It is easy to come up with a good handload that duplicates or is a very close approximation of most factory loads, and an excellent idea for practice. In some cases, I use factory ammo when I cannot obtain the specific bullet type as a separate component or obtain better ballistics and performance than factory ammo because of the powders available to them. But for other cartridges, e.g. 44 Special, I am not at all reluctant to use handloads if that is what works best. From a simple perspective, I don't subscribe to the issue of legal complications unless someone tries to construct an "exotic" load (you know, ridiculous sorts of things like backwards bullets, fill the hollowpoint with mercury, dip it in vampire killling garlic, etc). And I know enough lawyers familiar with firearms laws, acting as both defense and prosecution, some of whom are accomplished handloaders and also carry their own defensive handloads. I have full confidence in the ammo I put together myself, exercising meticulous care to do so considering its importance of function. Plus, I can shoot a lot of it for practice and know it is *exactly* the stuff I carry. But that's just me. For the common answer to the common question, who wouldn't say "carry only factory" as generic advice? And since you are new to handloading and express that you haven't developed as much confidence in your handloads yet as factory, that is certainly the right position to take.
