This is a controversial topic sometimes, so I will preface this with: This is for those of us who WILL keep a store of ammo, not whether or not we should.

That being said, who keeps a lot of one caliber and who keeps a variety? I've contimplated this and came up with a number of possibilities. Obviously, bug in is less of an issue than bug out.

The first: .22 long rifle. Obviously takes up the least amount of room, is portable in larger quantities, can take small game for subsistence, but MAY be lacking for larger game at distances, or protection at those same distances. Works in long guns and hand guns.

.12 gauge, probably 00 buck. Good for most mid to large game, very good for protection. Takes up a lot of room, and is not very portable. Not much left to small game once you're done. Limited range capability.

.223/30.06/.308/other large caliber. Great for protection, arguments pro and con for larger game. .223 offers some portability in quantity. All have long range performance.

.44mag/.357mag: I have lever action rifles and revolvers in both calibers. This gives me a lot of flexibility, and allows for carrying one caliber to be used in both. Also allows for two people in my group to be armed with one caliber. Range is very limited. Portability is ok, but not great. At this point, this is my last resort, bug out, can only take what's on your back option.

The classic text on survival firearms is still Mel Tappen's book. While Mel didn't survive, his basic ideas did. A simple rule is to have ammunition on hand. Post apocalyptic scenarios of ransacking the local sporting goods store or bartering are at best luck. As an anecdote, my Farrier went home to Idaho to hunt Elk. He somehow forgot his carefully handloaded .30-06 rounds. No problem, it's the most popular round in the USA. Problem #1 came up when 3 rural stores were SOLD OUT. He was told without apology, " you know it's the most popular cartridge." Problem #2 was the idea he could acquire a small supply from another hunter. My farrier was driving a rented car with California plates. He stepped outside the last store to find his taillamps smashed and 'KALIFORNICATORS GO HOME' lipsticked on the windhsield ( Idaho hunters carry lipstick <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> ) So much for barter until he met an old high school buddy. Unfortunately, his old friend boasted about smiting a gentile from the Sin State by smashing his taillamps. By the time the local sherrif ( their own bishop) untangled the two every elk in their zone had gone to cover. Meanwhile Dave's jackmormon cousin ( my backup farrier) had borrowed my 8x60S Mauser at the last moment when his new .300 Weatherby Magnum sheared off poorly mounted scope bases. I don't think theres more than 2 boxes of 8x60 in the whole pandhandle. Randy had all of 15 left after a magazine's worth went downrange for practise. He got a nice fat Elk to. There was some brief teasing about marinating the steaks in beer till we gave Dave a nice thick one <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I think a .40 Glock 23 and a 6.8 SPC rifle would offer a lot of utility. I have the Glock but I am waiting for Kel-Tec to sell the 6.8 SPC rifle. However 6.8 SPC AR rifles are available now.

It looks like the 6.8 SPC ammo is finally showing up.

diversification is great if you're staying put and have enough space to store stuff, but when you have to get moving it's a different story.

For something on the move I'd go with a semi-auto rifle in .223 and either a Glock 22/23 and a quality aftermarket barrel in 9mm, or a 4in .357mag. You could use .40/357 for carry/use, and 9mm/38sp for practice or use when the others are not avalible. 9mm rounds will fit in a .40 magazine, but will likely not be more than 70-80% reliable. If you use it for practice, you can get really good at clearing malfunctions. Or add a 17/19 magazine to your kit so you have a little more reliability.

.223 is a good all around round. I've taken everything from squirels and rabits to deer with it. But PRACTICE!!! The more you use it, the quicker and more confedent you will get with whatever you decide to use.

I'd maybe even add a small .22lr to the mix for small game that I intend to eat. Probably a bolt action magazine fed rifle. Or even a good pistol/revolver would work if one practiced enough.

just my $0.02

-Jeff

I too own a Glock 23 .40 S&W. Good choice for a CCW. So is the G-21 .45 and the .357 Sig. It's so true that a choice of caliber and firearm, depends on if you are bugging-out or not. Either way, becoming a competent shooter is important.

Regarding bugging out, there are different scenarios. If you are bugging out without a vehicle you need to pack light. My personal preferences would be for a .22 pistol, the Sig (Hammerli) Trailside is light, has a rail for a red-dot or other sight options, breaks down easily (that's a biggy) and is very accurate. Three hundred rounds of .22 weigh less than a box of 50 .40 S&W. So, for a game getter that must be carried on your person along with a BOB, I prefer .22 . For ammo, the CCI Velocitor ammo could easily take down a deer IF you placed the shot correctly (did I mention being a competent shooter is important?) and could be used for self defense as well.

For a true self defense gun? Well, I bought my daughter a 12g Remington 870 express smooth-bore, with extension tube, one in the pipe and 6 on board. The absolutely best double-ot ammo is the Hornady #8624 This ammo has the potential of placing all pellets in a silhouette at 35 yards (!) Unless you cloak such gun somehow, it would be pretty identifiable if carried while walking along with a bug-out bag.

For home security? A Remington 870 for everyone in the house. I also have an AR-15, great gun.... Other's I'm considering include the .40 Keltec that fits Glock mags and the 223 that takes AR mags....too cool.

Anyone who is a beginner handgunner, I would highly recommend getting into some sport type handgunning, like Bullseye. It will you help learn trigger control; IMHO this is the most important part of shooting a handgun. Plus shooting a fun sport. As you get better IDPA (International Defensive Pistol Association) shoots will help you understand tactics.
IDPA

My grandpop once told me they used .22 shells as 'money' during the depression.

Doesn't it really depend on the weapon that you have? I have both a 12 guage and a 22 so I have ammunition stored for both. Why store 20 guage???? Maybe for trade, but I'm more concerned with having enough to hunt and defend myself with.

I have and use regularly:

30-06
.22
12ga

Soon i`ll be adding .223 just because ammo is so cheap you get a lot greater distance, and the stopping power at a greater distance than the .22. (And It wont explode a small animal like a 30-06 will)

NOt to mention very common, and did I mention cheap? By the amo can full <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

BTW: Watch Wal-Mart for 12ga I got it by the case/flat there on sale super cheap.

I don't like having too many different loads in too many calibres.

Our pistols are 9mm Parabellum, and we have two loads for them: Glaser Safety Slugs (Blue) while in the house, and PowRBalls for outside the house.

Our rifles all take the same ammo: 7.62x39. We have soft points and FMJ rounds. I buy them in sealed tins from Cheaper Than Dirt. Perfect for long-term storage.

You know, I just don't think I can kill a zombie with a .22
<img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />
My reasons have nothing to do with subsistence living: I do not think it is a viable solution in a SHTF situation.

I remember reading that Jeff Cooper recommended everyone should have a 1911, an 12 gauge auto shotgun, a Scout Rifle, and a .22 handgun.