[flesheatingzombie]

Do you have a certain point that you are not willing to let your supply level go past before making plans to acquire more? Are you more lenient on some things and stricter on the necessity of having certain other items?

[Lian]

I suppose it's a scale really. This supply level = this much effort on supplies in lieu of other survival efforts. Lower supply levels = this much more effort put forward. on supply efforts. Unless we are in a full siege situation in which case you might want to start planting a garden.

[Mrknot]

Can I assume that you are speaking about preparedness supplies and keeping stockpiles properly rotated?

If you are speaking to a ZPAW, survival situation, then it would most assuredly be based on necessity and availability.
If you are running low on potable water, and this is not an easy resource for you to gather, then you should be doing everything within your power to acquire/ produce more. If you are low on say, cooking oil, this is something you can de-prioritize and replenish when the situation presents itself.

As far as pre-apocalyptic planning, keeping foodstuffs and perishable commodities rotated is important. I build to set levels and don't use items I can't replace immediately. I also make sure that I am watching expiration dates and such...

Now ammo is a different story...
I reload as much as I can, (which isn't very often lately), but my reloading has a hard time keeping up with my shooting. As I am not independently wealthy, I really cannot afford to buy much factory ammo. Consequently, my ammo supply has become dangerously low.
If the ZPAW hits tomorrow I had better make my shots count, cause I don't see a bulk ammo purchase happening anytime soon. Instead, I will chip away at it, buying a box here and there, looking for the best deals I can get...

[Bob]

I have seen predictions of up to a 15% increase of ammunition and component prices due to a weak dollar.

[Underdude]

Great, I'm glad I bought tons of components a couple of years ago.
The place I order most of my brass from is sold out of all handgun calibers and has been for a few months now. I only have about 11,000 left and 2,500 new. That will last me till summer.

[Mrknot]

I've got 3-4000 pcs of .223 brass and a crapload of small rifle primers, it's powder and time that I am super short on these days.
Also, we just sold our house and my press and equipment are currently boxed up in storage.
Dads going to let me use the Dillon as soon as I can pick up some powder but till then I'm kinda sucking it : (
Pistol ammo is the main need right now, specifically 9mm and .45...I just need to win the lottery.

[Underdude]

Rotate perishables
Keep a list of your supplies
How many people may be with you
How long your supply will last
How you can transport every thing

[Bob]

I am desperate for slugs.
I expect to be buying some this week.
Range pick up brass is going for prices I can't believe.
I keep trying to trade my way into so 45.
I have plenty of 9mm as I have several non-reloading friends who shoot 9mm.
40 caliber falls out of the sky and into my bag (literally) :)
Actually 40 is just super common and I don't shoot much of it.
If I build my G22 into a race gun that will all change.
I can reload 45 and 40 are close to the same cost to reload and I prefer 45.

[Underdude]

How much is pick-up brass running now?

[Bob]

In my area not including shipping the common stuff goes for;
380acp= $70 per 1000
9mm = $30 per 1000
38spl = $40 per 1000
40S&W=$30 per 1000
45acp = $55 per 1000

[Underdude]

Uncleaned and not inspected right?
I hate doing that, worst part of the process.

380....amazing prices.

This post has been edited by Underdude: 12 April 2011 - 06:45 PM

[Mrknot]

I am kinda lucky in a way.
Dads a firearms instructor for the Dept of Corrections. They shoot G22s and Mini 14s and they don't mind if he takes home small quantities of range pick up brass for personal use.
So basically, until padre retires in a couple of years I have an unlimited supply of once fired American Eagle .223 and .40 brass.
That is actually the main reason that I have decided my next handgun will be in .40 S&W. Not because I am partial to the caliber, but rather because it will be relatively inexpensive to feed.


Bob,
You mentioned your need for slugs...
This is coming from pure inexperience but have you ever cast your own?
Bulk lead, (wheel weights, fishing supply), is pretty cheap, and the molds I've seen don't cost too much.
Just curious.
I am not set up for reloading shotgun shells and have absolutely no experience with the process...

This post has been edited by Mrknot: 12 April 2011 - 07:34 PM

[Underdude]

Why did they choose the Ruger over an AR?
And I love the 40, by far my favorite cartridge.

This post has been edited by Underdude: 12 April 2011 - 07:43 PM

[Mrknot]

They have been shooting Mini's for about 30 years now.
I think the original idea was to use a rifle that didn't look like a paramilitary weapon, (we're talking late '70's mentality here).
Now I think it's just the idea that all of their training materials, spare parts, mags, etc. Are entrenched and not going anywhere.
Also, Ruger has a pretty aggressive buy-back and upgrade program. Every few years they sell a number of the older guns back to Ruger and get new ones pretty cheap.

[Bob]

I know several people who cast, I don't have the room for it.
I considered it once upon a time and even went so far as to look into it a bit.
Free lead in all but nonexistent here.
Besides I am trying to get away from lead and shoot just jacketed.

I do have a company I can recommend for lead bullets if anyone is interested.
I have shot many thousands of their bullets and have no complaints.

[Underdude]

Not in your Glocks right?

[Mrknot]

I put a Lone Wolf replacement barrel in my G21 a while ago just so I could shoot cheaper...

[TheAngelKing47]

I would say getting down to about 4 days worth of provisions for the group especially water and food merits the need to start putting serious consideration in establishing a plan. 2 days is about when it's time for action before everyone runs out. This is bear minimum and should really probably be 7 and 3 days. That would probably be better numbers. At 7 days worth of provisions you realize you need to come up with an attentive plan to get more supplies, and are able to have time to adequately plan it properly so other people in your group know exactly what their jobs are and understand the supply run in its entirety.

Now realistically... I try to keep at least 3 days worth of food/water around at all times.

[CAVU45]

Three days is the minimum that should be in a BOB, not on the shelves at home.

[TheAngelKing47]

CAVU45, on 13 April 2011 - 07:48 PM, said:

Three days is the minimum that should be in a BOB, not on the shelves at home.

I keep a hydration pack full of water, a canteen because water needs to be used occasionally for something other than drinking. Then I have a couple MRE's, some MRE bread, plus I generally keep some cliff bars around and cycle through those so in the event I'm stuck with just a bug out bag I can still get my calories I need to keep going. But yes I was referring to 3 days at home, that's totally different. At home I try to keep non perishables and dry goods around. I'm not rich but I make sure to buy a couple things every time I go grocery shopping so it can build up.