One can only hope that S.H.T.F. will never happen. If you want to prepare for it, there are some important steps to take. For instance, how much ammo do you need for S.H.T.F.? Can you ever have enough ammo?
You will need 1000 rounds of practice ammunition of rimfire, centerfire pistol, and centerfire rifle ammunition for S.H.T.F. You will also need 100 rounds of specialty ammunition for each. Lastly, make sure to have 500 rounds of practice ammo of shotgun shells and 50 rounds of specialty ammo.
S.H.T.F. is something that many people prepare for, especially after what we all experienced in 2020-2022, and it may be hard to figure out where to even start. This article will describe in detail what S.H.T.F. means, what kind of ammunition you need and how much, and how to make it last. It will also provide practical storage tips and shed light on why purchasing ammunition for firearms you don’t own is a sound choice.
What Exactly Does S.H.T.F. Mean?
Many people know what the acronym means, but if we are talking about preparing for S.H.T.F., it will be useful to know how exactly survivalists define it.
For those who don’t know, S.H.T.F. means “shi* hits the fan”. This phrase usually refers to situations that take a turn for the worse. A lot of people think of catastrophic events when talking about S.H.T.F., but it can really be any situation that requires survival skills.
What kind of shtf scenario might we encounter?
- Pandemic
- World war
- Civil war
- Major natural disaster
- Food crisis
- Collapse of the economy
- Yellowstone eruption
- Nuclear attack
Fortunately, the likelihood of “shi* hitting the fan” is not high. It is always good to be prepared, though. You never know when one of these shtf situation is about to happen and you can never have too much guns and ammo in my opinion.
After the last 3 years, you are probably realizing just how important it is to stock up on ammo. In fact, my ammo stockpile has grown significantly over the last few years and the majority of my friends have grown their ammo supply as well.
What Kind of Ammo Should I Buy?
When preparing for a SHTF scenario, choosing the right type of ammunition for your firearms is an important consideration. The ideal ammo should be reliable, versatile, and readily available, ensuring that you can effectively protect yourself and your loved ones during emergencies or unexpected situations. By carefully selecting your ammunition, you can build a strong foundation of preparedness and enhance your ability to cope with and overcome any challenges you may face.
The type of ammo you should buy for a SHTF situation largely depends on the firearms you own or plan to acquire. The two most popular calibers that are not very powerful are .22 and 9mm. For self-defense purposes, common calibers such as 9mm, .45 ACP, and .223/5.56 NATO are popular choices due to their wide availability, relatively affordable cost, and proven effectiveness. Additionally, these calibers are commonly used by law enforcement and military personnel, making them more likely to be found in times of crisis.
If hunting is part of your survival plan, consider stocking up on ammunition suitable for taking game, such as .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, or 12-gauge shotgun shells. When purchasing ammo, prioritize quality and reliability over low-cost options, as your safety and well-being may depend on the performance of your ammunition during a SHTF situation. Finally, remember to store your ammo in a cool, dry place, using proper storage containers to preserve its functionality and longevity. By investing in the right type of ammunition and maintaining it properly, you’ll be better prepared to face unforeseen events and protect yourself and your loved ones when it matters most.
The Minimum Amount of Ammo You Need for S.H.T.F. – How Much Ammo Should I Carry?
There are a few different kinds of ammunition you should have stockpiled for when S.H.T.F. Let’s take a look at the most important kinds of ammo:
- Rimfire ammunition – Make sure to have 1000 rounds of practice ammunition for each gun and 100 rounds of specialty ammunition.
- Centerfire pistol ammunition – 1000 rounds of practice ammunition for each gun and 100 rounds of specialty ammunition.
- Centerfire rifle ammunition – 1000 rounds of practice ammunition and 100 rounds of specialty ammunition for each gun.
- Shotgun shells – Make sure to have 500 rounds of practice ammunition and 50 rounds of specialty ammunition. You can consider this your defensive ammo.
If you stock up according to the list above, you will be well set for when any survival situation. Keep in mind that these amounts are the minimum amounts you will want to have, so if you are able to stock up on more ammunition, do so.
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Why You Need Practice Ammunition
As a responsible gun owner, it’s essential to invest in practice ammunition to hone your shooting skills and ensure you’re well-prepared for any situation that may arise. Regular practice with your firearms not only helps you build muscle memory and improve accuracy but also fosters a deep understanding of your weapon’s functionality and safety features. By dedicating time and effort to practice with the appropriate ammunition, you can develop confidence and competence in handling your firearms, ultimately enhancing your ability to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Practice ammunition, often referred to as “range ammo” or “target ammo,” is designed specifically for use during training sessions and target practice. It typically features full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets, which are less expensive than hollow-point or specialized self-defense rounds, making them a cost-effective choice for routine practice. While practicing, it’s important to choose the same caliber and, if possible, a similar bullet weight as your self-defense or duty ammunition to ensure consistency in performance and feel. This will help you become more familiar with your firearm’s recoil and handling characteristics, allowing for a smoother transition when using your preferred self-defense rounds.
Additionally, regular practice with your chosen ammunition can help you identify any potential issues with your firearm or ammo, enabling you to address them before they become critical. By investing in practice ammunition and committing to ongoing training, you’ll be better equipped to handle your firearms safely, responsibly, and effectively when it matters most.
Why You Need Specialty Ammunition
In the world of firearms, specialty ammunition serves a unique purpose, offering specific advantages and capabilities beyond those of standard ammo. These specialized rounds can enhance your shooting experience, improve your accuracy, and provide additional safety and versatility when using your firearms. By understanding the benefits and applications of specialty ammunition, you can make informed decisions about which types of ammo best suit your needs and ensure that you’re well-prepared for a wide range of shooting situations.
Specialty ammunition encompasses a variety of unique rounds designed for specific purposes, such as self-defense, hunting, or target shooting. For example, hollow-point bullets are designed to expand upon impact, increasing their stopping power and reducing the risk of over-penetration, making them an ideal choice for self-defense situations. Similarly, frangible rounds are designed to disintegrate upon impact with hard surfaces, minimizing the risk of ricochet and collateral damage during training sessions or in close-quarters environments. In the realm of hunting, specialized rounds like ballistic-tipped or controlled-expansion bullets offer improved accuracy, trajectory, and terminal performance, ensuring more ethical and effective shots on game animals. Finally, subsonic ammunition is engineered to travel below the speed of sound, reducing the noise produced by the gunshot and making it well-suited for use with suppressors or in noise-sensitive environments. By incorporating specialty ammunition into your shooting repertoire, you can tailor your choice of ammo to the specific task at hand, optimizing your performance and safety while maximizing the potential of your firearms.
How to Make Your Ammunition Last When S.H.T.F
Stockpiling all of this ammunition won’t do you much good if it doesn’t last. Especially for a survival situation, you need to be extremely careful to make the most of your ammunition. This is why you should be practicing your aim as much as you can before S.H.T.F. This will make your ammunition last longer since you won’t be wasting as many bullets.
Even if a disaster never happens, you will have a great aim for the next time you go hunting.
How to Store Your Ammunition
If you are serious about stockpiling large amounts of ammunition, you should be sure you are storing it properly. Here are a few tips on storing ammunition:
- Keep your ammo in a closed container, never in an open box. Make sure to buy a container that is made for storing ammo. The Sheffield 12630 Plastic Field Box is a great option if you want to keep things affordable.
- Make sure your ammo can is waterproof.
- Store your ammunition indoors. Avoid storing your ammo in a moist, warm room. Store them at room temperature. If you want to be extra cautious, buy a dehumidifier to put in the storage room.
- Make sure your ammunition is in a secure location that is locked. The last thing you would want is for an intruder to get into your ammo.
- Store your ammunition in a high place if you can’t lock them up.
If you have a lot of ammunition (and you might after reading this article), the best thing to do is to purchase an ammunition cabinet. These will give you the most space, and you can easily lock it.
The video below is a great source if you want a few more quick tips about storing your ammunition.
Why You Should Buy Ammo for Guns You Don’t Own When S.H.T.F.
This tip is useless unless things actually hit the fan. If you want to be a step ahead of the others, make sure to buy ammunition for guns you don’t own. This is because if a worldwide disaster happens, you might be finding random guns lying on the ground. Well, maybe they won’t be just laying around on the ground… but you know, if you end up in deserted areas and you come across guns in abandoned houses or warehouses.
This way, you will be able to use those guns. You can also use extra ammunition to barter with. There will be lots of things you will need, like food or clothing, so having something valuable to trade will help.
Here are a few popular rounds that you can buy ammunition for:
- .410 Bore
- .300 Win Mag
- 20 Gauge & 12 Gauge
- .30-30, .308 & .270 Winchester
- .22 LR
- 9mm Luger
- .357 Magnum
- .30-06 Springfield
This is something you can build up slowly. Every time you visit your usual hunting gear store, buy ammunition for one or two of those guns. Eventually, you will have yourself a perfect stockpile for bargaining (and using).
Conclusion
When S.H.T.F. you should have 1000 rounds of practice ammunition of rimfire ammunition, centerfire pistol ammunition and centerfire rifle ammunition. Furthermore, make sure to have 100 rounds of specialty ammunition for each of those listed. You should also have 500 rounds of practice ammunition of shotgun shells and 50 rounds of specialty ammunition.
It is also a good idea to purchase ammunition for guns you don’t own for two reasons. You can use the ammo for bargaining purposes in a survival situation or use the ammo for guns you find. Lastly, make sure to store your stockpile at room temperature. You should also keep the ammo in a secure location that is locked.
FAQs
How much ammo do you really need for SHTF?
The answer to this question depends on several factors. Firstly, the type and number of firearms you have will influence the amount of ammo required. You will also need to consider the duration of the SHTF scenario and the level of threat you anticipate. In general, it is recommended to have a minimum of 1,000 rounds for each primary firearm, and at least 100 rounds for each secondary firearm. However, this is a rough estimate and you may need more or less depending on your specific situation.
Should I stockpile ammo for SHTF?
Yes, you should definitely stockpile ammo for SHTF scenarios. In these situations, access to additional ammo may become limited or even impossible, so it’s important to have a well-stocked supply. You can start by building a stockpile of common calibers such as 9mm, .223 or 5.56, and handgun rounds. Additionally, you may want to consider stocking up on rounds of specialty ammo, defensive ammo, and practice ammo for training purposes.
How much ammo is enough for SHTF?
As mentioned earlier, the amount of ammo required for SHTF scenarios will vary. But as a general rule of thumb, you can consider yourself well-stocked with a minimum of 1000 rounds per firearm in common calibers and at least 500 rounds for each secondary firearm. However, it is always better to have more than less, and you can never have too much ammo in self-defense situations.
What type of firearms and calibers should I consider for SHTF ammo stockpile?
For SHTF ammo stockpile, you should consider firearms that can effectively defend you and your family. You should stock up on common calibers such as 9mm, .223 or 5.56, handgun rounds of ammo, and shotgun shells. Additionally, you may want to consider having a centerfire rifle or hunting rifle that can be used for hunting and long-range self-defense. However, it ultimately depends on your preferences and what type of firearms you are proficient with.
How many rounds of specialty ammo should I have in my SHTF stockpile?
Specialty ammo such as defensive ammo and hunting rounds can be useful in certain situations. It is recommended to have at least 100 rounds of specialty ammo for each firearm in your SHTF stockpile. This will ensure that you have enough ammo for each situation, without taking away from your standard ammo supply.
Should I stock up on pistol cartridges as well as rifle ammo for SHTF?
Yes, you should definitely stock up on both pistol cartridges and rifle ammo for SHTF scenarios.
