How much ammo should I realistically get?

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Unusual-Ad-1056@reddit

For my 12 ga I have about 10k.. it’s mainly dove and steel shot but have about 300-400 rounds of buck. .45 have about 3500 556 probably in the middle somewhere..

Just buy a little at a time if you can’t buy 1k at a time

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Ideally? I like 1-2 grand in training/general ammo for an ar and I’ve seen recommendations between 3-13 mags worth of “war ammo” but 500/90 split would be a solid start.
Maybe 500-1000 .45 for training and carry cause, in a realistic view, you’ll be interacting with your handgun the most, depending on your state. Maybe like 200-300 12guage? Just my personal preferences

[-]

LoCoUSMC@reddit

Haha nice try fedboi. I’m not saying shit on these interwebs!

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ShaggyRebel117@reddit

Hmmm. That's something a glowie would say...

[-]

LoCoUSMC@reddit

I actually haven’t heard that before. What’s a glowie

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ShaggyRebel117@reddit

gif

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Tedhan85@reddit

How much can you afford?

[-]

gregshafer11@reddit

Everytime you see a deal get as much as you can, everytime you are going shooting get as much as you can, got a little extra money get some more

[-]

MycologistFast7864@reddit

All of it

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Parking-Fact5742@reddit

Minimum 1000 rounds of each caliber you own as a stockpile that doesn’t get touched. If I buy more ammo then I shoot while at the range I add that to the pile.

I fully admit These are rookie numbers.

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nagurski03@reddit

That sounds like advice that someone who owns less than a dozen calibers would give.

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SwaggyButNerdy@reddit

You’re saying I shouldn’t have just ordered 1,000 rounds for my 6.5 Carcano?

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jesiman@reddit

Ordering 1000 of 308, 5.7, and 7.5 x55 Swiss ASAP as possible.

[-]

shadow_worx@reddit

ASAP as possible = As Soon As Possible as possible

[-]

jesiman@reddit

Learned that from my good friend Marky Mark Wahlburg.

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Impressive-Salary-58@reddit

Asap!!!

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Calm_Relation7993@reddit

To be fair I have 1000 rounds of 7x57R

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Rdubya291@reddit

Ugh. I ordered 2,000 rounds of Federal SMK 175gr 308 last week. Stupid money. I wish I liked it more.

[-]

SwaggyButNerdy@reddit

My wife loves her 308. I love that she comes to the range with me now, but I wish she would have picked a cheaper caliber to fall in love with.

[-]

Rdubya291@reddit

The cheap shit isn't bad. But match ammo is costly. Even at 2,000 rounds, I paid $1.55/rd.

[-]

Impressive-Salary-58@reddit

Reload it

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SwaggyButNerdy@reddit

I know you’re right, but I am much too lazy for that.

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FistfulDeDolares@reddit

I bought a reloading setup. Reloaded about 50 rounds and said, "Fuck this I'll buy ammo."

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nagurski03@reddit

1000 rounds of Carcano? That's a lot of weight to carry up to the 6th floor of a School Book Depository.

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quezlar@reddit

right? ill get right on ordering 1000 rounds of 458 socom and 50 bmg

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Parking-Fact5742@reddit

Your statement is very true. Although I currently own 7 different caliber. Getting to the point I’m contemplating a second safe just for ammo.

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RandoAtReddit@reddit

I built a storage cabinet out of OSB about 15 years ago, it's 6x4x3 feet. I built it to store things I didn't want my kids getting into. I put ammo, reloading supplies, and back in the day, Christmas presents.

When Obama became president, the ammo crisis was intense and long lasting, particularly for .22 lr. My ammo stash dwindled to almost nothing and I swore I'd never let that happen again. I've been building it up whenever I saw a good deal, or at least a decent deal these days. I put 2700 rounds in this past week.

I've had to relocate the reloading supplies and everything that isn't ammo. It's a very solid stash at this point. I could weather a few years without changing anything about my current shooting schedule.

That's how much ammo you should have.

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atf_annihilator69@reddit

1,000 rounds of .50 BMG. i now have a shitty slammed facebook marketplace civic in ammo

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bulldoghunter@reddit

That's just an investment that will only go up 😂

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huntingboss224@reddit

Yea thinking the same thing I just pick 3 or so and have stockpiles of those then just buying what im gonna shoot for the rest while still keeping at least 200ish left over for each if not more

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glockguy34@reddit

I prefer 1000 rounds per gun, excluding shotguns, bolt guns, and revolvers. at a minimum

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Guano-@reddit

Shotgun ammo does take up a lot of room, but a thousand is required, at least for your main gauge shotgun. There are many different applications to a shotgun. Six hundred for various small or waterfowl game and practice; 7 1/2, 6 through 4 bird shot. Two hundred for larger game or self defense; 00, #4 buck, or slugs.

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Pryml710@reddit

I mean 1000rds of 9mm is for sure rookie numbers but 1000 slugs or .44mag is a lil overkill if bought strictly for HD.

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bulldoghunter@reddit

I mean I know a guy that carried a 44 magnum as a ccw every just because he could but here again he is 6 ft 8 in I believe

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Sensitive_Box_@reddit

You aren’t wrong. They’re rookie numbers, but I’d agree that 1000 is the bare minimum everyone should have.

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FortyMaximus@reddit

Came here to say this! 1000 crate 556x45 but its good to get 00 Buck as well as slugs of 12 guage and 1000 of 45 APC

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Designer_Head_1024@reddit

1000rds per

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km1697369@reddit

Buy online by the case. And then just keep buying cases. As much as your budget will allow. But cheap stack deep.

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SuccessfulProblem808@reddit

I remember all the wal marts in my area stopped selling rifle ammo. The green ammo cans of 500 5.56 steel core went on blackout sale. 90% off retail. I bought out all 3 walmarts as soon as I found out lol. This was maybe 2013 though

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Club_Penguin_Legend_@reddit

As a Canadian, Walmart selling ammo is such a funny thing to think about. Although I suppose its really no different than Canadian Tire selling ammo.

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SuccessfulProblem808@reddit

Some walmarts in more rural areas still sell guns and ammo i believe. As well as gas station/corner stores

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Ok-Fisherman-7688@reddit

What websites would you recommend?

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isaacnewton687@reddit

Check r/gundeals and ammo seek. It varies what website is best depending on the deals they have each week.

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km1697369@reddit

I’ve used velocity ammo sales a lot, I like them because they’re in the same state as me and will usually have my order to me in a couple days. but everyone else on here will tell you to use ammoskeek. It’s a good way to find the cheapest bulk ammo, just takes a bit of getting used to the website to filter out more expensive shipping and find exactly what you’re looking for

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ssbn622@reddit

But it seems like shipping costs make it as expensive as it is in the brick & motar

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isaacnewton687@reddit

Nah, most do free shipping on cases. Even then shipping can be cheap. I paid $12 to ship a case of 9mm from academy. That's an extra 60 cents per box of ammo. Most the time local is $2-5 more per box.

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km1697369@reddit

A lot of places will do free shipping if you spend $X amount

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KidBoomah@reddit

2 buckets each

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mrp1ttens@reddit

When I was more of a poor I’d pick up a box or two every paycheck because buying in bulk was too much of a stretch. It adds up over time. Any time I went shooting I’d replace what I shot plus some extra.

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isaacnewton687@reddit

If you can tho you can just put that money aside, then eventually buy a 1k case. You'll go a bit without shooting but then get more shooting per dollar.

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CodenameDinkleburg@reddit

Same. I usually store half and shoot the other half, when I pick up ammo. Get some target practice in and add to the pile at the same time.

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RVRoutdoors@reddit

1000 each to start. Then just put it on auto ship 100 a month lol

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thedudeintx82@reddit

All of it. Get all of it.

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Zaliukas-Gungnir@reddit

I usually do 1000 rounds for rifles, 500 rounds per pistol and 400-500 rounds for my shotguns. Shotgun shells are pretty big and bulky and I personally don’t know how much use it would get in an everyday Armageddon style event . I also do multiple firearms of the same caliber. So if things were in a worst case scenario and I had to flee. I could take more than that because I could take ammo from other similar caliber firearms. But I also keep range ammo and try to shoot weekly. But it honestly often only happens 1-2 times a month. That is probably as important as having surplus ammo. Knowing what you are capable of with your firearms and practicing to become as proficient as possible, this saves ammo. With all of that said….i sometimes question the structural integrity of my floors in some areas of my house.

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FruitSaladSamurai11@reddit

All that you can realistically afford. And more mags, too.

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Occom9000@reddit

Yes.

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HeSureIsScrappy@reddit

I came to say this

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socialistduckling22@reddit

This is the only real answer

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FortyMaximus@reddit

Never enough

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socialistduckling22@reddit

This is the way

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MarvinHeemeyersTank@reddit

This is the way.

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goshathegreat@reddit

A lot.

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Dull_Reference_5094@reddit

Idk I always think about it in terms of, if it all goes tits up right this moment, how much would I need? The answer obviously depends on if I plan to stay here and defend or move and find a new location, but the answer is almost always: more than what I have. lol

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ZoneStreet998@reddit

3000 rounds per caliber you own. Minimum

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Dull_Reference_5094@reddit

As much as humanly possible? lol

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Select-Cat-5721@reddit

I load enough to keep 1000 rounds of my common calibers; .223Rem, .308Win, 9mm, .45ACP. For my less used or purpose driven cartridges, a few hundred; .357 Mag, 44 Mag, .30-30, .243Win etc.

I enjoy shooting and load every round I fire. I see having enough so that I can keep enjoying shooting through leaner times as reasonable. I have a few friends who stockpile loaded ammunition, I tend to stock up on components instead. I have enough to crate thousands of rounds, just in pieces and parts.

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jkr31@reddit

it's never enough. always buy when it's on sale.

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ShaggyRebel117@reddit

How many places can you store it? Enough to fill them all.

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jfl561407@reddit

All of it.

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Jake_Schnur@reddit

For my ar I keep 16 pmags loaded minimum I keep them in pouches on a belt ready to grab I have some on my plate carrier as well. My daily carry is a g23 or a browning bdm 9mm. For the 40 cal.i really don't keep much ammo for it. I keep about 100 rounds of practice ammo and 50 hollow points. I buy ammo as I shoot it. For my 9mm I keep at least 1000 rounds as I shoot that the most i also keep 150 round of hollow points for it. I do have a few 9mms that I shoot as well as a conversion barrel for the Glock. Thing for ammo is what is your plan for the gun? I have guns that I only have a few rounds for but I don't shoot them much. I probably have a couple boxes for my 458 socom but I reload that and use it primarily for hunting and shooting with buddies that haven't shot one. You don't need a ton of ammo but you do need to train with what you carry and that takes a lot of ammo.

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Tacoshortage@reddit

Ammo is like investing in stocks. You just buy a little all the time. After a while you've got a bit of it...hold onto it and keep buying. Oh and make sure to shoot it.

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moretacosplease@reddit

More.

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always_an_eagle@reddit

A case of ammo for each caliber is what I say is the minimum. Also stock up on magazines, at least 5-10 bare minimum for each gun.

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BillKelly22@reddit

How much do you shoot and which one do you shoot the most?

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C-R_Collector@reddit

How much weight can your floors support before collapse?

Whatever that number is…the difference in that and the weight of your appliances, furniture, pets, and family members is your total ammo weight.

Subtract a hundred and fifty for unforeseen circumstances.

This is your total weight in ammo. Purchase up to that.

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smallmonzter@reddit

How much can you afford? That much and then some.

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THROBBINW00D@reddit

As much as you can afford. Saving up and buying 500 or 1000 at a time can get you free shipping at a lot of places. Use ammo seek.

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Due-Negotiation-5918@reddit

ammo you can't have to much ammo

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bananaland420@reddit

All of it.

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ExplanationMaster634@reddit

All you can afford and not mess with the monthly budget A box here and there when you have 40 bucks extra each week (best but most expensive way) Or bulk up on one caliber (the 5.56) My opinion because it can handle everything inside a house and suppressed is even better

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d4dog@reddit

Lots and then some more.

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buckeye-cowboy@reddit

Ready/Combat Reserve: 300 to 600 rounds per rifle or carbine (approximately 2 to 3 times the standard combat load) stored in easily accessible magazines or bandoleers. Training Reserve: 1,000 rounds per caliber to allow for rigorous and continuous proficiency training. Doomsday/Long-term Reserve: 2,000 rounds per primary firearm for prolonged emergencies

FM 3-05.130 (Army Special Operations Forces Unconventional Warfare),

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Alternative-Feed3613@reddit

As much as you can

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Cancel_Successful69@reddit

Whoever much you can afford, and then double that

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raddu1012@reddit

1000 100 500 minimum imo

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85lumber@reddit (OP)

1000 for the 1911? 100 for the ar? 500 for the shotgun? Not sure what you meant

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ThinkGear568@reddit

100 for the AR? I could shoot 2-3x that in one range trip easy lol, he should get like 3000-4000 for the AR minimum

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MassiveAd2391@reddit

I would assume he means 1000 5.56, 500 .45 ACP, and 100 12 gauge. I wouldn’t listen to that though

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ThinkGear568@reddit

Having been caught without ammo during the shortages that happened several years ago, all I can say is buy cheap, stack deep.

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bulldoghunter@reddit

Who made the stock for the shotgun

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M1-A2-V78@reddit

Yes

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greatgeezer@reddit

All you can afford. Next week, same. Keep going.

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TotalReplacement287@reddit

2000 rounds for each

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OmericanAutlaw@reddit

from what i hear the average deployed soldier carries 200 rounds on their person. so maybe 200 rounds per gun is a good reserve to keep, in case there is a skirmish in your neighborhood. most people here will keep more, in case the world falls apart indefinitely. so somewhere in between 200 rounds and as many as you can possibly store

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Guardiancomplex@reddit

Last time I went to range day with my buddy who used to be in the SF community he said he carries 6 mags on his rig, 3 on his belt, 9 in his bag plus the one in his rifle. 560 rounds of 556 is fuckin' wild.

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ecodick@reddit

Most firefights are apparently decided by volume of fire. Forget where I read about it, but assuming other factors are not decisive, the conclusion was rounds available matters a lot. Preventing the opposition from maneuvering while buying freedom of movement for your own team. Makes sense.

But also, bit unlikely to need that stateside.

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MandaloreZA@reddit

That's almost two nutsacks on a rig and one in a M249. Almost.

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R1kjames@reddit

in case there is a skirmish in your neighborhood

To your point, I can't imagine getting through 1000 rounds before a tourniquet would be more useful than another magazine.

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R00t_Cause@reddit

I just saw 1k of PMC 223 for 389 and didnt even check my account. Just sent it.

Some things are more important than dollars in an account.

There is no set number, its whatever makes you comfortable.

Personally i dont see the need in holding onto more than 500 rounds of M855 for quick use because who tf is going to lug around 16 fully loaded 30 round mags in a SHTF scenario we're all stocking up for. Where as i can fit 1000 rounds of 9mm in a small bag in my backpacks sleeping bag pocket.

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cheekabowwow@reddit

Get how much you think you need, and then get 10x more. You aren’t living life unless your UPS guy is breaking his back delivering your ammo.

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HWKII@reddit

Yes

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blueponies1@reddit

One millions bullets one million shells

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hw999@reddit

1000 rounds for each caliber. A little more for 22lr and a little less for 12gauge

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greenisthecolour11@reddit

There’s an ammo shortage?

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nanneryeeter@reddit

As much as you want to shoot. I'm not sure how to answer the question any other way.

How much gas do I need? How far are you wanting to drive?

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85lumber@reddit (OP)

Well you’re the only one in the thread who gave that answer

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PaPaBlond89@reddit

You’ll know when you need more storage… then buy more!

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BarryHalls@reddit

People are being hyperbolic (only a little) but realistically, from like 2018-2022 if it wasn't 9mm, 5.56/223, and to a much much lesser degree, 308, you had to really dig, call around, pay absurd prices online, to find a couple boxes.

I can easily used 400 rounds in one range trip. If I have less than 200 rounds to burn, I ain't driving the hour one way to the range.

I would LIKE to go to the range 2-3 times a year. 200-400x2-3x4 years (2018-2022 with minimal options to be able to restock) is 1600-4800 rounds.

Plan accordingly.

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accursedvenom@reddit

The answer is yes. Joking. I personally have a couple hundred at the moment for my 9mm. Probably 3-400 for my .22 rifle. I want to have more though.

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Comfortable_Guide622@reddit

So buy a couple of boxes as you can afford it. 1k 1911, 2 to 3k forvrifle

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G19Jeeper@reddit

Welcome to the hobby, its awesome and addicting.

As a bare minimum for you starting out, start small. You dont need 10k rounds right off the bat. Set goals. Be realistic.

500 rds of .45 Auto 500 rds of 5.56x45 500 rds if 12 ga (at least half of that should be buckshot but have a good mix)

For spare mags I strive for 10 spares per gun but again, starting out just get you a few. 4 or 5 for the pistol and same for the rifle to start.

Many people in the community get very caught up in giant stock piles but they forget it can take 10+ years to get there. Buy ammo on sale when you can afford it or when you find a great deal.

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84074@reddit

This is the way

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Important-Dream-4010@reddit

Guns are very hungry and the ammo will eclipse the cost of the gun very soon with active use. I have spent more on ammo than guns.

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robertpaulson8490@reddit

Get yourself some back up sights for that AR. Always possible for an optic to go down.

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WoodEyeLie2U@reddit

All of it

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jerry_03@reddit

Ther3 is no minimum

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lomputercaptop@reddit

What I do is a minimum of 500rds. Not per caliber but per gun. I’ve been stockpiling ammo for years with 17 guns which isn’t a lot of guns but I have a pretty hefty ammo stack.

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minnesotarulz@reddit

Shotgun, a case of buck, case of slugs, that will last you a lifetime

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13_ismyluckynumber@reddit

ALL OF IT!

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Exciting-Insect-8813@reddit

Realistically speaking, you need all of it.

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islero_47@reddit

"More"

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MArkansas-254@reddit

In the final analysis, this really IS the only correct answer.

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MArkansas-254@reddit

If the world is gonna end, it's already too late. 🤷‍♂️ Figure out what you can afford, give up the daily, Double mocha latte and buy what you can as you go. A box a week? A box of each per paycheck? "Common wisdom" seems to say 1000 rounds of each caliber. Meh... I kinda go with "enough that you can go to the range 3 to 5 times without having to buy more." It's my minimum. That's somewhere in the 150 - 300 rounds range and is fairly easy to build up to. You will be surprised how quickly your stock increases. For the shotgun you'll want a good mix of types of shot and some slugs for... you know... emergencies.

Good luck!

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YeetedSloth@reddit

How much disposable income do you have? Whatever that number is, the answer is an amount that would make someone say “wow!” Regardless of how much you make

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crossthreadking@reddit

Enough to train, have fun, and have a reserve. 1000 rounds is pretty normal but do what you can with what you got.

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BusinessDuck132@reddit

What you can afford. Lots of people say take out a loan to get thousands and thousands of rounds but it’s not realistic for everyone. Unfortunately as much as I want to stockpile ammo, putting food on my family’s table is far more important than

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map2photo@reddit

We’re in an ammo shortage? Huh. Haven’t noticed. I buy online.

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Cornfed_Jr@reddit

More

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gunsforevery1@reddit

1000 each.

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Embarrassed-Bench392@reddit

The answer is "a little more".

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Gwsb1@reddit

All of it.

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taylormac970@reddit

Some

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allenjp19@reddit

Looks like the Resident Evil loadout.

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DoPewPew@reddit

1000 rounds of each is a good start

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theh0veringeye@reddit

Basic amount: 5,56 or 223 - 500 rounds .45 - 1000 (way cheaper to buy a bundle box of 20 boxes of 50 rounds) 12 gauge - 100/200

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TN_REDDIT@reddit

n+1

n = the amount you have

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Whicked_Subie@reddit

All, you need all the ammos.

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mcx112@reddit

Always keep as much as you can carry

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irierider@reddit

5k, shotgun, ehhh who cares lol

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85lumber@reddit (OP)

lol just shotgun ammo?

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Fauropitotto@reddit

5000 rounds minimum for each caliber you shoot regularly, except for the shotgun. It's probably the one you'll shoot the least.

Properly stored, ammo doesn't go bad. If you can afford it, lock in the price now.

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Vast_Scholar_5276@reddit

This is the way

[-]

Greenm6645@reddit

As much as you can afford.

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Waallenz@reddit

This isnt a shortage yet. Youll know when its a shortage

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GoHedgehog@reddit

More than your police station

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Strong_Dentist_7561@reddit

The ONLY time you have too much ammunition is if you’re drowning or on fire.

Other’n that- buy it cheep, stack it deep

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Heisenberg_Ad_076@reddit

Lots of ammo lots of mags for when those damn commies invade us

[-]

ReasonableBridge5623@reddit

No such thing as too much ammo

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cody87hoke@reddit

I feel like I don’t have enough and I have enough of various calibers to support an infantry squad for a few days.

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Ok_Complex4374@reddit

How much? More. It’s always more. Don’t break urself financially a box here and there over the years adds up.

[-]

LifeAquatic_25@reddit

More

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Beginning_Ice_5693@reddit

Well…do you plan on staying at your compound or being mobile? To be mobile with 1000 rounds of 3 calibers is honestly not feasible on foot. Consider 6-7 rounds of 5.6, 300 9mm. And at least 100 00
But if you plan on staying home…the absolute most you can stockpile, stockpile. 2-3k 5.56 minimum. Personally I’d use the same brand and grain weight that runs the best on your favorite running AR. Same for the 9mm. Would probably invest in another 9mm for a shtf scenario. Stock all you can. 00 buck and slugs 2-300 minimum. I’d invest in a reliable .22 (Ruger 10/22) as well. It comes in handy and you can carry alot of ammo and it’s quieter than a 5.56. Would probably invest in a decent bolt action rifle as well. .308 or 30-06. As the ammo is usually easy to find. .270 is a good option as well. Good long range and hunting use.
Find what works the best for your weapons and stockpile it. Ammo, mags etc etc. and I’d keep all the same brand and grain weight and the same mags.

[-]

Kobolka@reddit

Next step get into reloading keep buying components, bullets, powder and primers and you will never run out. Save your brass. Start with the Lee challenger anniversary set and get the .233 dies or .45 ACP with the set get the primer and powder drum and you will be set for about 250 dollars for both calibers. It’s about 25 cents per round to reload.45 ACP and .30 cents for .223 per round. Plus the ammo is way better and more accurate than factory because you can customize it.

[-]

Yeet0rBeYote@reddit

As much as you can afford

[-]

Kdubs3235@reddit

How big is your garage?

[-]

CommissionJumpy3220@reddit

All.

[-]

RacerXrated@reddit

X + more

[-]

notCGISforreal@reddit

The rifle will be easy to go through some ammo, you could easily shoot multiple 100s of rounds at a range session depending on the style of shooting you like.

The 45 will be a little less fun to shoot a large number of, ~ 100 rounds is usually about the fun limit for me.

12 gauge from a short barrel like that is fun for about 15 to 20 rounds for me at a time.

Buy accordingly based on how often you want to go to the store or order online. Usually bulk online purchases is the best price you'll be able to get.

[-]

DNR_plz_@reddit

All of it

[-]

Past_Penalty_8250@reddit

gif

[-]

Hunterpeckinson@reddit

As much as you can afford

[-]

AmnFucker@reddit

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midlife_dadpulse73@reddit

gif

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Kindly_Region@reddit

My rule of thumb is always buy 2 boxes. Shoot 1 box then buy 2 more. After a while you end up with a decent supply.

Remember to store it properly. I prefer the metal .50 cal cans (check the seals if you buy surplus) then throw in a 100 gram silica gel pack. Date, label, rotate.

[-]

renegadeGDI@reddit

Get a 9mm

[-]

ArceusTwoFour_Zero@reddit

That's a complicated question.

As much as you can afford. Considering the guns that you have, I would say at least 1,000 for .223/5.56 and 1,000 for pistol. And 500 for shotgun.

[-]

N8Dogg68@reddit

The 12g is nice. I've got 2.

[-]

cmjandro@reddit

You don't have to keep that yellow plastic Mossberg barrel signage on...

But to answer your question, 500-1000 per caliber/gauge is fine. But every time I shoot, I buy double what I just shot.

[-]

Kindly_Region@reddit

You always buy precious metals, gold, sliver, lead. You can't have enough

[-]

Commercial-Mobile-98@reddit

More than you’re thinking about getting

[-]

aFreeScotland@reddit

How much ammo exists?

[-]

JonRonstein@reddit

Considering you’ll be fighting a war pretty soon I’d get more

[-]

-Minos-@reddit

I have about a dozen full ammo boxes right now, which means I’m low on ammo

[-]

Mdmrtgn@reddit

Realistically? Enough to fill your full mags again once theyre empty. Ideally? After you have that much stored away buy at least a box or two of every caliber every check. And save money back every check in case someone does a flash sale and you can pick up a case. Also splitting cases with your buddies allows you to buy at bulk prices so you don't have to pay shipping.

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Mdmrtgn@reddit

And don't be picky I picked up 2k of Stryker seconds for 798 or something like that and it was no shipping. Some of the cases have scratches or little dings but I've been through about 30 mags of those and no issues.

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BeenisHat@reddit

How much for what? An ammo shortage will end and you'll be able to get more. Are you just trying to keep a small stockpile in your house? Because if that's the case, just look at the combat loadouts for each of those weapons.

Back in the day, the standard loadout for a 1911 was one 8-rd magazine in the gun plus 2 or 3 extras for a total of 24-36. The M9 pistol was similar with one 15rd in the gun and two in the belt for 45 or 51 once 17 round mags became popular.

The M4 combat loadout is 7 mags for 210 rounds.

The USMC says they carried a full mag tube in their shotguns plus another 20 or 30.

So, being able to have one full combat loadout for each plus enough to resupply a second doesn't sound terrible and is very doable. But that's assuming I'm sitting at home. If I had to load and get out of town fast, I'd only carry one ammo can worth of pistol, shells and rifle ammo plus whatever loaded mags I have for my sweet ass LARP chest rig that normally only goes to the range.

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No_Mathematician764@reddit

Rule of thumb 300 rounds per engagement.

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85lumber@reddit (OP)

I live in Orange County California in a decent neighborhood I don’t see myself getting into any engagements ever so I’m always puzzled about having to stock up on ammo when someone brings it up. I guess I’d be nice to not worry about ammo when visiting the range various times. That’s all I see myself doing with the guns

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Guardiancomplex@reddit

A range trip counts as an engagement if you're having fun.

So 300rd per weekend.

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W1ldT1m@reddit

Wait till LA boils over. Then you'll want MORE.

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Stillmaineiac88@reddit

All of it!

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hfeyjf@reddit

There is no upper limit.

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phoenix6R@reddit

I would say around 300 each, IF your prepping. Otherwise, its purely what you think what you might need. I think I have around 300 9mm and 600 5.56.

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Got_Sig@reddit

All

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Wake_Skadi@reddit

I filled most of my daughter's bedroom with .308 and 9mm. She thinks Legos are all metal and slightly dirty lol.

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MrChurch44@reddit

Lots. Like all of it. This is the only answer. Literally as much as you can get.

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Sandman0@reddit

If I have less than 1000 rounds for any caliber I shoot more than once a year I buy another 1000.

I've got about 10k 9mm, 5.56, and 7.62x39 because I have multiple guns in those calibers, and I've got as much .22lr as I have for all other ammo combined.

Buy it cheap (as it gets) and stack it deep.

I've never gotten gouged by panic buying. Made it through Clinton, (Bush was never an issue) Obama, Trump, and Biden along with every crazy California infringement since 1995 without having to go out of my way to buy ammo or paying the poll tax 🤷🏻‍♂️

I keep 10 mags for each gun (minimum of 5 "good" and 5 spares/range mags), double that for my carry gun and primary rifle (I've got probably 30 "extra" AR mags at this point anyway). Anything I bought as a plinker I maybe have 5 mags and a couple spares for.

The only thing I ever run out of is cleaning stuff, and always because I knew I needed to get some and just didn't.

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drew_eckhardt2@reddit

I don't like to go below 1000 rounds for any caliber I shoot except for 12 gauge where I consume 800+ rounds per month and 2000 is more comfortable to avoid needing to buy something other than my preferred 1 1/8 oz of 7.5 shot at 1145 fps.

I buy 1000 rounds at a time except for match .308 where I shoot little so 500 is enough and .22 LR which comes in 5000 round cases.

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17HonestFeedback76@reddit

Never enough so buy bulk. Then either set money back monthly and make big purchase a year or buy couple boxes a month. I currently am doing few boxes a month only because I have a stable supply I’m happy with and you never know when prices might go crazy so I don’t wanna wait for one big buy.

But any way that adds to your supply then that’s the way to go.

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85lumber@reddit (OP)

Yeah I thought about that too what’s the point of waiting a long time to buy in bulk if prices just go up later? I guess that’s what us guys/girls have to do that aren’t loaded with tons of cash for ammo.

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CaptainShaboigen@reddit

Enough that your friends might worry about you.

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UrsusSilverfox@reddit

More. The answer is more

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TheresALaptopInThere@reddit

So fudd you gotta respect it 😎

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DeFiClark@reddit

Realistically:

How much do you intend to train, and how often?

Assuming periodic ammunition shortages are normal (2020 being the worst I’ve seen, but I’ve seen many), buy as much as you need to practice with annually, and then some.

One way to do it is every time you go to the range or shoot recreationally, keep an inventory of what you expended, then double it next time you buy. At the end of a year go to 1 for 1.

If you are looking to stockpile for some potential horrible future just remember the average number of shots fired in a defensive shooting is 1.8 by both parties, combined.

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Kempo_Kiai@reddit

1000 rounds of premium defense ammo for your Ar15. This will depend on your barrel twist rate. I stockpile 75 grain Speer gold dot for my 1:7 twist. Another 1000 practice rounds, typically 55g fmj PMC X-Tac.

500 hollow point defensive ammo for your handgun. 1000 practice rounds.

250 - 00 buckshot, 150-200 slugs, 250 birdshot for the shotgun.

This is your baseline and your first goal.

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ColdResolve_12@reddit

Minimal 1000 for the shotgun, 4-5k for the AR and about 10k for the 1911

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GuaranteeGreedy6997@reddit

Pick a number you feel is good. Add 1000. Then add another 500 and you’re good. Restock anytime you get close to under 500

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ha1fway@reddit

Specific numbers don’t mean much. 1k rounds is a lot of you shoot 200 a year but barely anything if you compete and shoot often. I like to keep a years worth but I don’t have enough space for that right now for 12ga so I make sure to keep 1200-1500 rounds at least

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preparedbassfisher@reddit

It all depends. I'd do this in order:

3 magazines worth of defensive ammo for your handgun and 3 magazines of defensive ammo for your AR.

Then, How much do you shoot when you go to the range? lets pretend its 200 rounds of .45 and 150 of 5.56 and 50 shotgun. always have that amount stocked in your range bag. I buy 9mm in bulk and shoot around 200 per range visit. So I buy 1000 rounds, shoot until I have 200 left and I order another 1000.

Then you should IMO prepare for an ammo shortage. start with stocking 1000 rounds of 45 acp and 1000 rounds of 5.56. do it slowly. order 1000 rounds to train with, and put 100 in an ammo can. after you order 10,000 rounds of ammo you'll have 1000 leftover for a rainy day.

Next goal is have 1 year of training ammo setup . so for 9mm I shoot 200 a visit and go twice a month so thats 400 a month. thats 4800 rounds a year, a 50 cal ammo can fits 2500 rounds of 9mm so I filled 2 of those for an even 5000

I probably shoot 100 rounds of 5.56 a month so thats one ammo can filled with 1200 rounds.

No different than a 6 month emergency fund, that will go up eventually. Maybe you shoot 500 rounds a month so now you need 6000 rounds of 9mm lying around. you started doing training classes so you want to have 300 rounds of 5.56 a month.

after that, I think the answer is as much as you can fit reasonably and as much as you want to invest. How important is it to you?

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wegiich@reddit

All of it!!!

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majorwizkid1@reddit

All of it

For real though, 1K pistol and 1K rifle at all times, maybe few hundred shotgun.

I keep a few boxes of self defense rounds too per caliber.

On range day I start with a box of self defense ammo to remind myself how it feels, then I’ll practice with target ammo

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