Question for those stocking up on ammo.

[FNGGlock]

OP, only you can answer that question. As stated above it really depends on your needs as competition shooters, active duty, casual shooters, trainers, etc will have different needs.

I would propose you look at the categories and calibers of ammo you use/expect to use, and then look at past usage or estimate how much you will use for each category and caliber per year. Then at a minimum it will be good to stock up 2 years of usage, ideally 5 years if budget and space allows. Given ammo shortages in the past you can stretch a 2 year supply and also have more control over the price you pay if you have a 5 year supply.

Categories of ammo will vary by caliber, but keep in mind you have plinking ammo, pistol competition ammo ("cheap" FMJ), defensive ammo, hunting ammo, competition ammo for rifles, wide variety for shotshells in terms of defense/hunting/competition, etc. Normally plinking and competition type ammo will be consumed at a higher rate, but depends on your needs.

Also make sure to store ammo appropriately, preferably in a somewhat heat/moisture regulated environment like inside the house/storage space in proper containers if possible.

[DaveInOroValley]

Personally I have at least 5K rounds of each caliber except for my S&W 500, that's around 1K.

Currently on my last inventory I have 42K rounds of assorted calibers.

[Calif Hunter]

Since I reload, I usually only bought bulk 9mm, .223/5.56 and rimfire ammo. I have a lot, along with lots of reloads for the other firearms I have. It all depends on how much you shoot.

[b18bturboek9]

Since prices will be going up and down since war is going on all over I figure buying a bunch now will make it cost effective later. I have a good amount but factoring I want to go out and shoot and not be worried about how much it’ll cost me later the norm will be to buy now while there’s still ammo on the shelf at a reasonable price. I think a lot of us have been around to see market prices go up and down that it’s up to your budget and know how to see how things play out. Factor in how much you shoot and how much you have and what your wallet can spare is the only thoughts i have.

[splithoof]

Since I reload, I usually only bought bulk 9mm, .223/5.56 and rimfire ammo. I have a lot, along with lots of reloads for the other firearms I have. It all depends on how much you shoot.

I am in a similar situation.
However, I will order a batch for nothing more than the symbolism it conveys to the dog crap eating legislature and voters who put this in place back when.

I would also like to produce a very short video showing a case of ammunition strapped to the roof of my car being driven over the Colorado river on I-10, going through the agricultural checkpoint with that big sign announcing California. A pair of dolls resembling Bob-in-the-butt Bonta and Newscum could be sitting atop the ammo. Sounds of heavy laughter in the background.

[Like2fly]

Well, it is interesting that no one has asked or said ?how many defensive rounds? they have or should have. Since I prefer buying ammo by the case (usually 1,000 rounds) for target ammo for various caliber rifles and handguns, I decided a while back to get 1,000 rounds for each of my preferred defensive rounds in .380, 9mm and .45 auto, since I have ?a few? of each of these guns. With that many, more expensive, defensive rounds I am more likely to actually practice or cycle thru these periodically, rather than never wanting to waste or use them for practice due to the cost.

[yacko]

Well, it is interesting that no one has asked or said ?how many defensive rounds? they have or should have. Since I prefer buying ammo by the case (usually 1,000 rounds) for target ammo for various caliber rifles and handguns, I decided a while back to get 1,000 rounds for each of my preferred defensive rounds in .380, 9mm and .45 auto, since I have ?a few? of each of these guns. With that many, more expensive, defensive rounds I am more likely to actually practice or cycle thru these periodically, rather than never wanting to waste or use them for practice due to the cost.

This^^^^^

I reload. My range use stuff is mainly my reloads. I do shoot some of the good defensive ammo just to keep familiar with it.

I bought at least 500 rounds of the defensive ammo last time for each cartridge. Will buy at least 500 again.

It lasts a long time since I only shoot a couple mags of it every several months.

[Jimi Jah]

I know I have enough when the cabinet sags.

[LBDamned]

I know I have enough when the cabinet sags.

My storage rack/shelves did... added 1/4 plywood to the existing boards - theyre solid!

Don't let sagging stop the hoarding... reinforce! And order more!

[Barang]

My storage rack/shelves did... added 1/4 plywood to the existing boards - theyre solid!

Don't let sagging stop the hoarding... reinforce! And order more!

and 2x4s when needed even more support!

[OCEquestrian]

[BrokerB]

Buy as much as you can afford. I bought 10,000 rounds of .22 sub sonic's in 2007 for about $400. Ill most likely will never buy anymore .22 in my life time in any bulk. Been gifted brickd of 500 here ..500 there of various "hii speed" 22lr as well

Buy it cheap..stack it deep. Ammo rarely drops down dramatically in price. I have 7.62 nato I bought for .11 round... Now I sit here and say.." should of bought nore" : )
I only shoot a couple thousand rounds a year now. A decade ago I would shoot 5,000 a year. Someday Ill be back to shoot more often. Always wanted to do 3 gun stuff.

Stack it deep and cheap

[RTE]

I knew someone who rolled an ammo safe across a concrete floor and heard a sharp Crack?
After unloading half the weight got it to the new location.
Said person has since added a few more rounds and a couple more calibers.

[Capybara]

Those stocking up on ammo now, how much do you feel comfortable with for each caliber?
Many have been buying and stocking up in the last couple of days.
For instance 1000 rounds - 5 thousand -10,000 for each caliber?
I understand it depends on how much you shoot. I'm just curious of the "norm".

It's all relative. I know three people who each have between a million and a 1.5 million rounds on hand at all times.

I know a LOT of people who have 200k to 500k rounds and or the components to reload that amount.

I know people who have two or three boxes of 50 and just buy the expensive ammo at the gun range when they want to shoot their one gun.

For me, I have very different amounts for each gun. It depends on how often I shoot that gun, how expensive that round is, how available that round is, and if I reload for that round. Some, like 7.62x25, .30-06 Garand are pretty expensive to acquire and I don't reload for 7.62x25. I have three guns in that chambering but I don't shoot them that often and when I do, it's usually just two or three mags worth. But common calibers like 12ga, 9mm and .223, I like to have 10k or better yet 10k and enough components to reload 20-50k rounds. .22, I bought a LOT during the Obummer .22 shortage so I am flush with .22. I wish 12ga wasn't so bulky, it's one of my most shot rounds but it's really bulky to store so I don't have as much as I'd like on hand as I simply don't have the room to store it.

Bottom line, everyone has their own individual ammo strategy. With the cost of factory ammo these days, you have to be wealthy to own a LOT of ammo, whereas ten years ago, we could still buy and find relatively cheap ammo. Those days are gone forever.

[aklon]

Rather than a number of rounds per caliber my concern is the number of rounds per gun regardless of caliber. I like keeping a 500 minimum in reserve for each one.