One question I get often is, “How much ammo should I store?” This question is complex, and I equate it with someone asking me what they should name their next child. In each case, my answer begins with, “It depends.” There are two reasons for loading up or stockpiling ammunition. One is for general personal use, such as training and range time. The second reason is the possibility of societal collapse or a devastating disaster that could throw the country into chaos. Each has different ammo requirements and, ultimately, limitations. Let’s break them down in more detail and find out How Much Ammo Is Enough?
SHTF Plan or Self Defense: How Much Ammunition Is Actually Enough?
First, let’s look at storing ammunition for general personal use. This is a widespread practice among serious shooters. The media grossly and intentionally twists this habit. In their non-firearms minds, a thousand rounds of ammunition sounds incredible and brings to mind images of 10-foot piles of linked ammo. In actuality, 1000 rounds of handgun ammunition can be stored in a desk. So, while we laugh at the absurdity of their portrayal, it is designed to fan fear among the masses.
The question people have is, “Why?” This is a good question for everyone. First and foremost, it is generally less expensive per round when we buy in bulk. Purchasing a case of ammunition usually comes with a discount that we can always appreciate. Second, we occasionally find a specific lot of ammo that runs extremely well in one or more guns. If so, I encourage you to grab as much of that particular lot as your checking account can tolerate. As serious shooters, we can easily burn through a case of handgun ammunition in a two to three-day training cycle. The same applies to our carbines and even shotguns if you shoot trap or skeet.
How Much Do You Use?
That said, I can share my opinion on how much is enough. Look at just how much you shoot and project that out to a year. Only 200 rounds a month in a handgun? That’s 2400 rounds a year or just over two cases of ammo. I would round it up a few hundred rounds because we all have friends who want to shoot yet somehow never have ammunition. Go shopping, and you will find a good deal on cases with lots of ammo. So, your new total may be 3000 rounds or three cases. Once again, this does not take up as much space as people think.
If I had to pick a number to suggest, I would say having at least 2000 rounds of any caliber you shoot regularly is a solid idea. Some people will laugh at that number because they have substantially more. I can appreciate that especially if you can afford it. Sometimes, you can get even deeper discounts if you buy 5000 rounds or more. That is getting into heavyweight prices at that point and may be outside most people’s reach.
How Much Ammunition Is Actually Enough?
Next up – the end of the world. Preppers have been pushing people to store ammunition since it was essentially powder and musket balls. Over the years, I have seen some pretty hefty numbers regarding suggested storage amounts. However, before building our bunker, we need to answer a question. Are you going to be able to stay in place, or will you be on the move? I could go on for hours about the pros and cons of staying or going, but it generally can be broken down into two categories. If you live in a rural area, staying put and essentially building a defendable position is much easier. If you live in an apartment in Manhattan, you will need to be mobile for the most part.
In either case, we need as much ammunition as we can manage. The idea is that getting more will be very difficult. The days of recreational target shooting will be gone. In a rural scenario, I would suggest upwards of 10,000 rounds per caliber. Yes, that is a lot of ammunition, but understand that in this scenario, it is also currency.
Safe Storage
It is at this point that I have to give a safety brief. You must ensure it is done safely regardless of how much ammunition you store. Fireproof storage areas are a must for serious storage. If you store large amounts of ammo, it must be moved into hard side boxes or even metal ammo cans. Traditional cardboard boxes are not up to the task and will cause issues as they break down or get visits from mice. Storage areas must be dry and cool to get the most life out of your ammo.
If you are in an urban setting, you will face a serious challenge. While you may want 10,000 rounds of .223, you must realize it will weigh close to 300 pounds. Moving quickly with that kind of weight slowing you down will be very difficult. In this situation, I encourage people to put together rigs that will allow them to carry ammo most effectively. Unless you are a seasoned backcountry hiker or prior military, you must be realistic about how much you carry. If you include a rifle weighing approximately eight pounds kitted out and throw in 10 mags, you are already looking at almost 20 pounds. Throw in a handgun, loaded mags for that, and everything else, including food, and it gets hefty in a hurry.
What Can You Carry?
That said, I still encourage you to have 200 to 300 rounds of ammo per weapon. It will be work, but I believe that it is better to have it than to wish you had done it later. Of course, there are many moving parts to this plan. Having a handy .22LR rifle or handgun drastically makes life easier, and I absolutely encourage you to have both. You can carry a bunch of ammo in a smaller area, and it is less expensive.
As I mentioned earlier, some people will laugh at what they believe are my “small” number suggestions, while others may reel in shock. My suggestions, though, are middle of the road and will serve you well. Once again, though, be safe and responsible in your storage choices. So, it’s time to start shopping and get that ammo set aside for a rainy day.
For more information, visit: https://www.hornady.com/ammunition/
