SHTF Ammo

[RANGER295]

I debated where to put this and it ended here. We have talked before about how ammo would dry up fast in a SHTF situation. This got me thinking. I have five gallon buckets of brass sitting in my shop, I have casting equipment and hundreds of pounds of lead, but powder and primers would run low.

Hence my question, is there any reliable improvised primer out there? And could a black powder load be developed that would safely function in modern weapons, specifically an M-14, AK, SKS, and various pistols? I have access to bulk potassium nitrate and sulfur, quality charcoal is easy to make, and I may have made a batch or two to use in muzzle loaders in the past. So it would be very easy for me to make it. I am not sure what to do for the primer though. Some of the improvised munitions manuals have primers in there but none of them using chemicals I am familiar with. Any thoughts?

[1lostinspace]

I just bought about 10k primers

I mean it would hard to believe that you could fire 10k and not get hit your self but I did it to save my on reloading

[aplinker]

http://onlinebooks.110mb.com/tm%2031-210/31-210-contents.htm

specifically:

http://onlinebooks.110mb.com/tm%2031-210/31-210-03-05.htm

If you think you're going to run out of ammunition you don't have enough.

I can't imagine a SHTF situation where 5K rounds of rifle, 1K rounds of handgun ammo aren't sufficient. If it's really some bizarre doomed world, well... All you need is 1 round.

[rksimple]

I can't imagine a SHTF situation where 5K rounds of rifle, 1K rounds of handgun ammo aren't sufficient. If it's really some bizarre doomed world, well... All you need is 1 round.

I agree. The chances of expending a few thousand rounds and not be hit yourself are nil. If you're thinking longer term, stock up on 22lr. Do the walmart plan. You'd be amazed at how fast you can stock up 30k rounds.

[xrMike]

specifically:

http://onlinebooks.110mb.com/tm%2031...-210-03-05.htm

That's an interesting idea, but I'm not sure it would work well as a substitute for real primers, which use a small amount of lead styphnate, a primary explosive, while the strike-anywhere matchtip is just some kind of friction-sensitive chemical compound that only burns (instead of detonates).

It would be an cool experiment though to make some and see if they actually work.

[vandal]

Zombie don't shoot

I mean it would hard to believe that you could fire 10k and not get hit your self

[Bizcuits]

Ranger, I'm guessing your question is more based on an end of the world scenario? Or some type of a long term scenario?

With that in mind, you will always come across other weapons and other ammo. Which can be disassembled and their resources used.

[RANGER295]

Ranger, I'm guessing your question is more based on an end of the world scenario? Or some type of a long term scenario?

With that in mind, you will always come across other weapons and other ammo. Which can be disassembled and their resources used.

http://onlinebooks.110mb.com/tm%2031...0-contents.htm

specifically:

http://onlinebooks.110mb.com/tm%2031-210/31-210-03-05.htm

If you think you're going to run out of ammunition you don't have enough.

I will try to make some of those primers and see if they work. Another part of the first link you sent talks about using match heads in place of powder as well. What do you guys think about that? This still brings me back to my original question about using black powder in place of smokeless powder. That is what I would run out of the fastest. I have way more primers than I have powder to load rounds. In CA you could not legally have enough powder to load that many rounds.

[jermzzzzzzz]

If you run out of ammo and/or need a lil ooooomph molotov's might come in handy.

[aileron]

End of the world is a bit strong but you have the general idea. I currently have a supply of live ammo that would last me quite a while. I have when you figure all of the calibers added together probably 30-50k. About 10k of that is .22lr. I also have at least 5k or each primer size I use (small pistol, large pistol, and rifle).

Check six.... boogey mans gonna get you now that you told uncle sam what you got.

If the press reads this and they well wet their pants.

I will try to make some of those primers and see if they work.

On a serious note, I'm curious to see how this works. Please share your findings

[aplinker]

It won't ignite the powder as well as a primer, but the round will detonate.

[GuyW]

Switch to Plan B: load the muzzleloaders...

[aplinker]

Switch to Plan B: load the muzzleloaders...

You still need a cap, unless you play on using a matchlock or flintlock.

[SFFRONTMAN]

Didn't you know? Every SHTF plan has a well stocked supply of flintlocks

[metalhead357]

Hmmmmm, I've said this on other threads like this.....

ASIDE from the PROTECTION aspect...think the hunting side of this.

Most * predators* in the wild they say have a 10% success rate on any given day (just keep that in mind).

So you...all by yer'self...only needing to feed just you...... say you're gonna live off rabbits and squirrel.

1 shot gets you one meal.

Its TEOTWAWKI.........

So, 365 rounds MIGHT get you 365 meals...but that's only ONE meal per day.

So 3 meals a day....365 X 3...again, if you dont miss and you dine alone.

Add in the wife and ONE kid...now you're looking at
365 days X 3 people X 9 ((NINE)) Shots per day....

THAT is a Helluva LOT of ammo to stock up on for TEOTWAWKI SHTF scenarios....even if all you're talking about is .22lr.........

Those with "5K will be enough" will die if all they have is 5k in .22 and a bad shot-- arguably in less than 5 years ina SHTF scenario if they're trying to feed themselves and 2 loved ones......

Gonna be in a group? Think MUCH MORE.

So you wanna say/argue....Oh, but who lives off hunting alone? Maybe I'll fish...maybe I'll plant stuff..........
................OK....So why arn't you ALSO talking greenery AND Fishing polls