How much ammunition should you get?

[infowarrior]

I have an assortment of weapons with some ammo for all the guns, but am wondering how much ammo to get. Should i have 1k rounds of ammo for all types of guns, or more than that? I also want to get a bigger safe so i can store my ammo and guns and put my smaller safe in the larger one for extra protection of my valuables. I have a bit of cash to spend on ammo and a safe and would appreciate any input on how much ammo to get. Thanks!

[Jason]

I have an assortment of weapons including pistols, shotguns, assault rifles and a rifle. I have some ammo for all the guns, but am wondering how much ammo to get. Should i have 1k rounds of ammo for all types of guns, or more than that? I also want to get a bigger safe so i can store my ammo and guns and put my smaller safe in the larger one for extra protection of my precious metals/sensitive information/cash. I have about 2k to spend on ammo and a safe and would appreciate any input on how much ammo to get. Thanks!

Careful with advertising. Sounds like it all could easily go to a safe....especially if you want fire protection for longer than 30 minutes.

[durangout]

At a minum, you want 1K rounds for your 12 ga, 22, battle rifle and defensive pistol. The more you have the better. didn't you know Lead is the new Gold?

[Poltax]

If it were me, I would store ammo in a different place then I store the weapons, and valuables. Ammo cans work the best (grab & go). Or what some guys use are construction job boxes. They work great. Make sure your safe is bolted to the floor and wall so it does not walk off. Even loaded safes can be moved if not bolted down. But what do I know all my stuff was lost in a tragic boating accident.

How much ammo do you need? Well, what are you going to use it for? Protection or practice? Are you storing for years supply? Or for long term SHTF situation.

Here is starting point. This would be for each weapon and caliber. I would also consider consolidating your calibers, to simplify & cut your cost.

Pistol.......500-1000rd protection 1000+ for practice
Shotgun....500-1000rd protection 500-1000 practice
hunting rifle...200-500 hunting/protection same for practice
main battle rifle...1000+ protection 2000+ for practice
.22lr......5,000+ (also great barter tool) (great practice rd for AR15 or various pistol kits)

This list will vary depending on your needs and goals. Many have way more then this, and many do not feel the need to have this much. There is no set rule as to how much to have on hand. Go with your gut. Just remember to replenish what you use.

Regardless of what you decide to do its your business, and not some one's on the internet, nor your busy body neighbors, Nosy Nelly of the Relief Society, your best friend at Church, and certainly not your Bishop's, unless he is your shooting buddy. Get the idea...opspec

I would also add that all the ammo and weapons in the world will do you no good unless you have trained to use them. You will only be 50% as good as your worst day on the range in a high stress situation. Train, train, train.

[infowarrior]

Thank you for all your input! I knew my numbers were comparable to other opinions, but the rest of the family doesn't see it that way.

I've used ammotogo in the past, does anyone know of a better place? Ive looked at local stores and its super expensive compared to some online deals.

And one more thing, should i buy low end mid or high end ammo? advantages/disadvantages of the tiers. Thank you!

[M249Gunner]

Thank you for all your input! I knew my numbers were comparable to other opinions, but the rest of the family doesn't see it that way.

I've used ammotogo in the past, does anyone know of a better place? Ive looked at local stores and its super expensive compared to some online deals.

And one more thing, should i buy low end mid or high end ammo? advantages/disadvantages of the tiers. Thank you!

Low end ammo is great for plinking and practice. Beware-some can be corrosive (military surplus) and requires a good cleaning. If you do a good cleaning, it is good ammo. Also, the low end allows you to purchase more, which can be a good thing if you plan on practicing a lot. High end ammo could mean you would have less of it and therefore do less practice. I guess it all depends on what caliber you shoot and how much you intend to practice. I shoot a lot and therefore like the surplus-corrosive stuff for some of my rifles. It is cheap.

[M249Gunner]

Before you purchase low end ammo, go to Cabellas online store and see if they stock it. If so, read the reviews that other people give about it to see if it is worth purchasing.

[Jason]

If it doesn't reliably feed, go bang, and extract.....that would be a problem!!! You could be sittin' on a million rounds....but dead after the first one!

[lundbaek]

In our situation and circumstances that I can imagine, if I need more than 200 rounds each for my pistols, rifle, and shotgun, I'm in over my head.

It has occurred to me to lay on several more low priced guns with 100 rounds each for barter or distribution to neighbors in case of certain imaginable senarios.

Obviously I do not anticipate the same possible senarios that some of you folks anticipate.

[Jason]

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[nvr]

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