Personally I wouldn't carry the LE stuff for self defense unless I was actually a LEO.

If you're in court defending your actions, the lawyer will use ANYTHING to make you look like a "gun nut just itching to blow someone away".

It doesn't matter if the rounds are spit out of the same production line at the factory, the fact is it will be spun that "his weapon was loaded with ammo typically reserved for the police."

IANAL (and I haven't stayed at a Holiday Inn Express in awhile either), but it is just part of what I learned in CCW class - your best carry weapon is bone stock from the factory.  ANY deviations no matter how minor will be used to paint you a vigilante or a gun fanatic.

Gotta love what our legal system has become.

[bnightrider]

That is what I am thinking too.  But I did purchase these specifically for the range.  Anyone see any issues using them for range time, while still shooting the "normal" GD's to make sure they are all good?  They are not +p's or anything, but want to be sure won't hurt the pup.  Thanks.

[sdlsaginaw]

As long as they are standard pressure, should not be a problem.

[Reinz]

I think your attorney could show that you using LEO ammo was a good thing.    You just wanted to use the "standard",i.e. what was considered the "safest" ammo available; for stopping quickly, and not over penetrating.

If it is considered the best for law enforcement to carry in their guns for stopping crimminals, why would it not be the best for an "approved" armed citizen to carry in their guns for stopping crimminals.


I wonder if our local attorney, Richard will weigh in on this?


Reinz

[sslater]

I'd also like to hear what Richard S. has to say about this.  
Lots of the gun writers say that carrying the same round that the local police carry is a good policy.  Anyway, that's what I've been doing.

Massad Ayoob, the well-known trainer and professional policeman,  recommends against handloads for defensive carry because the opposing lawyers love to grasp at any straw when it comes to taking your money and / or liberty.
But Sheriff Jim Wilson, another professional policeman (retired), said he has never found a single case where a gun owner went to jail for using handloads in his carry piece.  In fact, he asked for Shooting Times readers to write him if they knew of any such cases.  I never saw any such replies in the magazine.

[Reinz]

Yeah, I've always been skeer'd of carrying handloads myself due to the gunpress.

Po-lice loads just make sense... trial-wise.


Reinz

[bnightrider]

I think I'll play it on the safe side and use the non-LE version - the same round just in nickel and more expensive.  Will use the LE version for practice with the pup and others.  Thanks all for chiming in.