Ammunition Shortage Solutions for Training

[ramzar]

From Mike Seeklander's Shooting Performance January 2013 emailed newsletter:

Ammunition Shortage SolutionsReplace some of your live fire training with dryfireReplace full power ammunition training with a .22 conversion kit.Consider using airsoft or a SIRT pistol for in home practice and an advanced version of dry fire. I personally use my SIRT pistol and my strike dummy (bob) and work close range drills and strikes. The laser that is emitted from the SIRT always allows me to check my positioning and hits. If you decided to use airsoft, make sure you follow all safety rules and wear safety equipment.

The bottom line is that these times are not soon behind us. Find a way to continue to train, especially if your training purpose is self defense. Use the little live fire ammunition time you have wisely and make sure the drills you do at the range are well designed!

[Bobby Hated]

+1 airsoft

[GM_77]

HATERS GONNA HATE

[Sheepdog1968]

We went through a similar ammo drought when Obama got elected the first time. It took about two years before ammo availability setteled down. I suspect it will take at least as long this time.

Everyone should own a 22 pistol and rifle so they can practice inexpensively and then on a routine basis stop by a local store and buy a box of $500 for $20 or so. If you do this a couple of times a month you don't miss the money and start to build a resonable supply that will allow training to continue when shortages happen.

[HighLander51]

Bobby, you forgot the first rule of competitive shooting! Keep at least 2 years of components on hand. For you that should be about 60,000 rounds.........

[ramzar]

Here's what Larry Vickers said a few days ago:

Ammunition for students of 2013 Vickers Tactical classes

Based on the firearm and ammunition hysteria in the market in early 2013 I would like to put out some guidelines for students of my classes as well as information on sourcing ammo. Here goes;

1) Plan ahead; 400 rds per day is a good rule of thumb for my training classes - that number covers virtually all my curriculum. Your best bet is to shop around far in advance to purchase the ammo you need vs waiting until the last minute. In addition quality reloads are permitted in my classes ( see number 4 below )

2) Many of my drills can be structured for a reduced round count. For instance if you can only get 600 rds instead of 800 rds for a 2 day class we can make that work - remember any training is better than no training. I can adjust the drills to meet your ammo supply. My classes have always been quality vs. quantity with a heavy emphasis on accuracy so training won't suffer with a slightly reduced round count

3) 22 LR is authorized for classes. I have had students bring rimfire for different reasons before and I would encourage you to come with a 22 caliber long gun or handgun before you skip the class altogether. Understand that rimfire firearms are not as functionally reliable as centerfire weapons so if possible do your homework to see what kind of ammo your rimfire likes best

4) Factory new ammo is available from G&R Tactical www.gandrtactical.com and remanufactured ammo is available for a slightly discounted price from Everglades ammunition in Florida. Currently 9mm, .40 and .45 ammo is readily available for Vickers Tactical students with 5.56mm ammo coming on line from Everglades in the May 2013 timeframe ( approx). To order ammo from Everglades contact Stephen Bender at Steve@evergladesammo.com and tell him you are ordering ammo for one of my classes. The discount applies to the ammo needed for the class you are attending; any ammo you buy beyond that will be the normal price

If you have any questions contact me at Larry@VickersTactical.com

Thanks and I'll see you at the range!

Larry Vickers
Vickers Tactical Inc.
Host of TacTV

[ramzar]

Here's what Rob Pincus said a few weeks ago:

I.C.E. Training Lowers Round Count & Tuition for 2013!

In response to concerns from students about cost and availability of training ammo, I.C.E. Responds by lowering both course costs and round counts.

[SuperSet]

Bobby, you forgot the first rule of competitive shooting! Keep at least 2 years of components on hand. For you that should be about 60,000 rounds.........

That's smart to do but then again, even if you are setup, who are you going to compete against when your other shooters can't find ammo?
I went looking for 12 gauge bulk birdshot at WalMart this week and all the stores around me had nothing. Who the heck hoards bulk birdshot and what use is that gonna be in the revolution?

[ramzar]

Who the heck hoards bulk birdshot and what use is that gonna be in the revolution?

[SvenFrost]

Don't you have an AAR to write, RamzAAR?

[ramzar]

Don't you have an AAR to write, RamzAAR?

Indeed. Especially the John McPhee carbine class from this past weekend where I / we got some of the best pistol instruction and diagnostics ever!

I'm remiss in my AAR duties only because I'm so concerned about classes and ammo the next 6+ months!

[HighLander51]

That's smart to do but then again, even if you are setup, who are you going to compete against when your other shooters can't find ammo?

The other smart shooters who also have 60,000 rounds. We should be able to do 6 stages in under 30 minutes.

[HK35]

The other smart shooters who also have 60,000 rounds. We should be able to do 6 stages in under 30 minutes.

I'm liking this quick 6 stage match!!!

As for alternatives: I dry fire and use airsoft at home. Airsoft is loads of fun specially on steel targets.

Reloading also helps when factory ammo is in short supply & high demand. Speaking of which, Highlander, have you used HP-38 in 9mm loads? If so, what's a good load using 115gr RN with 1.155" COL and Magnum Primers?

[ramzar]

Here's what Jason Falla (Redback One) said a few days ago:

Due to recent events and low ammo supply we have adjusted the ammo requirements for our 2013 courses.

[HighLander51]

I'm liking this quick 6 stage match!!!

As for alternatives: I dry fire and use airsoft at home. Airsoft is loads of fun specially on steel targets.

Reloading also helps when factory ammo is in short supply & high demand. Speaking of which, Highlander, have you used HP-38 in 9mm loads? If so, what's a good load using 115gr RN with 1.155" COL and Magnum Primers?

Several micro squads got thru Norco Running Gun in 60 - 90 minutes today because everyone is in Arizona for the Single Stack Classis and because the weather was not quite right.

Don't know about HP-38, been running TiteGroup for 15 years. 125 TC moly on top of 4 grains of TiteGroup at 1.155" goes about 1,200 fps out of the G34.

Check HP website and start with min, work up .3 grs to max, use same case for 6 each loads, check for accuracy.