Reloaded ammo in training classes

I see that most places either completely outlaw it or at least advise against its use. I am signed up for a couple courses and have about 5k rounds stored up of reloaded ammo for my 1911 and my AR. I have shot both without incident. How many of you shoot reloaded ammo for training? I cant spend 400 for 1k of 45acp and then 400 for a handgun class. Thats out of my reach.

I would clear it with the instructor first.

Then, if you deem it to be 100% reliable, I'd consider it.

As someone who has shot surplus ammo at carbine courses that has popped primers and taken me out of the class for a bit, it's sometimes worth the extra money just to shoot reliable factory ammo. Ultimately that is up to you...and your instructor.

The other aspect is liability. If an instructor knowingly allows or encourages reloaded ammo in a class AND said ammo causes a kaboom and injuries, then the instructor can incur some liability. As an instructor myself, I don't want that liability. I don't allow reloaded ammo and I don't supply ammo for students in my classes.

It sucks but if you can't afford the cost of the class and the cost of ammo, then you can't afford to take the class.

Gringop

Every training class I have taken was with reloaded ammo, every match I have shot in was with reloaded ammo. Although this was a precision class, I really do not see the difference. I mean, with precision shooting reloading is the way to go for most.

If the class specifies that reloaded ammo not be used I, of course, use factory ammo. If it isn't expressly prohibited, I go ahead and use my reloads. I've fired thousands upon thousands of my own reloads and so far haven't had a problem that was caused by me (I've had a couple bad primers though).

I agree, it's tough to cover all the expenses associated with a class - or a major shooting match for that matter. I use reloads for those too.

One thing I would do for a class is bring along a case of factory ammo (if you have one sitting around) for the same reason you'd bring a backup gun. You don't have to use it in the class, but it's there if you need it.

Zombiehunter...

First of all no one is arguing that you should deserve to learn self defense. However, an instructor has a right to set whatever rules they deem necessary for safety and a smoothly running class. The main reason I see an instructor wouldn't allow reloads is that if they do not function properly (which I saw in a class as recent as two weeks ago) it will slow down the class for everyone in attendance. I saw a glock with a Storm Lake barrle go down a half dozen times shooting reloads and we all had to wait for this person to fix their shit before proceeding to the next iteration.

I shoot reloads for trainig classes. The class has spelled out that it is at your own risk. If I don't have the time or the supplies on hand, I'll buy UMC from Walmart or 556 from Aim. But the rest of the time I'm shooting my bulk ran reloads. Good way to shave some cost from the classes.

Most of the instructors I know (you be the first latter), like to help the students be able to afford to take the training. I'm doing a weekend carbine corse here quickly and this group rents out guns and gear. And also sells ammo at a great price to students that have decided to spend there earned money on the coarses.

Same here. The courses I take down at FTA offer ammo at great prices, and loaner weapons if a student needs one, or their weapon goes down during class and they can't fix it that day. They also swap ammo for a student to continue the class if necessary.

This. IF your reloads are 100% reliable (that's 100, not 99.9), use them. BUT, you have 5k of them? How many of them have you shot? You don't want to be That Guy, and if there are any issues with your reloads, they will crop in in the high round count situations where you're blasting through 2100 rounds in 3 days, and all of the sudden, you are That Guy that brings the entire firing line to a halt while you deal with your issue, and you become another anecdote in the "Reloads are unreliable" stories. I suggest you save your reloads for practice, scrounge up for some factory stuff to CYA for the class.

Liability aside, you are paying for training. IMO it would be best to use reliable ammo for the class so you can concentrate on what you are being taught.

If your 'reloads' have been GTG so far then thats great, if this is the first time you've ever used them in a class then you might be about to learn something about your reloading skills.

FWIW in a recent class I used some BVAC 115gr 9mm 'factory reloads' I was given, I put 600 rnds thru a stock G19 over a mellow 4 days........and had zero malfs.....YMMV

Man the hardest thing for me would be to shoot all that factory ammo and not pick up my brass

Reloads performed perfectly. Not one single FTF or FTE in over 700 rds. I am definitely more confident in them after that.

You hit one key factor.

The quality you put into your reloads is hugely important. I have seen some folks do just fine in classes.

Others have issues and start dragging the classes behind.

By the way, it's easier to spot those bringing reloaded ammo than you think.

Glad to hear it, have you taken other courses where reloads were not allowed?

Most classes I have attended reloads were not allowed. Or pistol reloads would be allowed but not rifle.

Cool, who have yoy trained with?

Who is not allowing reloads? or 1/2 and 1/2 pistol/rifle?

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