Introduction
Most people believe that it is smart to stockpile ammo, in case of a natural disaster or civil unrest. However, there are a few things to consider before you start stockpiling ammo. First, you need to make sure that you are legally allowed to purchase and possess the type of ammunition you want to stockpile. Second, you need to consider where you will store the ammunition, as it needs to be stored in a cool, dry place. Third, you need to make sure that you have enough space to store the ammunition. Lastly, you need to decide how much ammunition you want to stockpile.
The Pros of Stockpiling Ammo
There are a few reasons you might want to stockpile ammo. If you are a gun enthusiast, you may want to have a supply on hand in case of a Zombie Apocalypse or other disaster. It can also be a good investment since ammunition tends to increase in price when there is a shortage. And finally, it can be a good way to be prepared for self-defense.
You’re Prepared for Anything
When you have a stockpile of ammo, you’re prepared for anything. If there’s a natural disaster, you’ll be able to defend yourself and your family. If the economy crashes and there’s civil unrest, you’ll be able to protect your property. And if the government tries to take away your guns, you’ll have enough ammunition to fight back.
Ammunition is a valuable commodity, and it’s only going to become more valuable as time goes on. So stockpiling ammo is a smart move, both for self-defense and for investment purposes.
It’s Cheaper in the Long Run
Over time, the price of ammunition generally goes up. That means that if you stockpile ammo when prices are low, you can save a lot of money in the long run. Of course, this only applies if you actually use the ammo that you stockpile; if you never end up using it, then it’s simply a waste of money.
You Can Barter with It
Bartering is the act of trading goods or services without the use of money.
In an SHTF scenario, ammo can be used as a bartering tool. It’s a good idea to have extra anyways, so why not use it to your advantage?
You can trade ammo for other supplies that you may need, such as food, water, or medical supplies. Ammo is also a good way to barter for services, such as protection or transportation.
Some people may not be willing to trade their supplies for ammo, but there are many who would be willing to make the trade. It’s always best to have options and be prepared for anything.
The Cons of Stockpiling Ammo
One of the main cons of stockpiling ammo is that it can be dangerous. If you have kids in the house, they could find the ammo and accidentally hurt themselves. Ammo can also go bad over time, so you need to rotate it and keep track of expiration dates. Another downside to stockpiling ammo is that it can be expensive.
It Takes Up a Lot of Room
Ammunition, like any other commodity, takes up space. A lot of space. And if you’re planning on stockpiling a large quantity of it, you’re going to need to dedicate a fair amount of space to store it. For perspective, a single case of 9mm ammunition (500 rounds) is approximately 9x6x2 inches or 1,080 cubic inches. That’s nearly 9 liters. A stockpile of just 1,000 rounds of various ammunition is going to take up nearly 16 cubic feet (453 liters) of storage space.
It Can Go Bad
Of course, like all things, ammunition has a shelf life. The U.S. Military has found that brass-cased ammunition can last over 20 years if stored properly1. It is much the same with steel-cased ammo but it can start to rust sooner if not kept dry2. The shelf life of factory new ammo is generally quite long but there are things that can shorten it such as poor storage conditions or the use of reloaded ammunition3.
You Might Never Use It
The huge reason why some people never stockpile ammo is that they never shoot their guns. So, essentially, what’s the point of having a bunch of ammo just sitting around if you never shoot your gun? That’s a great question, and it’s one we hear all the time.
Here’s the thing, though – even if you don’t think you’ll ever use your stockpile, there are still several compelling reasons to keep a small stash on hand. After all, you never know when an emergency situation might arise – and it’s always better to be prepared than not.
With that said, let’s take a look at a few of the potential drawbacks of stockpiling ammo:
- You might never use it: As we just mentioned, one of the biggest potential drawbacks of stockpiling ammo is that you might never actually need to use it. If you never shoot your gun and have no intention of using it for self-defense or hunting, then there’s really no point in accumulating a bunch of ammunition. In this case, it would make more sense to simply sell or trade your ammo for something else that you need or want.
- It can be expensive: Another potential downside to stockpiling ammo is that it can sometimes be quite expensive – especially if you’re buying in bulk quantities. Of course, the cost of ammunition has been on the rise in recent years due to increases in demand and scarcity of certain types of ammo (e.g., 22LR). So, if you’re on a tight budget, stockpiling ammo might not be the best use of your money.
- It can deteriorate over time: Unless properly stored, ammunition can deteriorate over time – especially if exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity levels. This is why it’s generally not recommended to stockpile more ammunition than you could realistically use within a year or two. Otherwise, you run the risk of ending up with a bunch of useless (and potentially dangerous) bullets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is generally not a good idea to stockpile ammo. Ammo can go bad over time, and it is expensive to store. If you are a gun enthusiast, it is better to buy ammo in small quantities as you need it.