[Catfish]

Unless you plan on reloading or loading your own rounds, using only carry ammo when you practice is going to start hurting your bank account badly, very quickly.

My wife and I average 300 rounds per practice session. I buy quality 180gr. FMJ practice ammo from Bass Pro Shops at approx. $18 per box of 50. Total with shipping, around $125.

If I was to maintain the same level of practice with my carry ammo (Speer Gold Dot 165gr. JHP), at $25 per box of 20, the average cost of ammunition alone per practice session would be: $375 before shipping.

I've always maintained that a good amount of practice per week is 100 rounds down range. 150 per person per session makes the trip worthwhile and not to mention: Shooting stuff is fun! $400 a week in ammo costs alone would make that impossible.

However, granting the above points... My wife and I BOTH put 1 (16 rounds) magazine of carry ammo down range per trip in order to keep the additional recoil and other factors in mind.

Oh, I also HIGHLY recommend Snap Caps. An EXCELLENT tool for practicing malfunction drills when at home or at the range.

Another reason I love the Springfield XDM. The tactile loaded chamber and cocked firing pin indicators. As long as you can feel the indicators, light or night, you know if your weapon is ready for action.

I hope all this made sense.