SHTF cartridge considerations

BattleRifleG3 · 12-12-2005, 04:50 AM

I was thinking - We have various criteria for a good caliber for SHTF scenarios. Requisite range and power, feasible to stockpile, easy to carry, and the odd factor - what kinds we expect would be available from friend or foe, considering the possibilities of using our ammo in those rifles or such ammo in our rifles.

For stockpiling, I can't think of better choices than 7.62x39mm and 7.62x51mm NATO. Anything else is either not reliable enough for anything but plinking, or is corrosive. Back in the day, we might have expected a foreign invasion to use rifles chambered in 7.62x39mm. I'm leaning away from that viewpoint, since the blue helmeted folk, Ruskies, and Chi-Coms would be using 5.56x45mm, 5.45x39mm, and 5.8x43?mm respectively.

Having taken another look at things, I've come to think that we shouldn't count on finding vast ammo reserves of any type that we should prepare for. Probably any ammo type we might find would be accompanied by rifles, whether picked up from fallen friends or foes, or furnished by government/LE/paramilitary personnel.

I've come to think that although not the cheapest to stockpile compared to 308, 30-06 is one of the best choices for a SHTF rifle on account of quality rifles and being the most popular round on the continent. Having many available loadings and the legal allowance of steel cored ammunition, as well as a great selection of military and sporting rifles to choose from, it seems an excellent choice for a non-military homeland defense round.

But... It has been pointed out that the first thing folks would do come emergencies would be to go to their sporting goods stores and buy up all the 30-06 there. So much for an available ammo source.

But what round does every place have in quantity, yet isn't usually a choice for high cvolume shooters, but still isn't very expensive and offers many advantages of range, accuracy, available rifles, and sufficient power?

270 Winchester. Practically every rifle made in 30-06 is made in 270 Win. It tends to run the same price at retail stores and is available just about everywhere.

My conclusion? After stocking up on X39, 308, and 30-06, and becoming comfortable with our rifles in those calibers, maybe we should add 270s to the collection as a round with plenty of its own merits, and the possibility of being indispensible just in case the SHTF.

ducktapehero · 12-12-2005, 02:39 PM

I think ANY of the most popular cartridges would be OK to stock up on. If TSHTF I wouldn't count on getting ANY ammo for a while and would stock up accordingly.

I'm not sure of my plan as of right now. If my shoulder(4 shoulder surgeries, very recoil sensitive) will handle it I may go with a Marlin 1894 in 44Mag and use the 38spec handguns I have now. If not I'll probably go with a 357 levergun and get a 357 revolver to go along with it using my 38's as backups.

Another caliber you may want to stock up on is 30-30 even if you don't own one. Lot's of 30-30's out there. You may be able to trade it for things you may have run out of. I would only trade it to people I trusted of course.

Pred · 12-12-2005, 02:50 PM

I'm kindof going through this process now. I've got my .45, but now want a 9mm. For rifles, I've got a bit of everything, .30-30, .30-06, a few .308s, and now my SKS for 7.62x39. The only thing I can see I'm lacking is a .223. Since I found a way around the whole wife saying NO NO NO to buying more guns(kept my old checking account open LOL), I plan on saving up for a AR at the next gun show, maybe. I don't know. To many guns I want....

12-12-2005, 04:50 AM	#1
BattleRifleG3 Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Western PA Posts: 11,432 Images: 13	SHTF cartridge considerations - 270 Win? I was thinking - We have various criteria for a good caliber for SHTF scenarios. Requisite range and power, feasible to stockpile, easy to carry, and the odd factor - what kinds we expect would be available from friend or foe, considering the possibilities of using our ammo in those rifles or such ammo in our rifles. For stockpiling, I can't think of better choices than 7.62x39mm and 7.62x51mm NATO. Anything else is either not reliable enough for anything but plinking, or is corrosive. Back in the day, we might have expected a foreign invasion to use rifles chambered in 7.62x39mm. I'm leaning away from that viewpoint, since the blue helmeted folk, Ruskies, and Chi-Coms would be using 5.56x45mm, 5.45x39mm, and 5.8x43?mm respectively. Having taken another look at things, I've come to think that we shouldn't count on finding vast ammo reserves of any type that we should prepare for. Probably any ammo type we might find would be accompanied by rifles, whether picked up from fallen friends or foes, or furnished by government/LE/paramilitary personnel. I've come to think that although not the cheapest to stockpile compared to 308, 30-06 is one of the best choices for a SHTF rifle on account of quality rifles and being the most popular round on the continent. Having many available loadings and the legal allowance of steel cored ammunition, as well as a great selection of military and sporting rifles to choose from, it seems an excellent choice for a non-military homeland defense round. But... It has been pointed out that the first thing folks would do come emergencies would be to go to their sporting goods stores and buy up all the 30-06 there. So much for an available ammo source. But what round does every place have in quantity, yet isn't usually a choice for high cvolume shooters, but still isn't very expensive and offers many advantages of range, accuracy, available rifles, and sufficient power? 270 Winchester. Practically every rifle made in 30-06 is made in 270 Win. It tends to run the same price at retail stores and is available just about everywhere. My conclusion? After stocking up on X39, 308, and 30-06, and becoming comfortable with our rifles in those calibers, maybe we should add 270s to the collection as a round with plenty of its own merits, and the possibility of being indispensible just in case the SHTF. __________________ Trust is earned, not... GIVEN away. - Worf

12-12-2005, 02:39 PM	#2
ducktapehero Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Southern Missouri Posts: 319	I think ANY of the most popular cartridges would be OK to stock up on. If TSHTF I wouldn't count on getting ANY ammo for a while and would stock up accordingly. I'm not sure of my plan as of right now. If my shoulder(4 shoulder surgeries, very recoil sensitive) will handle it I may go with a Marlin 1894 in 44Mag and use the 38spec handguns I have now. If not I'll probably go with a 357 levergun and get a 357 revolver to go along with it using my 38's as backups. Another caliber you may want to stock up on is 30-30 even if you don't own one. Lot's of 30-30's out there. You may be able to trade it for things you may have run out of. I would only trade it to people I trusted of course. __________________ Is it Duck or Duct Tape? http://www.octanecreative.com/ducttape/duckvsduct.html "Me fail English? That's unpossible!!"----Ralph Wiggum Last edited by ducktapehero; 12-12-2005 at 10:39 PM.

12-12-2005, 02:50 PM	#3
Pred Banned Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,873 Blog Entries: 3	I'm kindof going through this process now. I've got my .45, but now want a 9mm. For rifles, I've got a bit of everything, .30-30, .30-06, a few .308s, and now my SKS for 7.62x39. The only thing I can see I'm lacking is a .223. Since I found a way around the whole wife saying NO NO NO to buying more guns(kept my old checking account open LOL), I plan on saving up for a AR at the next gun show, maybe. I don't know. To many guns I want....