Carry ammo legality question. Non-LEO

[HighVelocity]

I recently decided to change my main CCW from a Glock to a 1911. For the last two days I've been running every kind of defensive ammo I can find through the 1911 to see what's the most reliable and accurate in this particular gun.
As it turns out, the most accurate and consistant is the Winchester Ranger 230gr +P SXT #RA45SXTP. Seriously, this gun loves this ammo and I want to carry it.
My question is, am I OK carrying this ammo? Two things cause me to ask this question. First, it says "Law Enforcement Ammunition" on the box and second, the actual bullets are black, ala Black Talon. I am concerned that if the occasion arose where I actual had to fire my gun in self defense that this ammo would raise a flag.

All informed responses appreciated.

 

[45Badger]

Not an issue legally.

If a civil suit follows, the BG's attorney will try to make hay with it.

You live in Texas, does it matter?

 

[Technosavant]

Like Badger said, in a criminal case, I don't see how this could be an issue. Either the shoot is justified or not. In a civil trial, the opposing lawyer could make an issue of anything- no matter what you use, there is no right choice. I don't think choice of ammo would change an exoneration into a defeat, but it would likely be one brick in the wall they try to build. If you have a competent lawyer, he can knock that one to dust in a hurry.

I wouldn't worry about it. (Edit to add: if you are worried about it, take a self-defense attorney out to lunch and ask his/her opinion on the matter. An informed legal opinion matters more than whatever BS I might shovel.)

 

[akviper]

You have chosen ammunition that was thoroughly researched and developed for use for law enforcement. It is designed to provide optimum penetration and "stopping power". Your answer to anyone criticizing your choice of ammunition is that you are using the same as many large police agencies and that they choose ammunition that provides the least hazard to the public. Alot will ride on the section of the country you live in. Some areas will give you a medal if you shoot a bad guy and other regions will try to throw you in jail. A bad DA or clever civil attorney will try to make you look evil for using the ammunition but their arguements are easily defeated by expert testimony.

 

[cliffy109]

No telling what a court will ever do, but I would suspect the fact that it is no longer called "Black Talon" would help you a lot. The word "Ranger" conjures up images of a man on the correct side of the law. The fact that its labled "Law Enforcement" further enhances this image. Even though this is the same stuff that Winchester pulled from the shelves a few years ago, this ammo is a good bit more PC. In fact, I'm not sure how you have black ammo. I have a couple boxes of the same stuff and it doesn't have the black coating.

 

[Standing Wolf]

In a civil trial, the opposing lawyer could make an issue of anything- no matter what you use, there is no right choice.

So many assault lawyers! So few opportunities to pervert justice!

 

[Technosavant]

Wolf- no kidding.

If you use FMJ, they will say that is what the military uses, and that you are out to kill.
If you use JHP, they will say you were out to cause as much hurt as possible.
If you use cheap ammo, they will say you don't care about how long a person suffers before death.
If you use expensive, premium, stuff, they will say you wanted to kill so badly, you spared no expense.
If you load your own, they will say you made your own "death bullets."

Some lawyers are good and useful. Some are the scum of the earth.

 

[Mark13]

So how do you get the ranger ammo if you are not with law enforcement?

 

[TechBrute]

HV, AGID has a list (laminated and in his wallet) of the things that a grand jury looks at to decide wether it even goes to trial. You should get that list from him.