Storage and Carry Weight of Ammo

[insidethebunker]

This was an interesting chart I compiled in the fall. I thought it was real telling that if I wanted to truck through the woods with my BOB I'd sure rather carry 22's then most anything else. With that in mind I bought a 22 pistol that complements my 22 rifle. Many suggest in a SHTF world 22's will kill anything that a larger round will, but you just have to be a better shot and aim for the head or the heart. One more thing about 22 ammo. JW Rawles has suggested that 22 rounds could be the currency of choice in a post SHTF world. Money won't be worth anything but a 22 round might get you a loaf of bread.

Ammo per pound
137 .22 cartridges weighs 51 grains. (137 rounds/lb.)
39 .223 cartridge (I think it's a 55gr bullet) weighs 178 grains. (39 rounds/lb)
35 9mm Hydrashok single 135gr weighs 199 grains (35 rounds/lb)
22 .45 FMJ weighs 318 grains (22 rounds/lb)
28 7.62x39 cartridge (122gr FMJ) weighs 253 grains. (28 rounds/lb)
19 .308 cartridges weighs 361 grains, (19 rounds/lb)
19 30-06 ammo weighs (19 rounds per/lb)

carry ten pounds of ammo = 190 rounds of 308 compared to 1,370 rounds of .22

[matthiasj]

Thanks for posting that. It reminds me I need to pick up a few more boxes of .22 ammo.

[rattfink]

Thanks for posting that info Bunker!

[KYPATRIOT]

I agree that the 22 will be very handy in a shtf situation and that one should stock up on the ammo as well as being light in weight they are pretty cheap too.

[insidethebunker]

Thanks for posting that info Bunker!

I thought you guys/gals would like that . I can tell you from experience of moving full ammo cans that even 22's can be heavy in large quantity!

[veggieboy]

About 20 rds per pound for 7.56x54r.....

[insidethebunker]

About 20 rds per pound for 7.56x54r.....

Super, I'll add that to the list

[Hillbilly]

22's are fine for those that perfer them. But being from black bear country and knowing that if we have to go into the mountains we will for sure encounter them, I'd at least prefer the 22 magnum. Though, to be honest, I'd hesitate to even use a 22 mag on a black bear. Anything less than a .223 , 30-30, or larger would be pretty much useless in a black bear encounter from my past experiences. And even though we don't see them a lot here in central KY, believe when I say they are numerous in eastern KY and WV........ all through the appalachian mountains.

[twodogs]

Large game animals are being spotted more and more around the Cumberland Lake area where I am, including bear and big cats. 22lr have many good applications but large game is not one of them. Thanks for bringing that up Hillbilly.

[BusBoy]

Little doubt that one can have too much 22 ammo, every trip to Wal-Mart has me walking out with a box or two (550 to 1100 rounds), it will be worth it's weight in gold in a calamity situation.

If personal security/safety is a concern, then 190 rounds of 308 should solve most any problem you may encounter...... or give you one nice send off

More is better, ammo wise, works well until you are no longer on the top of the food chain, then all of a sudden, bigger is better becomes more appealing If there are armed thugs in the area, the larger calibers give you a stand off/fend of capability which the 22 will lack, that said, I would rather have a 22 than a stick or a knife.

Thanks for the info ISB

[matthiasj]

You can't have too much ammo

[twodogs]

BusBoy, You have nailed it down in my opinion and do agree that a 22lr is better than a knife.

Carry weight is surely an issue to consider both on person or if you gotta bug out in a hurry. Having supplies in different areas comes to mind. When I moved from the Louisville area to Russell County It took a medium sized trailer just to move the ammo I had collected, to say nothing of all the other supplies like re-loading equipment, etc. I had to make some hard choices about this place but here is where I'll make my stand. If I go I'll be sure to take some of them out in the process.