Originally Posted by
Der Gebirgsjager
I agree with much of your plan, the general idea of buying in advance of need and stacking it deep, but can't quite go along with all of your choices.
I do agree with the .30-30 Win. (pleasant to shoot, gets the job done), the .38/.357 (easy to cast and reload for, adequate power), I can see the universality of the .556/.223 and .308 (but am wobbly about it because there are other cartridges in this niche-- but will give you the point on components availability), but I don't see how anyone in a rural environment would turn down having a .22 L.R. and a .410 shotgun!
True, .22s aren't commonly reloaded, but when they're available they're usually available in quantity, and unless you're one of the shooting range "blasters" that fire off a brick per visit, a few bricks are a lifetime + supply for us old guys. As for the .410 shells, they've always been kind of expensive, but offer a good case for reloading. And, 7 1/2 shot will work equally as well in the 12 Ga. (another excellent choice!).
Then, I also understand the .40 S&W, citing the reason you gave, but for myself prefer the .45 ACP as even today the fired brass can be had in goodly quantities for reasonable prices.......and how could I never have a 1911? So, again for me, although I know how you got there, I'd drop the .40 for the .45.
Lastly, your advice to buy it as you find it available and can afford it is excellent advice indeed. Here we are, once again, when ammo is reappearing on retailer's shelves. I can remember 4 cycles of ammo shortages in my lifetime, and I'd classify them in sequence as having been inconvenient, serious, severe, and the last one worst. They are getting more serious each cycle, and this last time has been 2+ years.
Meanwhile, each cycle brings permanent price increases. Anti-gun legislation is back in style and it's hard to read the future. I say get it now as you can, and if you are able get a lot. Buy in anticipation of your needs, and like Don says, tailor your gun collection accordingly. Lastly, get into reloading. Stockpile the components and you'll be able to keep shooting.
DG