How Much Ammunition is needed?

[Autodidactic]

I just did a search for this subject. Didn't find any discussion of the subject in the manner I am thinking.

How much ammunition does one really need? Or perhaps one should determine how many primers and how much powder does one really need?

Now, before anyone responds with "Ten thousand rounds", consider these thoughts:

1. How many arms does one shoot? How much does one shoot?
2. What sort of ammunition is to be 'stockpiled'?
3. (Possibly the least considered) Where does one have to store it all?

I have a 'pile' of firearms. Pardon me for being vague, but I am a little bashful about such things. Most of my arms are collector type devices. I add I collect WWI battle rifles and .32 ACP/7.65mm Browning pistols designed prior to WWII. Most of those are not shot much. They are all safe to shoot and can be shot (okay, there is a 1886 Lebel about which I'm a a bit leery). But other than for initial testing and sighting in, they don't get shot at all.
I do collect period correct ammunition for display. Cartridges of the era, unfired and such. I don't shoot it. One example of this is about 10 or 15 rounds of .32 ACP ammunition made by Eley and possessing cupro-nickel jackets. Not the sort of thing one shoots casually. Not the sort of ammunition I would shoot at all.
But I have a number of rounds from PPU (last couple of years) I use for comparing velocities and accuracy of various pistols. Seems to be the same "standard" load used forever. I buy it (or I did in the old days) in 1000 round lumps all from the same lot number.
Same idea for the rifles. Some ammo for test firing and comparison, some collector stuff for display.

I have several home and personal defense firearms; both rifle (actually carbine) and handguns. I have two types of ammunition for these. "Duty" ammo that I actually load and carry for the purpose of defense and practice ammo of lesser cost. Some ammo is my own handloads.
The practice ammo shoots the same weight bullet at about the same velocity (within limits of variation) and impacts in the same location at the same distance.
I don't use the duty ammunition much. Most of it needed to be replaced is due to exposure and or loading and reloading the arm over time. From a rather delightful event, I have enough proper defense ammunition for my primary arm to last the rest of my life. (400 rounds or so.)
I do shoot more of the practice stuff for practice and informal competition. However, since the requirement is quite close to 'standard' loadings I have little problem reloading it. For instance, my defense .45 ACP loads shoot the same as G. I. hardball. Not hard to duplicate.

I have a couple hunting rifles. A couple of them are of the large, dangerous game type and they are not plinkers. Forty rounds (each caliber) will no doubt be more than enough.
Same for North American game, mostly deer, the possibility of an elk or moose. After the initial function check and sight in, one desires a certain amount of ammunition for practice and sight verification. So I opine I need around twenty rounds for the initial shooting and perhaps twenty rounds a year for practice and verification.

The reader's needs and thinking may be considerably different than mine. What is your thinking?

I just did a search for this subject. Didn't find any discussion of the subject in the manner I am thinking.

How much ammunition does one really need? Or perhaps one should determine how many primers and how much powder does one really need?

Now, before anyone responds with "Ten thousand rounds", consider these thoughts:

1. How many arms does one shoot? How much does one shoot?
2. What sort of ammunition is to be 'stockpiled'?
3. (Possibly the least considered) Where does one have to store it all?

I have a 'pile' of firearms. Pardon me for being vague, but I am a little bashful about such things. Most of my arms are collector type devices. I add I collect WWI battle rifles and .32 ACP/7.65mm Browning pistols designed prior to WWII. Most of those are not shot much. They are all safe to shoot and can be shot (okay, there is a 1886 Lebel about which I'm a a bit leery). But other than for initial testing and sighting in, they don't get shot at all.
I do collect period correct ammunition for display. Cartridges of the era, unfired and such. I don't shoot it. One example of this is about 10 or 15 rounds of .32 ACP ammunition made by Eley and possessing cupro-nickel jackets. Not the sort of thing one shoots casually. Not the sort of ammunition I would shoot at all.
But I have a number of rounds from PPU (last couple of years) I use for comparing velocities and accuracy of various pistols. Seems to be the same "standard" load used forever. I buy it (or I did in the old days) in 1000 round lumps all from the same lot number.
Same idea for the rifles. Some ammo for test firing and comparison, some collector stuff for display.

I have several home and personal defense firearms; both rifle (actually carbine) and handguns. I have two types of ammunition for these. "Duty" ammo that I actually load and carry for the purpose of defense and practice ammo of lesser cost. Some ammo is my own handloads.
The practice ammo shoots the same weight bullet at about the same velocity (within limits of variation) and impacts in the same location at the same distance.
I don't use the duty ammunition much. Most of it needed to be replaced is due to exposure and or loading and reloading the arm over time. From a rather delightful event, I have enough proper defense ammunition for my primary arm to last the rest of my life. (400 rounds or so.)
I do shoot more of the practice stuff for practice and informal competition. However, since the requirement is quite close to 'standard' loadings I have little problem reloading it. For instance, my defense .45 ACP loads shoot the same as G. I. hardball. Not hard to duplicate.

I have a couple hunting rifles. A couple of them are of the large, dangerous game type and they are not plinkers. Forty rounds (each caliber) will no doubt be more than enough.
Same for North American game, mostly deer, the possibility of an elk or moose. After the initial function check and sight in, one desires a certain amount of ammunition for practice and sight verification. So I opine I need around twenty rounds for the initial shooting and perhaps twenty rounds a year for practice and verification.

The reader's needs and thinking may be considerably different than mine. What is your thinking?

I would say for defensive firearms, given the recent ammo shortages and current events, 500 rounds minimum. That’s enough to practice with 50 rounds at the range once a month for 8-9 months and have a box of 50 for defensive use. But, I’d replenish it. A more comfortable amount again given recent shortages would be 1000. For .22 Lr because it’s cheap and takes less room, I’d say 2-5000. Hunting only calibers, maybe 250 is a good number.

 

[Autodidactic]

For me it is "need" vs. "want", or put another way "defense" vs. "recreation".

So "need" is ammunition for my fighting guns. That means .357 and 12 gauge buck.

The .357 is my carry gun. I can scarcely imagine a gunfight, outside of my home, going for dozens and dozens of rounds, so frankly, one box of .357 is plenty. (I normally keep quite a bit more on hand, but there's no way I can argue that it is necessary.)

The shotgun is my fighting gun at home, and I'm never going to get to the point that I have "too much" ammunition for it. I'm not completely sure how much buck I have on hand right now. I have one big watertight can that is full to bulging; something like 400 or 500 rounds. I have a bunch of other five round boxes here and there; maybe another hundred rounds or so, and also a bunch of paper shells loaded with 00 and blackpowder - those are perfectly serviceable for the coach gun but I'd rather not have to use them in the pump. So I guess I consider the supply "adequate", but that's not going to stop me from buying more whenever a deal pops up.

Recreational ammo? I have no idea, for the most part. I usually keep between 250 to 500 rounds of my favorite cartridges around, but often lose count. I have hundreds of pounds of lead and powder, and built up a supply of 1000 each of my favorite cast bullets during the peak of Covid. If I get invited to the range this weekend and am asked to bring such-and-such for everyone to try, I'll go dig through the boxes and see if I have it. If not, then I'll fire up the pot and/or the press and get to it!

But with recent ammo shortages, I think “need” isn’t just one box of ammo, especially for new shooters who need training. I think one should have a reasonable layout for a few months o training. That could even be 3-500 rounds.

 

[Autodidactic]

Depends on the when/where/who. USMC on Guadalcanal had a "patrol limit" of 5x5 for those carrying 1903 rifles; 3 x 8 for those with Garands.
M-1936 Dismounted Cartridge belt was designed for 10 x 10 (2@ 5 rounds stripper clips). Arme TOE with Garands was 10 x 8, but Unit SOP defined what was actually carried. Carbine load-out (as pistol replacement) was a meager 3x15. As the Carbine was advanced to a Squad/Team leader arm, that was 3x15 and a bandolier of 7x15.
Truck drivers might be lucky to be issued 4 x 5 or 3 x 8.

And, of course, those "In Contact" were like to grab what ever they thought best.

Yeah, but those patrol limits were with the understanding that they would come back and be restocked at base. There’s a difference between what I have on me and what’s at home. You wouldn’t want to go to a warzone as a unit with solely that ammo you listed.

 

[Insignificant bill]

"You can never have enough" is the only acceptable answer

Yeah, but those patrol limits were with the understanding that they would come back and be restocked at base. There’s a difference between what I have on me and what’s at home. You wouldn’t want to go to a warzone as a unit with solely that ammo you listed.

The call would be bring more ammo quick

 

[Terry G]

Second Tour Staff Sergeant" "Unless you're of fire or drowning, you can't have too much ammunition."

 

[WeekendReloader]

For my 30-30, I have a few boxes of factory ammo. I also have a brick of LRP, a box of 250 Berry's 150gn plated bullets, a LEE bullet mold and a pound of Unique powder. I'm probably set for the rest of my life for that rifle.

Pistol, I have some factory ammo, but the bulk of my stockpile is components (primer, powder, bullets and casting lead) to last through expected times of shortage.

Everything is relative. How much do you need? How much do you shoot?

I don't "need" to shoot, so I can stretch my supplies out based on the expected availability of replacement components. In times of plenty, buy more and shoot more. In times of shortage, shoot less, buy less and fish more.

 

[Airborne Falcon]

I would say for defensive firearms, given the recent ammo shortages and current events, 500 rounds minimum. That’s enough to practice with 50 rounds at the range once a month for 8-9 months and have a box of 50 for defensive use. But, I’d replenish it. A more comfortable amount again given recent shortages would be 1000. For .22 Lr because it’s cheap and takes less room, I’d say 2-5000. Hunting only calibers, maybe 250 is a good number.

I wouldn't be able to sleep at night.

I think back to the early 60s, I was just a kid, we were living in South Florida at the time ... Cuban Missile Crisis and my Grandpappy and Dad digging a bomb shelter by hand. I remember it vividly because, while I was only in the 2nd grade, I helped carry food and ammo out to the bunker once they finished. I stepped on a fireant pile in the process and got torn-up. (Only did it that once.)

We didn't have that much ammo. Popbill was ready to fight commies with his Remington Sportsman 58 and his personal 1934C 1911 that he had carried in WWII. (I still have it.)

Dad had a bring-back CZ 27 and a K98 his brother had given him from WWII. I mean that was it. But I do believe that changed the way of thinking down here in The South where we thought we were going to be fighting side by side with soldiers to thwart the land invasion of the commies staged from Cuba.

Katrina was the next big wake-up call and probably set the full blown prepper movement in motion ... including the ammo stockpiling.

Somewhere between Y2K and Katrina, about the time the AWB sunsetted .... ammo stockpiling became a major major thing in this country.

General rule is, (among preppers and I have seen this written in books and among posters for years now), minimum 500 rounds per handgun and 1000 rounds per semi auto rifle. Hunting rifles are a matter of choice but the general number is in the 200 rounds ballpark. The minutiae is not really important but you'll see hard-core practitioners debate bolties vs leverguns vs small bore vs large bore vs 22LR etc., etc., etc. I've always lived by the creed to have as much 22LR as possible and a couple of rifles and pistols that work well with 22LR. My Grandpappy believed in 22LR for everything short of big game mainly bears.

I just believe that problems usually ensue when people panic buy ... rather, in good times, buy a little here and there and make it a habit. Next thing you know you're good-to-go.

 

[Hangingrock]

I maintain a mixture of commercial ammunition and reloading components. As for reloading it is a means to an end rather than a hobby. I don't maintain vast quantities of commercial ammunition and or reloading components but do maintain a sufficient amount for my current needs.

 

[Buzznrose]

I’ve mentioned my elder friend who enjoys shooting before. He’s 81 and had some major health issues, but when he heals, he wants to go shooting, so weather permitting, we go. I try to get out twice a month with him as possible. We (he mostly) shoot for 3-4 hours pretty constantly. He probably shoots a a couple hundred rounds of .22, then 100ish rounds or more of 9MM, and then a mix of .223 (several 30 round mags), 50ish rounds of .45, and if he’s feeling sprite, a few .357/.38 cylinders and a few cylinders of .45 Colt. I’ve pretty much shut him off from his .303 rifle because last two outings he really took a beating from it. The AR and a .22 LR are his main rifles now. He generally shoots his ammo, and I shoot mine, but we swap guns a lot and use each other’s ammo when we use the others guns.

He told me the last time how much ammo he has in his closets, as he recently went through everything to inventory. Let’s just say he has enough for at least 50 of our typical range dates, give or take. And he still buys more ammo when he sees what he feels is a good deal.

So is he crazy? Maybe. But he’s got some money set aside and he has no bills or kids. I’m just trying to help him make this final season of his life fun. Ammo helps make that happen…

 

[new57]

One can never have too much ammo. Especially if one enjoys shooting.

 

[Archie]

I would say for defensive firearms, given the recent ammo shortages and current events, 500 rounds minimum. That’s enough to practice with 50 rounds at the range once a month for 8-9 months and have a box of 50 for defensive use. But, I’d replenish it. A more comfortable amount again given recent shortages would be 1000. For .22 Lr because it’s cheap and takes less room, I’d say 2-5000. Hunting only calibers, maybe 250 is a good number.

Good point, Auto: I didn't spell it out, but assumed one's supply could be restocked at need. That is not as available right now as one would hope, but still one requires some ammunition more than others. As noted I do use some handgun fodder much more than large, dangerous game stuff.
The other point I see is I do not buy ammunition on a yearly basis, or for the next five years. (Not all at once, that is.)
Looking back, I should have purchased more of the stuff I use regularly a couple years ago than I did. On the other hand, I do not see any reason to buy up large stock piles of items for which I have no need.
Will the situation rectify itself? Yes, it will. Will that happen tonight? Not likely. However, panic buying doesn't help anyone.

 

[Bazoo]

I wouldn't be able to sleep at night.

I think back to the early 60s, I was just a kid, we were living in South Florida at the time ... Cuban Missile Crisis and my Grandpappy and Dad digging a bomb shelter by hand. I remember it vividly because, while I was only in the 2nd grade, I helped carry food and ammo out to the bunker once they finished. I stepped on a fireant pile in the process and got torn-up. (Only did it that once.)

We didn't have that much ammo. Popbill was ready to fight commies with his Remington Sportsman 58 and his personal 1934C 1911 that he had carried in WWII. (I still have it.)

Dad had a bring-back CZ 27 and a K98 his brother had given him from WWII. I mean that was it. But I do believe that changed the way of thinking down here in The South where we thought we were going to be fighting side by side with soldiers to thwart the land invasion of the commies staged from Cuba.

Katrina was the next big wake-up call and probably set the full blown prepper movement in motion ... including the ammo stockpiling.

Somewhere between Y2K and Katrina, about the time the AWB sunsetted .... ammo stockpiling became a major major thing in this country.

General rule is, (among preppers and I have seen this written in books and among posters for years now), minimum 500 rounds per handgun and 1000 rounds per semi auto rifle. Hunting rifles are a matter of choice but the general number is in the 200 rounds ballpark. The minutiae is not really important but you'll see hard-core practitioners debate bolties vs leverguns vs small bore vs large bore vs 22LR etc., etc., etc. I've always lived by the creed to have as much 22LR as possible and a couple of rifles and pistols that work well with 22LR. My Grandpappy believed in 22LR for everything short of big game mainly bears.

I just believe that problems usually ensue when people panic buy ... rather, in good times, buy a little here and there and make it a habit. Next thing you know you're good-to-go.

Thanks for sharing those things with us. Pretty interesting.

I consider a 22 a survival gun, as well as a fun gun. I don't think you can have too much 22 ammo.

 

[Archie]

I’ve mentioned my elder friend who enjoys shooting before. He’s 81 and had some major health issues, but when he heals, he wants to go ...

I can empathize. I have an older friend (I will be 72 years old in March) who is not a big time shooter, but does enjoy gun shows with me. He still has a valid concealed weapon license in our state and feels the need as 'man of house' to be prepared to defend. He does run through some .22 lr from time to time. I certainly want him to be able to enjoy himself and feel as good as he's able.

He told me the last time how much ammo he has in his closets, as he recently went through everything to inventory. Let’s just say he has enough for at least 50 of our typical range dates, give or take.

IF he goes with you every week, that's about one year of shooting. Roughly.

And he still buys more ammo when he sees what he feels is a good deal.

I see no reason not to do so. In better times (two or three years ago) I preferred to buy the ammunition I bought (mostly pistol ammo in standard loadings) over the internet and in orders of 1,000 as it was cheaper that way. But I didn't continually buy what I did not use. (I just don't shoot a shotgun any more. No point in buying ammunition for it. Same for the large game rifles. Same for 9x19mm ammo.)

So is he crazy? Maybe. But he’s got some money set aside and he has no bills or kids. I’m just trying to help him make this final season of his life fun. Ammo helps make that happen…

He does not sound crazy to me. Whereas I think everyone should recognize the fact they will die some day; I don't think most know when it will happen. So plans need to be 'flexible'. If one wants (can afford) to stock up for the next couple of months, that seems reasonable. At my age, stocking up so I can shoot at my normal pace until I'm 100 is not nearly as likely. No point in acquiring ten to fifteen thousand rounds of various calibers of ammo to die in a car crash next weekend. My sons might like some of it, but while not anti, they aren't as deeply interested as I am.
The worst case scenario in that is the individual who has a spouse that 'hates guns' and will possibly throw all the remaining ammunition in the trash as a public nuisance.

I do reload and buy some ammo. I buy primers (I'm set for the next while) and powder (I do need a couple more burning rates). I will get that when it becomes available at a price I can afford. However, I will not buy everything in sight.

 

[Autodidactic]

I wouldn't be able to sleep at night.

I think back to the early 60s, I was just a kid, we were living in South Florida at the time ... Cuban Missile Crisis and my Grandpappy and Dad digging a bomb shelter by hand. I remember it vividly because, while I was only in the 2nd grade, I helped carry food and ammo out to the bunker once they finished. I stepped on a fireant pile in the process and got torn-up. (Only did it that once.)

We didn't have that much ammo. Popbill was ready to fight commies with his Remington Sportsman 58 and his personal 1934C 1911 that he had carried in WWII. (I still have it.)

Dad had a bring-back CZ 27 and a K98 his brother had given him from WWII. I mean that was it. But I do believe that changed the way of thinking down here in The South where we thought we were going to be fighting side by side with soldiers to thwart the land invasion of the commies staged from Cuba.

Katrina was the next big wake-up call and probably set the full blown prepper movement in motion ... including the ammo stockpiling.

Somewhere between Y2K and Katrina, about the time the AWB sunsetted .... ammo stockpiling became a major major thing in this country.

General rule is, (among preppers and I have seen this written in books and among posters for years now), minimum 500 rounds per handgun and 1000 rounds per semi auto rifle. Hunting rifles are a matter of choice but the general number is in the 200 rounds ballpark. The minutiae is not really important but you'll see hard-core practitioners debate bolties vs leverguns vs small bore vs large bore vs 22LR etc., etc., etc. I've always lived by the creed to have as much 22LR as possible and a couple of rifles and pistols that work well with 22LR. My Grandpappy believed in 22LR for everything short of big game mainly bears.

I just believe that problems usually ensue when people panic buy ... rather, in good times, buy a little here and there and make it a habit. Next thing you know you're good-to-go.

Love the history. Yes, the panic buying isn't good. I think the challenge is many of us didn't have a stock at the beginning of covid. New buyers, etc. I admit to some panic buying thinking it wasn't going to get any cheaper. But, now I have a stock like we are saying of at least some.

 

[Autodidactic]

Good point, Auto: I didn't spell it out, but assumed one's supply could be restocked at need. That is not as available right now as one would hope, but still one requires some ammunition more than others. As noted I do use some handgun fodder much more than large, dangerous game stuff.
The other point I see is I do not buy ammunition on a yearly basis, or for the next five years. (Not all at once, that is.)
Looking back, I should have purchased more of the stuff I use regularly a couple years ago than I did. On the other hand, I do not see any reason to buy up large stock piles of items for which I have no need.
Will the situation rectify itself? Yes, it will. Will that happen tonight? Not likely. However, panic buying doesn't help anyone.

That's a good point. Now that I have a base stock, I'm not panic buying except picking up a few interesting boxes here and there. For example, I bought the following tonight, one of each:

1) Underwood .380 hardcast
2) Underwood .38 +P hardcast: Look at the specs on these. I assume this is out of a full length barrel.
.38 Special +P 158gr. Keith Hi-Tek Coated Hard Cast Hunting Ammo (underwoodammo.com)

• SKU : 734
• Cartridge : .38 Special +P
• Bullet Brand : Underwood Ammo™
• Bullet Weight (gr) : 158
• Bullet Construction : Hi-Tek Coated Hard Cast
• Bullet Model : Keith
• Bullet Material : Lead
• Brinell Hardness : 21
• Case Type : Nickel Plated Brass
• Supressor Safe : Yes

• 
  BALLISTICS INFORMATION
• Muzzle Energy (ft. lbs) : 548
• Muzzle Velocity (fps) : 1,250
• Sectional Density : 0.180

3) Underwood .32 ACP extreme defender, the kind with fluted screwdriver tip

 

[Bazoo]

I had a bit of stock already but with the riots and covid, I bought more. I went to town daily to get my limit for a while when stores had 22s and 12 gauge. My thinking was, if it was the beginning of shtf, we'd sure be glad for the extra. My wife agreed, and with the free gov money we got, deepened out stock. Even scored a few pads of primers and some powder a few times.

 

[Tinker-S]

My take on this is: How much ammo can I carry for extended periods of time if there is an event that requires movement?
If I am not willing to move: How much ammo do I need to defend myself before I get forcefully transformed into fertilizer?
Question I always ask myself: Do I have enough ammo for my dependable weapons just in case of failure, and do I have spare parts?
I have reloading stuff, but when the big bad wolf is huffing and puffing, would I have time to crank up more ammo if I need it?

 

[Archie]

Auto, that is the sort of behavior that I applaud.
The difference between your needs and my needs exist. I don't shoot .380 ACP at all. I don't shoot .32 ACP as a defensive caliber; the standard 71grain, 900 fps (none I've tested go that fast) is perfectly satisfactory for my use. And I load a couple types of .38 Special ammo for defensive uses. I really don't like anything commercial at the moment.

I do have a couple questions (wondering) about the +p .38 Special load.
What is the operating pressure in that beast?
What is a 'full length barrel'?

Lord have mercy! 1,250 with a 158 grain bullet?

 

[brmiller]

To the OP: I read your original post, and came to the conclusion that your thinking and mine are not even close to the same, so I think that you should do what you want, and I'll go do what I want. It's all good.

 

[Autodidactic]

Auto, that is the sort of behavior that I applaud.
The difference between your needs and my needs exist. I don't shoot .380 ACP at all. I don't shoot .32 ACP as a defensive caliber; the standard 71grain, 900 fps (none I've tested go that fast) is perfectly satisfactory for my use. And I load a couple types of .38 Special ammo for defensive uses. I really don't like anything commercial at the moment.

I do have a couple questions (wondering) about the +p .38 Special load.
What is the operating pressure in that beast?
What is a 'full length barrel'?

Lord have mercy! 1,250 with a 158 grain bullet?

I'm a pocket pistol enthusiast. But, I just got a .380 bodyguard and only had one box of hollowpoints beyond some ball. However, I do want a box or two of defensive ammo for both the .32 and the .380 if the situation requires such use. I do pocket carry them sometimes. The .32 ACP extreme defender, which they also have in .380, apparently solves the issue with hollow point insufficient penetration (in pocket calibers). The fluted bullet causes a larger cavity than ball and more like hollow point, but it penetrates like ball ammo. There are a number of people who think this round may be the best for mouse gun calibers, but the jury is out.

Regarding the .38, yes, it looks bestial. Like Buffalo Bore ammo that is similar, they often state "these are low end .357 figures." I didn't have any hardcast, and sometimes .38 goes with me in the woods on hikes. That's the ostensible purpose of this hardcast .38 Underwood, and Buffalo Bore "outdoorsman" series (which is in many calibers). They can be pressed into 4 legged animal defense. The 9mm Buffalo Bore version, which I have, was used successfully in grizzly defense in Alaska.

 

[Bazoo]

As for moving my stash, I've considered that. I don't have so much it can't be moved in car or on horseback. Mostly cause I'm poor and can only get so much.

Being in the country I'm planning to bug in. That's plan a. If plan a works out, more than I can carry isn't a burden. If plan b, bugout happens, then as much 22 as we can carry goes with us.

But I also consider and plan for the possibility that there are others that I would partner with in time of shtf, but that don't prepare now. Example would be, I have a friend that doesn't prep any, but when shtf, if he and his family shows up, he would be welcomed cause he's a good gardener and can be trusted. The fact that he will show up with a rifle and minimal ammo is compensated for by his post shtf benefits.

 

[WeekendReloader]

I had a bit of stock already but with the riots and covid, I bought more. I went to town daily to get my limit for a while when stores had 22s and 12 gauge. My thinking was, if it was the beginning of shtf, we'd sure be glad for the extra. My wife agreed, and with the free gov money we got, deepened out stock. Even scored a few pads of primers and some powder a few times.

I think a lot of people increased their stock with government money until the shelves were cleared out.

 

[new57]

But I also consider and plan for the possibility that there are others that I would partner with in time of shtf, but that don't prepare now. Example would be, I have a friend that doesn't prep any, but when shtf, if he and his family shows up, he would be welcomed cause he's a good gardener and can be trusted. The fact that he will show up with a rifle and minimal ammo is compensated for by his post shtf benefits.

This. No man is an island. Identifying key people for a divide and conquer approach well ahead of any SHTF environment is crucial for long term survival. Who has medical, dental, farming, hunting, defense, and building skills.

 

[Tinker-S]

Second Tour Staff Sergeant" "Unless you're of fire or drowning, you can't have too much ammunition."

I've heard that in some countries south of the border. "More bullets, less beans".

 

[Autodidactic]

This. No man is an island. Identifying key people for a divide and conquer approach well ahead of any SHTF environment is crucial for long term survival. Who has medical, dental, farming, hunting, defense, and building skills.

Right, and sometimes I've heard two sides, ones who expect all allies to have an armory also, or those who want them to contribute something else. I think the latter makes sense, although it's helpful for people to have some defensive firearms. But, if they are a doctor/nurse, farmer, construction worker, or even machinist or gunsmith, they could bring valuable skills to the table.