View Full Version : Multiple calibers? Or select few?
How many different calibers do you shoot? And beyond that question, do you folks feel it is wise to have a barrage of calibers to select from and keep rounds for in case the most popular calibers are ever unavailable (again)?
For handguns I have a .357 revolver, two 9mm's, and two .40 cal's. I'm going to sell one of the 40's; but should I dump .40 altogether? or keep one handgun around in .40 just because?
For bolt rifles I have a 7mm Rem Mag and a .308
Should I add another caliber to these? such as 22-250
or should I stick with these two, maybe one day build a custom/better bolt gun than my .308 savage?
I also ask because I was recently offered a really nice winchester 22-250 as part of a trade package. It's a right handed bolt and I prefer left hand bolts, so I got to thinking my little girl could shoot that gun one day. But...do I really want to add another caliber to my rifle brigade? Very likely end up with another set of reloading dies? Make another ammo storage box for several hundred rounds.
Steel head
01-20-14, 20:01
3 right now
223, 40S&W and 45acp.
I'd like to add either 308 or 6.5Grendel and 38super and I'd be very happy with that.
5.56 and 9mm for now. Will be adding 300blk soon.
Sent from my SM-T310 using Tapatalk
For me… .223/556, 9mm, and .45 ACP. Got rid of .357 Sig and .40 S&W years ago. I still like .357 Sig though…hot round!
I sold everything except for 9mm, .45 acp, 5.56, and my 44 mag. I would like to add a 6.8, 30.06, or 308.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
In handguns alone I have .22, 9mm, .40, 45, 38, 357 and more. personally. If I were to say I was going to do it again I would likely narrow all calibers down to .22lr for plinking and teaching new shooters, and 9mm, .45acp and .38/.357 for revolver. For long gun I would likely stick to 5.56 and .308 for GP. That said, I enjoy having a variety even if it makes logistics a pain, but at least I can usually find ammo for something :)
.22lr
.40
.45
5.56 NATO
Everything else is C & R and I don't shoot them.
Sent from my GT-N8013 using Tapatalk
.223, .30 06, 40 s&w, 357 sig, for now. I would like to switch my 40 s&w and 357 sig for 9mm. The .30 06 is a M1903 a3 that has a sentimental value, I'll never sell it and will shoot it as long as I can. However, I would choose .308 over a .30 06 in a new rifle just for cost of ammo.
A cartridge that I used to enjoy but no longer shoot is .257 Roberts.
Cartridges I would like to add are .308 (16" gas gun), 300 blackout (if I ever decide to put together an SBR and begin reloading), and a 7mm bolt rifle (not sure which cartridge, something for long range, if I start reloading).
I have lost interest in anything big with a lot of recoil.
I'm an oddball here:
5.45x39mm
7.62x39mm
9x19mm
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
I forgot…I have .22LR too. So 4 for me. 5 if I go .357 Sig again.
.22/ 9mm/ .38/ .357/ 5.56/ .308/ 12ga. I try real hard to resist adding other calibers.
JBecker 72
01-20-14, 21:20
I shoot 9mm, 5.56mm, .308 and 12 gauge. I reload for .308 only at the moment, but I have most everything I need for 5.56 and 9mm as well. Oddly enough I have about 5k rounds of 22lr, but don't own one right now. The next caliber I want to get into is .17hmr.
Do I really want to add another caliber to my rifle brigade?
No, you don't.
A general rule of thumb: don't have two calibers that do basically the same thing. There isn't much that a .22-250 will do that your 7mm won't already do.
For my part, for handguns I have .40 cal. And as a "light rifle" I have a 5.56 AR. As a "heavy rifle" I have a 7.62NATO M14.
If I ever buy a bolt gun, then it'll be .223 or .308, specifically because I don't want to deal with another caliber. KISS.
I wouldn't dump the 40 cal pistol(s) unless you have decided you are moving on for good. The whole time 9mm ammunition was, and still is, scarce, I have never had difficulty getting 40 S&W. They are not "Nines" but in a properly constructed pistol I have always thought it to be a good cartridge for self defense. You will also see less than what you paid if you choose to sell. In short, if it ain't broke don't fix it. You will be happier that you did.
Your 7mm and 308 will serve you well for anything you would hunt. You do not need to keep thousands of rounds on hand to keep them fed. Perhaps 100 factory loaded rounds each would last most hunters several lifetimes if you reload. I have no experience with the 22-250 but I would not hesitate to buy one if I was younger and starting out. I had a 7mm Remington that beat the snot out of me every time I shot it over a bench and finally decided it wasn't for me. -no regrets letting that one go. I am sure your daughter would feel the same way.
Besides, a 22-250 is a hill country death ray.
Probably more than I can count, but I'll give it a shot as I don't have anything very exotic or unusual.
Heck no don't consolidate on only one or two calibers....That would be very boring. That 22-250 would be quite accurate for you.
.22
5.7x28mm
.380
9mm
.38
.357 Mag
.44 Mag
.45 ACP
7.62x39mm
.30 Cal
.30-30
.308
.30-06
.300WSM
.300WM
.338WM
410 GA
28 GA
12 GA
TacticalSledgehammer
01-20-14, 23:37
5.56
7.62x39
.40 s&w
.380 acp
I want to get into the market for 5.45x39
Too many. Dumped my .40 cal.
Pistol
.22LR
.380
9mm
.45 acp
.38 special
.357 mag
.44 mag
Rifle
.22LR
5.56
5.45x39
.450 bushmaster
7.62x39
7.62x51
7mm rem mag
.300 win mag
12 gauge, 20 gauge, .410 gauge
NoveskeFan
01-21-14, 07:51
I had several more calibers for a few years, but now I have .22, 9mm, .45, 223/5.56, and 12ga. I've been thinking of dumping the .45 and getting more 9. I'd also like to get into 308 with an AR10 :)
Breacher 217
01-21-14, 07:58
I try to stick to a few common calibers for my gun that I shoot. I got rid of all of my .40 and consolidated my pistol calibers to 9mm/.45
As for rifles 7.62x39/.223/.308.
I did this after I started reloading.
.22lr
9mm
5.45x39
.223
One of those are shot weekly, mostly the 9mm.
12ga
.270
7.62x39
30-06
9x18 Mak
.45acp
Those are shot a few times a year. I want to rid all but the 12ga / 45acp in the list above and get a proper 308.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
From a reloading prospective, I try to consolidate as best I can but I don't reload for all the calibers I own. Right now I'm reloading for 11 different guns of 5 different calibers with 3 sizes (varying weights) of projos:
.40=.40 & 10mm
.30=308 & 300WBY
.224=5.56
Sent via Tapatalk
The only caliber I can't reload is .22 rimfire--I got rid of my .40 cal as my .45ACP& have .32ACP, .380ACP, .45 ACP, 5.7x28(a range toy-- nothing more, .357 mag, .38 Spl & .44 mag/Spl. As for rifle--5.56/.223, .308--for me, I keep only the calibers I can reload & any added round would have to do something that the existing rounds couldn't do. I could probably get rid of the 5.7, .32 & .380--but I've a boatload of ammo & they're fun to shoot.
If that makes any sense? I have friends who buy every new caliber--some reload, others don't-- they just buy ammo.
I got rid of 4 calibers a long time back.
Rifles:
22lr, 5.56/223, 7.62x39 and 54R
Pistol: 9mm and 40
Might add 300BLK to the stable if it ever becomes available again
You can never have to many different caliber rifles. Thats the fun in shooting.
When a certain caliber no longer interests you sell the weapon.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
this is timely because I'm going through the process of consolidating. I think it makes sense to have more guns that shoot the same caliber than more, all with different calibers. I look at it as duplication - if one or two calibers can be duplicated by single one, I don't want it. gone are the days where I would paw through several unused, dusty guns in my safe to get at the ones I use...
I had a 7Mag but sold it because it really didn't do anything I couldn't do with .30-06 or .280Rem. (.270Win would work here also). I have AR's in various flavors, all in 5.56, and I'm rebuilding my old benchrest gun in .222 with a new matchgrade barrel in .223. this will be chambered to shoot the long VLD bullets way out there.
I got rid of (or in the process of) all my old military guns - .303 British, 6.5 Swede, 8MM Mauser simply because they take up room and I don't want to dilute my resources to feed the guns I have. I will forever keep my Savage M99 in .300 Savage because it was my Papaw's gun and it's so cool to stroll through the woods with and show off at the camp fire...
for pistols I keep .22, 9mm, .38/.357 revolver, and .45, and because I can't bear to part with it, a first-year P229/357SIG. that's my carry gun and I bought a .40 barrel to shoot IDPA with because 357SIG is a pain to reload.
truth be told, if I HAD to, I'd be happy with multiple copies of .22 and 9mm but I'd keep the revolver too. that's my woods gun. goes well with the Savage...
I have reloading dies for almost every caliber I own, and I keep every piece of brass I fire. Having said that, I generally only reload the calibers I shoot a lot, and those that are prohibitively expensive to shoot otherwise.
I have tool heads setup in 9mm, 45, 5.56, 300 and 7.62x51. Everything else I usually buy off the shelf, but I do buy components when I find deals.
I am of the mindset of "the proper tool for the job" and as a result I have a some choices.
My first rifle was a Rem M700 BDL in 25-06. I still have it and was my "do everything rifle".
My first pistol was a Combat Commander in 9mm. While it's long gone, I still shoot 9mm.
So:
Handguns
.44
10mm
9mm
Rifles:
.220 swift
5.56mm
.223
.30 carbine
25-06
.300wby
.308
.300 savage
attrapereves
01-29-14, 17:04
For handguns, I stick with 9mm, 45ACP, and 10mm. If I bought a revolver, it would be 38/357.
My current rifles are chambered in 22LR, 9mm (carbine), 30-06, 270, and 45-70. I'd probably expand to 223 as well.
I just dumped .40 altogether. I've got 9mm, .45, and .38 for handgun. .22 and 5.56 for rifle. I'll be getting another .308 soon enough I hope. A semi and a bolt gun. I'm seriously considering dumping .45 and just having 9 and .38 for pistol. I just love the way .45 shoots.
I decided to keep 40 SW because I'm reloading 10mm which has dies and bullets in common. I am not so practical with the pistol rounds as the rifle. 1911's can do that to you.
45 ACP is more than half my time at the reloader. 308 and .223 are next, followed by 9mm.
I spend less than 10% of my time reloading and shooting "the rest", which is instructive.
Handgun:
9 mm
10 mm/40SW
38/357
44spl/mag
38 super
9x23
45 acp
Rifle:
223/556
308
7mm rem mag
30-06
Recently dumped 270, 357 sig, 380 acp
own 338 WM but don't load for it. And of course .22
I literally just finished selling off some of my "other" caliber guns. Sold a .308, 30-30, .45, and a 22. I didn't have the widest variety of different caliber guns, but I decided to scale back to 5.56, 9mm, and my wife's 380. Money is tight right now and I was tired of spreading myself thin ammo wise. If things stay relatively calm and I build up my disposable income again, I'll most likely pick up another .308 down the road.
Don't have an answer for you personally, but the above reason is why I decided to part with most of my other guns.
thebarracuda
01-29-14, 19:03
I know what you're getting at. I have many different rifles chambered in an assortment of calibers, ranging from .22lr to .45-70. I collect WWI and II bolt guns, old lever guns and shotguns. I enjoy shooting them and buying them. I have ammo for all of them with most of it in .30-06, 7.62x54r, and tons of 8mm because it used to be dirt cheap. However, I haven't bought any of those cals in years. And probably will not.
Those guns are for entertainment nothing more. The calibers I keep large quantities of are 5.56 and 7.62x39 .22lr in rifle cals, and 9mm and .45 to an extent for pistol. The .45s are seemingly being replenished much slower than the 9mm in my stash. As a reloader as well, I buy new stock as well as reload the empties. Rather than trying to have large stocks for every cal I own, I keep some for all (anywhere from 20-1,000), but as is the plan, I only stockpile for a few. I simplify when I can, like cutting back on .45. I've never been able to choose between 5.56 and 7.62x39 as I really like both rounds so stockpile both rounds. The .22lr is a no brainier.
If I hadn't had a dad that got me collecting early, I'd have it down to a lot more ammo in a lot fewer calibers. I like commonly found cals for a rainy day.
I've tried to keep it simple. Hard to do sometimes.
Handguns:
3 9mm
2 .38 spc
1 .380 wifes
1 .45 acp
2 .22 lr
Rifles:
4 5.56x45 ARs
4 7.62x51 AR, FAL & 2 bolt guns
1 .22 lr
Handguns are all glocks, 9mm, 40 and 380.
Remington 870 12 gauge
556 for the rifle
I hope everybody dumps the 40 means more for me, I just went through my safe Ive decided to just keep, The 40, 223, 308, 22, 20ga, 12ga That's it sold or selling the rest. Even selling my beloved 300WM, Just to darn expensive to shoot. I would like another 44mag or 357/38 maybe. If I really cut back it would be the 40, 308,22, 20ga That should meet all my needs.
Shot a lot:
.22LR
9mm
5.56
Shot a little:
.45ACP
6.8SPCII
30-06 (Garand)
12ga
I dumped everything else. My inventory system is much less complicated and much more enjoyable as a result.
Even selling my beloved 300WM, Just to darn expensive to shoot.
300WM is one of our staples. I load for it, and we shoot about 30-50 rounds per week. I'd love to see the total dollar value in 300WM we've shot since adopting it 2 plus years ago.
It really depends on what you're trying to achieve. An interesting collection? A SHTF collection? A little of both?
I consolidated a long time ago. The money spent on additional calibers - in guns and reloading equipment/supplies - is now concentrated on what I actually use. Having a bunch of dies for different calibers means having to buy and store a bunch of stuff I would rarely use and having to restock more frequently the things I do use. Consolidation allows me to ride out market fluctuations.
I usually stock a year's worth of reloading supplies for each caliber I still have. In November 2008, I bought two-year's worth. Same in December 2012. That was much easier and cheaper with fewer calibers.
Having duplicates of my guns, rather than one example of several calibers, means I have organ donors - or replacements - in case my primaries have issues.
I'd like to have more calibers. That would be interesting. I'd also like to have the money and space for them (the money, especially, would be interesting :)). However, I find what I have to be interesting too. The time I would spend on more calibers instead goes into improving my skills with what I have, and I find my progress to be even more interesting.
FloridaWoodsman
02-03-14, 19:55
I was once on the verge of consolidating. Then the ammo shortages started and I changed my mind.
I have firearms in many calibers: 410, 20 gauge, 12 gauge, .22lr, .38, .357mag, .44mag, .45acp, 9mm, .380acp, .270, 30-06, 300 winmag, .308, 5.56.
BUT I only stock bulk for:
12 Gauge
.22lr
9mm
.45acp
5.56
.308
These are the primaries because they will do everything I can imagine needing to do. I could further eliminate .45acp and .22lr.
Other than a handful of pistol ammo on rimfire here and there... I only stash .223. I'm as streamline as it gets.
If things keep going south, the carbine/rifle are all that will matter.
Other than a handful of pistol ammo on rimfire here and there... I only stash .223. I'm as streamline as it gets.
If things keep going south, the carbine/rifle are all that will matter.
Good points all. You are ahead of many of us clinging to hope I guess... Really though, there is a lot to be said for the high speed low drag concept of picking one caliber to stash for the future. Part of the reason I keep several popular calibers in bulk is that I can always sell or trade it. Bad news is that means less money for the most important caliber for me which is also .223/5.56.
Technically I "shoot" a lot of different calibers, because my "weapons I find interesting" collection is pretty wide caliber-wise everything I own is a shooter.
As far as what I shoot regularly it's down to 9mm, 5.56, 308 and 12 guage....
Submariner
02-04-14, 18:10
Other than a handful of pistol ammo on rimfire here and there... I only stash .223. I'm as streamline as it gets.
If things keep going south, the carbine/rifle are all that will matter.
Recall all the bandwidth expended in the discussions on how we shoot the carbine too much, that we should focus more on the pistol on one's belt as it is the most likely weapon we shall use? Those discussions virtually ignored "if things keep going south."
Stashing .223/5.56 makes sense. There is only so much discretionary income for most of us, particularly if we actually train.
If we get far enough south, it may become more available. In the Falklands War, 2PARA expended far more ammunition in their initial assault on Darwin than could be resupplied. They still needed to conduct the assault on Goose Green.
“So, after the Harrier attack, I gathered everyone together and told them to scrounge all the ammunition they could find. They went off and plundered everything and carried back about seven or eight thousand Argentinian rounds, which fortunately were the same calibre as ours.” Maj. John Crosland, MC, 2 PARA.
http://www.paradata.org.uk/article/1613/related/38367
To get to that point, stashing .223/5.56 really makes sense.
Recall all the bandwidth expended in the discussions on how we shoot the carbine too much, that we should focus more on the pistol on one's belt as it is the most likely weapon we shall use? Those discussions virtually ignored "if things keep going south."
I actually don't remember those. When people start babbling about Todd Green drills and shit.. I fall asleep. I barely shoot pistol once per month or maybe even quarter. My marksmanship skills are fine. The glamorous bullshit combat roll mag changes are pathetic. But that's largely romantic fantasy unless you're actually a Patrol officer.
I was once on the verge of consolidating. Then the ammo shortages started and I changed my mind.
Ironically, that's the exact reason why I began consolidating. Fewer calibers to support allowed me to increase my support of the calibers I really use and need. Now, ammo shortages don't bother me at all because I'm never close to running out. I let other people pay inflated prices and collect the brass they leave behind.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.