Serious question ... I am trying to figure out what my inventory level should be ... Some background: I have on order, should be shipped this week, enough 5.56 brass to top my inventory off to wear out my M4gery's barrel thru multiple reloads. The M4 is recently built, so it has a new barrel. I am figuring 25k to 30k rounds to wear out the barrel. I also have a M16A2 clone build in process. The question is ... how much powder, primers and bullets should be in my inventory?
Anyone can chime in on this. I am worried about being able to purchase components at a reasonable price. I am set for brass. I know what primer I am going to use. I am in the process of developing a load to match my weapons. So the equation is limited to the powder and bullet. I have tried to build my weapons so they will be effective with green tip ammo (so I can scavenge ammo if the SHTF), but I know I can get more accuracy through brass prep and reloading processes that are better than the military suppliers would use. Interesting note, my brief reading of the DHS RFP is that they are asking for .223 ammo, not higher pressure 5.56. They aren't buying green tip. My M4 handles both, in fact I have alternated .223 and 5.56 rounds in the same magazine. The weapons chew thru anything, but accuracy suffers a bit. I am guess I expect perfection.
I can easily get five uses from .308 brass and twice that from pistol brass, therefore powder, bullets and primers are calculated based on number and life of brass on hand.
Except for rimfire, there is not a single caliber that I own that I do not reload for, even .380 ACP. I found a 119 grain bullet that works well for .380 and 9mm. I also have a supply of raw material and molds for making bullets for each caliber. My hero after the Quigley character, in the Quigley Down Under move, is the gunsmith in the movie. ;)
While factory ammo is fine for 99.9% of the shooters out there, there is no equal to handloaded rounds when put together by a talented reloader with the right equipment. Take apart a few factory rounds someday and weigh the powder and bullets and measure the cases and bullets. You'll be shocked at the variances.
You get a big improvement in accuracy reusing the brass fired in the same rifle when it's a bolt action by just resizing the neck; only by reloading is this possible.
I bet you already know all of this. I just want to put it out there for those who don't.
Btw, make sure your inventory meets your local and state ordinance and fire marshal requirements. Let's ensure our full compliance with applicable laws and regulations so that we may serve as an example to those who disregard our laws such as the current administration. :)