7 Of The Worst Cartridges For SHTF

Published on April 25, 2025
Duration: 11:41

This video from Banana Ballistics, featuring a highly authoritative firearms instructor, breaks down the worst ammunition choices for a SHTF scenario. It emphasizes that while powerful, cartridges like 12 Gauge, .500 S&W Magnum, .50 AE, and .50 BMG are impractical due to bulk, weight, noise, and limited availability. Niche AR cartridges and 5.45x39mm are also flagged for their scarcity in the US.

Quick Summary

Powerful cartridges like .500 S&W Magnum and .50 AE are impractical for SHTF scenarios due to the extreme weight of associated firearms, the bulk and cost of ammunition, and the deafening noise signature that compromises stealth. Niche AR rounds and 5.45x39mm are also poor choices due to their scarcity in the US, making resupply nearly impossible in a post-collapse environment.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: SHTF Cartridge Importance
  2. 00:22#7: 12 Gauge Shotgun Issues
  3. 02:04#6: Niche AR Cartridges Explained
  4. 03:09#5: 5.45x39mm Scarcity
  5. 03:59#4: .338 Lapua Magnum Impracticality
  6. 05:17Honorable Mentions: 5.7x28 & .30 Carbine
  7. 06:56#3: .500 S&W Magnum Issues
  8. 08:25#2: .50 AE (Action Express) Novelty
  9. 09:50#1: .50 BMG - Ultimate Worst

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are powerful cartridges like .500 S&W Magnum and .50 AE considered bad choices for SHTF situations?

These calibers are impractical for SHTF due to the extreme weight of firearms like the S&W 500 revolver and Desert Eagle, the sheer bulk and cost of the ammunition, and the deafening noise signature that compromises stealth and tactical advantage, making them poor choices for survival scenarios.

What makes niche AR cartridges like 6.5 Grendel or .338 ARC unsuitable for SHTF preparedness?

While these cartridges offer improved ballistics over standard 5.56mm, their primary drawback for SHTF is their lack of commonality. In a post-collapse scenario, finding ammunition for these niche rounds would be nearly impossible, rendering them logistically unsound for long-term survival needs.

Is 5.45x39mm a good choice for SHTF, and why or why not?

5.45x39mm is generally considered a poor choice for SHTF due to its increasing scarcity in the US market compared to more prevalent rounds like 5.56mm or 7.62x39mm. This limited availability poses a significant risk for ammunition resupply in a survival situation.

What are the main drawbacks of .50 BMG for SHTF scenarios?

The .50 BMG is the worst SHTF cartridge due to extreme impracticality. Rifles weigh over 30 pounds, individual rounds are massive and heavy, and the noise is detectable for miles, making stealth impossible and mobility severely hindered. It is completely unsuitable for mobile survival.

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