Should you Mix Ammo for Concealed Carry?

(Image: Screenshot from video)

I often enjoy Paul Harrell’s approach to things, and in the intro to this video I liked the way he expressed apparent disdain for “mixing ammo” by simply asking a question, “Why would you do that?”

The question he’s addressing was asked by viewers: Do you think it’s a good idea to mix ammo in your concealed carry gun?

My initial reaction is reflected in Paul’s question above. I can see no good reason for it. But what the heck, I’ll keep watching.

As for the reasons why, one is to stagger expanding bullets with non-expanding bullets, so your firearm will be better able to handle a wider variety of scenarios (the non-expanders will usually give better penetration).

And some folks mix ammo from different brands on the off chance they get some unreliable ammo from a bad lot. Okay, I can see both points.

Paul recommends against mixing ammo, and he starts by demonstrating that different ammo will often hit in a different spot relative to your sights. He then expounds at length to explain some of his opinions on ammo-mixing.

I’ll omit the anecdotes and repetition and just sum it up for you: Mixing ammo is something criminals often do, therefore if you are involved in a defensive shooting with mixed ammo, responding officers will likely view you with suspicion of varying degrees, so it’s best not to do so. Perception is reality, and cops perceive ammo-mixing as something criminals do.

That’s why Paul doesn’t mix ammo for defensive use, anyhow. And it’s a valid point.

Do you feed a mixed bag of groceries to your concealed piece? Why or why not?

Russ Chastain

Editor & Contributing Writer Russ Chastain is a lifelong hunter and shooter who has spent his life learning about hunting, shooting, guns, ammunition, gunsmithing, reloading, and bullet casting. He started toting his own gun in the woods at age nine and he's pursued deer with rifles since 1982, so his hunting knowledge has been growing for more than three and a half decades. His desire and ability to share this knowledge with others has also grown, and Russ has been professionally writing and editing original hunting & shooting content since 1998. Russ Chastain has a passion for sharing accurate, honest, interesting hunting & shooting knowledge and stories with people of all skill levels.