Consolidate vs Diversify Ammo / Caliber?

[Knack]

A good approach is to just buy ammo regularly whether you "need" it or not. Just buy some here. Some there. Eventually, you have a nice bit of "inventory." Then when the SHTF and there's a run on guns and ammo, you're set for a while and can continue going to the range.

Having a rotating inventory of 1000 rounds seems like a good plan. Just replace what I use. My run rate has gone up since my Bongo tutelage. I'm averaging about 200-250 rounds a month now. That will likely ebb and flow with my work schedule. My skills have improved enough where I'm now over the feeling that I was just wasting ammo and money.

 

[Bobster]

Having a rotating inventory of 1000 rounds seems like a good plan.

I couldn't resist...

 

[Knack]

1000 rounds is enough for 30 minutes of nonstop shooting. Since most defensive shootings involve less than 5 rounds and 2 minutes long, I'm good to go for a zombie apocalypse!

 

[Racer88]

1000 rounds is enough for 30 minutes of nonstop shooting. Since most defensive shootings involve less than 5 rounds and 2 minutes long, I'm good to go for a zombie apocalypse!

While, 1,000 rounds sounds like a lot... I look at 1,000 rounds this way: It's enough for 4 range trips. So, it can go quickly. I start feeling "good" when I get up to about 5,000 - 6,000 rounds (for a caliber I shoot / practice with often).

 

[GuitarmanNick]

Until about ten years ago, all of my ammunition inventory could fit in a single .50 cal can, with a little room to spare. I owned one revolver, one rifle, and one shotgun. Times were simple, the house was full of kids, etc...

Over the last ten years the rifle and shotgun were sold to fund my first AR-15 builds, since I was no longer able to hunt.

Getting my C&R helped to build my collection of firearms and required the acquisition of more ammo, if they are to be enjoyed.

A large stack of filled .50 caliber cans, a handful of .30s, and several unopened cases have me well stocked for any SHTF situation, or zombie invasion. I still check ammo prices and almost always buy in bulk when on sale. Always have more than you will ever need!

I treat ammunition and reloading component purchases like investments in precious metals. It will almost always have value and can appreciate rapidly, especially in troubling times. What you can't use can always be used to barter for other goods/services. I have traded brass for ammo and primers over the years.

My only suggestion is that if you are going to stock large quantities of any caliber, you should have more than one firearm that consumes it. One is none, two is one, etc...

 

[Racer88]

My only suggestion is that if you are going to stock large quantities of any caliber, you should have more than one firearm that consumes it. One is none, two is one, etc...

A good friend of mine says, "If you can count them, you don't have enough!"

 

[Ragwing]

So here's that thread, @Alex!

There are those who suggest consolidating ammo / calibers to make things simpler. Make all your guns 9-mm for example. 9-mm pistols and 9-mm carbine rifle. I guess that will work if you have a LOT of that particular ammo in your inventory. But what if you're on the move? You can't carry your entire inventory. What if you run out of ammo on the move? Will you be able to find that caliber "out there?"

Personally, in case of zombie apocalypse, my plan is to "bug in." Nevertheless... over time, do I want to be limited to one caliber and risk it not being available? I think diversification is a better strategy.

View attachment 16860

I will be adding 10-mm to my "stable" of calibers in the future.

I also need to replenish my ammo after the scamdemic drought, during which I actually increased my ammo use due to this blasted building hobby! Rather than conserve ammo during the shortage with fewer range trips, I depleted my inventory quite a bit. DUH! I also shot down my 6.5 Creedmoor supply (for example) while it was simply unavailable or crazy-expensive in the last few years.

In the end, this is likely more about how to stay supplied during an ammo supply drought than it is the zombie apocalypse.

What is your philosophy or strategy?

Chaos. I need a bigger safe for ammo...

 

[brian]

While, 1,000 rounds sounds like a lot... I look at 1,000 rounds this way: It's enough for 4 range trips. So, it can go quickly. I start feeling "good" when I get up to about 5,000 - 6,000 rounds (for a caliber I shoot / practice with often).

Pre-Covid, I was happy to have a case or two of range ammo on hand as it was easier to acquire more. Now I am hoarding it like toilet paper

 

[Bobster]

"If it won't run steel, it doesn't deserve brass!" $10/50rds, made in Brazil, $13 shipping any amount. LINK Stock up, b*tches--the upcoming election means LoSaD may limit supplies! Your welcome...

PS: I just ordered 10 boxes...

PPS: 9mm 115gr ball.

 

[Stephen G]

I started a lower for a 350 Legend but stop that build back in the Obama days because of the lack of ammo. I wanted to replace my 30-30 with one for deer hunting in early hunting season.
What do you think about your 350? Is it worth the build?

Yes it is worth it. Id stick with Wilson Combat or Faxon on barrel. Had a 16" Bear creek that worked ok but need help/work on feed ramps and I never could get it to NOT scar brass- occasionally but still. I reload and plan on doing 350 soon. And was more finicky about gas/different gr rounds.
Have 2 faxon 350 barrels they work. Ive never had issue with a wilson barrel in any of my other cals and buddy has 350 wilson- it works.
2 screws and 3 anchors in shoulder and follow up shots arent a problem. If you 12" and a can- still only pushing 17" and the action is 2x loud as the bang/thump. Good to 200yds my max at 12". 150yds very do able. Put a Sightmark Thermal or N/V on and your a freaking killing MOchine.
Honestly since my 6.5 Grendels and 350 legends- Ive let everything retire.

Also 2x Ive actually had to use the forward asset on my 12" 350. 16 never.