Caliber Standardization

[Jackalope]

    I've tried to stick to basic calibers for our armory, i.e., .22LR, 9mm, .45, 5.56, 7.62, .50BMG, and 12 gauge.  I based most of the caliber decisions on availability, though the range of calibers does everything that is needed in my AO.  I've never been a fan of wildcat calibers. 

    Do you standardize calibers, or do you roll with a wide variety?  I'm guessing some of the decision is based upon terrain and vegetation.  Realistically, I could get by with just .22LR, 9mm, and 5.56, but it's nice to have options.

 

[RB in GA]

Standardized on .22LR, 9mm, .45 ACP, 5.56mm, 7.62mm, and 12g.  Those are my "go-to" calibers.  I also have .22WMR for my Heritage single actions and .410 for a break-open single shot that I've had forever.
Oh yeah, .177 for a couple of pellet rifles.

[grizz]

wider variety leaves you with more options

[pkveazey]

Hmmm.... That's an odd one. I keep a good amount of rounds in whatever calibers I need for my own stuff. Then I bought a whole bunch of extras of the 2 most common calibers(22LR and 9mm). They are for trading purposes. It would seem that every Tom, Dick, and Harry, out there has a 22 and/or a 9mm. Way back, a while ago, I thought that I had lost my mind when I bought that stuff, but then the ammo shortage hit and the prices went completely stupid. Now that there is a better supply, I still won't pay the crazy prices that they are asking. I guess, sometimes its best to get on the bus an hour early so you can have the best seat.

[DMCakhunter]

Like you, I have concentrated on the following-
.22 LR
.22 magnum
380
9mm
45 auto
.556/223
7.62x39
7.62x51/ .308
I do have some shotgun ammo but it is not what I think of for hard times.
I do have some uncommon guns and ammo, but will use them as needed. They are not what I stockpile.

[RB in GA]

Interesting, I tend to think of 12g first for "hard times".   
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwAvOkTFYLo

[CJS06]

For such a simple concept it can get stupid complicated.  Standardization would be limiting to the calibers used by a group of people not really as an individual.  For an individual you "standardize" to the calibers that you have in your inventory based on the needs in your AO.  In reality you will find that most people will stock a large qty of a small number of primary calibers then will keep some of a bunch of others but not large qty. 

For instance they may have cases of 9mm and 5.56 and .22lr, but only have a few hundred founds of .308 or 6.5CM or 7.62x39.  It really is driven by an individuals load out plan. I try to keep at least 1000rds minimum of any firearm that is a component in my defense plan. That said my primary calibers are stocked over 10k+ each. I addition I enjoy collecting mil-surps which though would be used if needed are really not a focus of my defense. For these calibers I keep a few hundred, up to 1000 as I enjoy shooting theses classic guns.

In the end 2/3 of my ammunition inventory is in 4 calibers with a 1/3 spread over a dozen others.

Chris

[Jackalope]

    i enjoy new firearms, who doesn't?  i have a budgeting method that works well enough for ME.  Look at a firearm purchase as a package.  Let's say a rifle is purchased for $1000.  i usually plan on initially spending another $1000 for ammo for that particular firearm.  I then plan on spending another $1000 on accessories for that firearm, i.e., scope or red dot, a sling, bipod, etc.  This method of budget allocation assures that the firearm is ready for active use.  More ammo will eventually need to be purchased, as it's a consumable item, but the money initially allocated allows one to become acquainted with the new firearm, and have a little ammo left over for service use.  If the price of ammo keeps increasing, the formula may need to be changed.   

[CJS06]

Jackalope

That is a very intelligent way to go about new firearm purchases.  Sooooooo many people I see go out and get new firearms regularly with no plan.  They buy not taking into account what is needed to make it a positive, practically usable gun. Optics, lights, bi-pod, magazines, holsters, slings, etc. You have been smart enough to go one step further with ammo.  My numbers vary slightly but are in general 1. the firearm, 2. 1.5-2x the cost of the firearm in "accessories", then ammo depending on if I already use that caliber.

The good thing about the majority of people buying lots of guns then putting garbage on them is they tend to not "perform" well. Then they end up getting traded in or sold off with almost no use. This keeps a decent supply of decent guns available for a nice savings.  On the other hand I regularly buy and try out guns that i end up selling off as I am not really a collector. If I am not using them or they dont fit within my "plan" I get rid of them.  This leads to someone getting a well appointed and tested gun.

Chris

[JohnyMac]

I have enjoyed sitting back and watching the exchange of information on this subject - All good stuff gentlemen.

I agree 100% with CJS06, my standardization of ammo - and firearms - centers around the MAG's agreed upon loadout. With that written, I like Jackalopes approach to buying a firearm too.

I will use a recent acquisition as an example.

I had a hole in my personal firearm preps. In my case, it was a heavy semi auto rifle that could reach out there and touch someone or lay down some series suppressing power. I opted for a PTR FAL Clone in 7.62x51. Before I bought it, I did my research, e.g. optics, sling, cheek rise, ammo, etc. etc., and added those costs into the purchase of the rifle (Review to follow when of those days when I have time to write it-LOL). Then I saved up my nickels and dimes till could afford the whole setup. Once I had the money saved, I pulled the trigger, sort of speaking, on the whole enchilada.

To me, a firearm is just a tool and ammo are the nails. I do not own a lot however, like a hammer used for specific jobs, I own a selective series of firearms for specific tacks. No more no less.

My fun guns not my everyday tool guns, tend to span past history from lets say, 1750 to 1869.

Good stuff gentlemen...Good stuff.