Introduction
You’ve made the decision to start shooting, and that’s great! One of the first questions you might have is, “How many rounds should I keep on hand?” It’s a good question, and unfortunately, there is no easy answer. The answer really depends on a number of factors, including your personal shooting habits, the type of gun you own, and your local regulations. In this article, we will explore some of these factors and help you figure out how many rounds you should keep on hand.
The three main types of ammunition
The three main types of ammunition are full metal jackets (FMJ), soft points (SP), and hollow points (HP). Each has its own purpose.
FMJ is the most common type of ammunition. It is used for practice and target shooting. It is also used for self-defense, but it is not the best choice because it can pass through the target and hit something else.
SP is a good choice for self-defense because it expands when it hits the target, causing more damage. It is also good for hunting because it can take down game animals.
HP is the best choice for self-defense because it expands when it hits the target and then fragments, causing even more damage. HP is also the ammunition of choice for police and military units because of its stopping power.
How many rounds of each type should you keep on hand?
There is no definitive answer to how many rounds of each type of ammo you should keep on hand, as it depends on a number of factors such as the type of gun you have, your intended use for the gun, and your personal preferences. However, as a general rule of thumb, it is generally advisable to keep at least 100 rounds of each type of ammo you intend to use on hand. This will ensure that you have enough ammunition to meet your needs in the event of an emergency or unexpected situation.
How to store your ammunition?
Ammunition storage is a critical part of gun care. The type of ammunition you shoot, the frequency with which you shoot, and the environment in which you store your ammo all play a role in how long your ammunition will last. With proper care, most types of ammunition will last for many years.
There are four basic rules of ammunition storage:
- Keep your ammo dry
- Keep your ammo cool and out of direct sunlight
- Keep your ammo in a sealed container
- Don’t store your ammo next to magnetic objects
Conclusion
You should keep a minimum of three days worth of ammunition on hand at all times. This will ensure that you have enough ammunition to defend yourself in case of an emergency. If you are a gun enthusiast or collector, you may want to keep more ammunition on hand, but for the average person, three days’ worth should suffice.