Owning a firearm for personal protection or recreational purposes is a fundamental right for Americans. As per the recent report from Statista, the percentage of American households owning at least one firearm has remained fairly constant since 1972, ranging from 37 percent to 47 percent. As of 2022, approximately 45 percent of U.S. households possessed at least one gun.
However, owning a gun without ammunition is like owning a car without gas. The cost of ammunition can quickly add up, especially when building a stockpile for emergencies or extended periods of time.
Here are some tips on how to keep your ammunition stockpile affordable without sacrificing quality or reliability.
Buy in Bulk
Buying ammunition in bulk is the most cost-effective way to build your stockpile. The price per round decreases with an increase in quantity. Online retailers, gun shows, and bulk purchases from manufacturers are excellent ways to save money on ammunition. Before making a purchase, research prices from multiple retailers and compare prices per round to ensure you are getting the best deal.
For those interested in buying ammunition in bulk, online retailers such as Freedom Outdoors and others can be an option worth exploring. Online shopping allows you to compare prices from multiple retailers with ease and purchase from the comfort of your own home. This makes it easier to find the best deals on ammunition. Moreover, many online retailers offer free or discounted shipping rates for bulk orders, making the purchase even more cost-effective.
However, when considering purchasing from any online retailer, it’s essential to research their reputation and reliability. Look for reviews from other customers, and verify that the retailer is reputable and licensed to operate in your state. Additionally, be aware of any additional costs such as taxes and shipping fees, and factor them into your decision-making process.
Shop Sales and Clearance
If buying in bulk is not feasible, shopping for sales and clearance deals is the next best option. Retailers often have sales during holidays, Black Friday, or end-of-season clearance. Sign up for newsletters from your preferred retailers to get notified of sales or promotions.
Shopping clearance deals may mean buying ammunition that is not in high demand, but as long as it is reliable and compatible with your firearm, it’s a smart way to save money. Just make sure to check the expiration date if it’s available, as old ammunition may lead to malfunctions or misfires.
Reload Your Own Ammunition
Reloading your own ammunition is another way to save money on ammunition. The initial investment in reloading equipment may be steep, but the long-term cost savings are significant. Reloading also allows for customization, such as tailoring the bullet weight and powder charge to suit specific needs, resulting in better accuracy and performance.
However, reloading requires knowledge, patience, and attention to detail. It’s crucial to follow reloading manuals’ guidelines and safety procedures to avoid injury or damage to your firearm. Before reloading, make sure to invest in quality equipment and follow the safety procedures diligently.
Field & Stream’s blog post from 2022 emphasizes the importance of considering the time required for reloading your own ammunition and whether the cost savings justify it. The post suggests that if you have to purchase brass and value your time significantly, there is a high probability that you will end up losing money by handloading.
Choose Affordable Calibers
When choosing ammunition, consider affordable calibers that are easy to find and inexpensive.
Popular calibers like 9mm, .22 LR, and .223 Remington are readily available, and their demand keeps prices reasonable. Other calibers like .45 ACP, .308 Winchester, and .300 Blackout may be expensive and harder to find, leading to higher costs.
Choose a caliber that is practical for your needs and budget. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have multiple firearms that share the same caliber, as it allows for interchangeability and lessens the need to purchase different types of ammunition.
Store Ammunition Properly
Storing ammunition properly can prolong its lifespan and maintain its quality. Ammunition should be stored in a cool, dry, and ventilated area away from direct sunlight or moisture. Use air-tight containers or ammo cans to protect ammunition from environmental factors like humidity or temperature changes.
Proper storage prevents ammunition from deteriorating, leading to malfunction or failure, which can be costly. It’s also important to regularly check the ammunition for any signs of damage or corrosion, as these can affect the ammunition’s reliability and safety.
Soldoncompass.com’s blog post highlights that significant fluctuations in temperature can significantly impact the quality of your ammunition. If your rounds are stored in an area that experiences extreme temperature swings, going from 100 to 0 degrees throughout the year, your ammunition’s integrity will be dramatically reduced. Additionally, high temperatures can lead to increased humidity levels, which can result in rust and corrosion of your ammunition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, owning a firearm and building a stockpile of ammunition can be an expensive endeavor. However, there are several ways to keep costs down without sacrificing quality or reliability. Buying in bulk, reloading your own ammunition, shopping for sales and clearance deals, choosing affordable calibers, and storing ammunition properly are all effective methods to save money.
By following these tips, firearm owners can ensure they have a well-stocked and reliable ammunition supply without breaking the bank. As always, safety should be the top priority, and firearm owners should educate themselves on the proper handling and storage of ammunition to prevent accidents and maintain the longevity of their investment.
