How much ammo?

[ST911]

I keep a "Stock Pile" of ammunition for two separate reasons.

The first reason is to ensure a supply of training and practice ammunition, should a shortage occur for whatever reason. I keep a 1 to 1 ratio of 5.56mm and 9mm ammunition, FMJ all. For my defensive/carry ammunition, I use a 3 to 1 ratio of rifle to pistol.

I have a minimum amount of each that I keep on hand and will not go below. I do not think in term of rounds vs. rifle, but rounds per shooter. For me, that minimum is 1K of 5.56 and 500 9mm per shooter living in my house. I keep more than the minimum on hand. But just like discussing the amount of cash in my checking account at present, I don't see the need to share the amount of ammunition in my basement, with the world via the internet.

I found it was easier to set ammunition aside by using a 2 to 1 ratio for replacement. If I buy 1,000 rounds, 500 of it will become available to be shot and the other 500 gets set aside. I also rotate my stock by age. For example, if I buy a 1,000 case of 5.56, 500 is for shooting and 500 is for storage. But the entire 1,000 case goes to the back of the ammo shelf and 500 rounds of the oldest "storage ammo" goes into the range bag to be shot.

Great contribution, thank you.

[a1madrid]

So how often would you have to replace your 5.56 because it is becoming old?


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[Biged65]

I keep a "Stock Pile" of ammunition for two separate reasons.

The first reason is to ensure a supply of training and practice ammunition, should a shortage occur for whatever reason. I keep a 1 to 1 ratio of 5.56mm and 9mm ammunition, FMJ all. For my defensive/carry ammunition, I use a 3 to 1 ratio of rifle to pistol.

I have a minimum amount of each that I keep on hand and will not go below. I do not think in term of rounds vs. rifle, but rounds per shooter. For me, that minimum is 1K of 5.56 and 500 9mm per shooter living in my house. I keep more than the minimum on hand. But just like discussing the amount of cash in my checking account at present, I don't see the need to share the amount of ammunition in my basement, with the world via the internet.

I found it was easier to set ammunition aside by using a 2 to 1 ratio for replacement. If I buy 1,000 rounds, 500 of it will become available to be shot and the other 500 gets set aside. I also rotate my stock by age. For example, if I buy a 1,000 case of 5.56, 500 is for shooting and 500 is for storage. But the entire 1,000 case goes to the back of the ammo shelf and 500 rounds of the oldest "storage ammo" goes into the range bag to be shot.

Since 2008 this is how I've been doing it, My two youngest still shoot mainly 22's and 1000 rounds is not uncommon on a good day (neighbor kids show up when they see us arrive at my m-i-l's) so its rare I have too much on hand. Other calibers are at levels that rotation is common place.

[Beat Trash]

So how often would you have to replace your 5.56 because it is becoming old?


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I keep my ammunition in the same conditions that I keep wine. Cool, dry and at a constant temperature. It will keep for years in this fashion. I don’t "need" to replace it. But I chose to rotate it, using the oldest for training and practice.

[Moose-Knuckle]

If anyone has any "old" 5.56 just laying around getting in the way I offer a free disposal service . . .

[HighDesert]

Today I fired some old police surplus 30-30 that had been in storage since the 70s. You guys are over thinking this.

[Eurodriver]

Can someone explain what this "proportion" stuff is? What is "2:1" for each rifle? What does that mean?

Today I fired some old police surplus 30-30 that had been in storage since the 70s. You guys are over thinking this.

No doubt. I have a buddy who has said things to me like "Man, I gotta get to the range. Some of this ammo is 4 years old."

Meanwhile, I'm loading up my Mosin Nagant with rounds from the 1940s...

[sevenhelmet]

Can someone explain what this "proportion" stuff is? What is "2:1" for each rifle? What does that mean?

I believe this refers to replacement ratio (i.e. shoot 100 rounds, then buy 200, so you gradually stock up) but I could have misunderstood the context.

[SeriousStudent]

Last year I shot ammo that was nearly 100 years old out of one of my 8mm Mauser rifles that is almost 80 years old.

Unless you store your modern ammo someplace in direct sunlight in Death Valley, it's not going to get old.

[blade_68]

I'm still shooting 22LR ammo I bought any where from late 90s on. Ammo normally has a shelf life way past any of us. The 50 BMG ammo my unit was issued in Iraq was 1940s vintage, I was I shocked that the Army still had ammo that old. No problems with it, it actually seemed to be more consistently loaded.
How much ammo stored.... don't ever know 400- 800 lbs. No clue. Probably have 100-200 rnds 300WM, 30-06 100-200 rnds. 22LR? 223/5.56 ? 308 ? 9mm ? 45 ? If I find first 2 with good price I get it. Bulk with rest. Was getting pissed with 22LR ammo unavailability to restock. Cost was just getting back to normal now going stupid again with 5.56.
I have never said "Damn I have to much ammo only I need more ammo."