i wouls say it would depend on the situation. at home with a camera on the tripod where i know i have good muzzle control. no big deal i would use live rounds. in a classroom where i don't know whats on the other side of the wall and a room full of people in front of me. dummy rounds for sure. i know a guy that shoot off his middle finger with his "unloaded" 1911. you cant say enough about muzzle control. live or dummy ammo always keep an eye "not your finger" on your muzzle.