Posted on 12/14/2015 1:47:21 PM PST by w1n1
What rifle calibers are you stockpiling?
If you were going to pick a rifle caliber for a long term SHTF situation, what would that caliber be?
For some reason I woke up this morning thinking about my 7mm express / 280 Remington, and how the panic buying back in the first half of 2013 caused a shortage in ammunition supplies.
When I got my Remington model 700 chambered in 280, I wanted something that was around the 270 or 30-06, and that would also work on heavier game such as elk and moose.
In all honesty I put too much thought into picking the 280 Remington. While it's a fine caliber, the price of ammunition has gone up so much that shooting has gotten downright expensive. With a box of 20 rounds costing more than $25, stockpiling is cost prohibitive.
And let's be perfectly honest, there is nothing the 280 Remington / 7mm express can do that either the 270 Winchester or 30-06 Springfield cannot do.
There comes a point when survivalists are stockpiling too many calibers. We need to get out of this "buy a new rifle, stockpile a new caliber, buy a new rifle, stockpile a new caliber" roller coaster.
During the great ammo panic of 2013, what calibers were available? Or maybe the question should be what calibers were not available? I'll tell you what, let's talk about both.
30-30 Winchester After its introduction in 1895, the 30-30 Winchester has won a loyal following for its reliability. There is a reason why the 30-30 is considered to be the gun that won the west. Excluding military calibers and the 22 long rifle, if I had to pick a single cartridge for a long term SHTF / TEOTWAWKI situation, it would probably be the 30-30 Winchester.
Why the 30-30 Winchester? Because it has a proven track record of over a hundred years on deer sized game. Chances are no other modern caliber has killed more deer than the 30-30. Read the rest of the story here. What are you all carrying?
Yep!
.44 Mag for use in both revolver (not going to jam of fail to feed)and lever action Model 92 rifle holding 12 rounds. Anything within 200 yards is going down with one hit and not require a repeat shot. Want the same round in my handgun as my rifle and will rely on both. Do not want to be taking multiple shots farther out than close visible range and only shoot when there are no other options and do not want to give away cover and maintain ability to quietly leave the area or let the threat pass. Plenty of ammo and easy to carry and straight wall cases easier to reload and resupply in SHTF situation. From 180 grain to 300 grain bullets for use on small or large game or self defense. Even can carry some birdshot loads if need be. Can acquire more weapons form each successful need and use of self defense and preservation.
For years, I’ve said a .38/357 pistol and .38/357 lever rifle would be the ideal combo for shtf.
Nah ... I like 7.62X51 better
I have a caliber for every occasion. 30-06 down to a .22
And a couple of shotguns. I’m set.
If I’m in one spot *not* having to roam on foot and carry all my worldly possessions on my back? 12ga slug, buck and shot, .223, 22lr and 9mm.
If I’m having to roam on foot and carry all my worldly possessions on my back? As much as I can carry of 22lr, .223 and 9mm. Probably 6 to 10 mags or less of .223 and 9mm and as many 22lr as I can fit elsewhere up to 1000 rounds. I use to head out plinking with up to 500 rounds of 22lr loose in my pockets when I was 14-ish, so I should be able to fit 1000 rds spread about in my pack.
But honestly — I have no desire at all to be on foot, scrounging and constantly on the move, sleeping in the rain. If things get that bad, I’m making a stand right where I’m at for better or worse. I’ve lived a good life, blessed far beyond what I believe I deserve. If a mob or whatever comes at me, my goal will be to make it as expensive as possible for them before they knock me down.
Next rifle will be either .338 Lapua or 6.5 Creedmoore.
Probably 6.5
WTF? That cartridge was obsoleted prior to WWII and replaced by a cartridge designated .45 Auto. Where have you been? To paraphrase James Carville, "Read the head stamp, stupid!
And don't waste forum space by listing all of the other folks that also don't have a clue.
Instead, go the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (SAAMI)online website at saami.org to learn the formal and abbreviated names for all American cartridges. They are the cartridge name designation authority. Period!
Or go to the American National Standards Institute for the same thing.
I was going to submit 300 Blackout as well. I roll my own and it has ballistics better than my second choice, 30-30.
When the SHTF, this rifle has to be a meat-getter as well as for shooting “Cans”. For that reason, the .223 is off the table for me.
That would shatter every bone in your shoulder and rip your arm right off your body.
A 12 ga shotgun, pump, OTOH, is a very useful weapon.
;'}
“...Imagine trying to take down a tasty squirrel with a .308! Or a deer with a .22...”
I don’t know about the rest of the country but in the south, the .22 has been real popular with whitetail poachers and gator poachers since forever.
Preppers’ PING!!
Wow, good memory Tijeras, nor have I! Thanks for your prior help, I really appreciated it.
I did contact a collector/seller who estimated the rifle at about $2,000
They offered to put it up for sale but that would have meant that they take possession of the rifle and who knows how long they would have it before it eventually sold.......6 months, a year, two years....who knows.
So I still have it.
7.62x39 is a good choice, especially on a budget. AK, SKS and Ruger Mini 30 are all very reliable and affordable, as is the ammo. It’s good for both self defense and hunting.
The cowboys of the Old West used to carry a rifle and a pistol chambered for the same round. That still makes sense today if you plan on packing your firearms and ammo around in a SHTF scenario. For that reason many folks have a rifle and a handgun both chambered in very available .357 mag.
Best all-around weapons system for SHTF remains the AR-15 in 5.56 or .308 in combination with a good handgun IMO. While .22’s are great, if my life depended on the outcome of a firefight or dropping a pig or deer for food, I want America’s battle rifle in my hands.
Don’t stockpile Remington 35, I don’t see it anywhere anymore.
“...Oh you *can*, but do you really want to waste ammo or spend hours chasing a wounded deer through the wounds when the SHTF?...”
Well, you also have to do your part, get close and make the right shot. Poachers also don’t like chasing wounded deer on posted property either. ;-)
I have 7.62x39, 7.62x51, 7.62x54 and .22.
Review
mosin nagant
cheap but effective...
ammo is a beast and do not
forget the 2x4...
mosin owners know why..LOL
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