One of the major concerns with shooting is over-penetration. Range ammo is designed to give you a nice pretty hole in the target. If the shot hits a bone, it may be enough to prevent over-penetration. Defensive ammo is designed to spend the majority of it's energy upon sriking the target and expanding. It, too, may over-penetrate, but perhaps not as far or with as much energy. You are responsible for your projectiles, and want to take all steps to reduce bullet travel after striking the target. It may, or may not, be against the law to carry target ammo, but you must weigh the pro's and con's. Have a meaningful conversation with your firearms instructor, and go with what he/she recommends. It also wouldn't hurt to talk to a lawyer as well.