Five Calibers You Should Stockpile Before World War III

Published on August 10, 2025
Duration: 13:15

This video explains the current ammunition and gunpowder shortages, citing global events and supply chain disruptions. It identifies five key calibers to stockpile: 12 Gauge (buckshot), .22 LR, 9mm, 5.56x45mm NATO, and .308 Winchester, detailing their utility and value. The speaker also provides guidance on building a strategic ammunition reserve.

Quick Summary

Ammunition prices are rising due to import bans, depleted surplus, and global conflicts like the Ukraine war. A critical gunpowder shortage, exacerbated by disrupted supply chains and reduced production of key ingredients like nitrocellulose, further impacts availability and cost. Stockpiling essential calibers like 12 Gauge, .22 LR, 9mm, 5.56x45mm NATO, and .308 Winchester is recommended.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The Coming Ammo Crisis
  2. 00:40Past Ammo Shortages: .22 LR and COVID Chaos
  3. 01:14Price Increases: 7.62x39mm and .223 Remington Examples
  4. 01:36Reasons for Shortages: Russian Ammo Ban & Surplus Drying Up
  5. 02:27The Gunpowder Shortage Explained
  6. 03:12Global Factors: Ukraine War & China's Nitrocellulose Ban
  7. 03:58Impact on Less Common Calibers
  8. 04:46How to Stockpile: Planning Ahead
  9. 05:03Caliber 1: 12 Gauge Shotgun
  10. 05:45Caliber 2: .22 Long Rifle
  11. 06:46Caliber 3: 9mm Luger
  12. 07:42Caliber 4: 5.56x45mm NATO
  13. 08:29Caliber 5: .308 Winchester / 7.62 NATO
  14. 09:44How Much Ammo to Store? Strategy and Budget
  15. 10:44Calculating Your Ammo Needs
  16. 11:13Stockpiling on a Budget
  17. 12:09Defensive Ammunition Stockpiling
  18. 12:33Conclusion: Slow and Logical Stockpiling
  19. 12:48Viewer Engagement: Your Ammo Situation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is ammunition becoming so expensive and scarce?

Ammunition prices are soaring due to a combination of factors including the ban on Russian imports, depletion of military surplus, increased global demand driven by conflicts like the one in Ukraine, and a significant shortage of gunpowder caused by disrupted supply chains and reduced production of key ingredients like nitrocellulose.

What are the five essential calibers to stockpile for emergencies?

The five recommended calibers to stockpile are 12 Gauge (for shotguns), .22 Long Rifle (for its economy and versatility), 9mm Luger (for handguns, high barter value), 5.56x45mm NATO (for AR-15/M4 platforms), and .308 Winchester (for longer range and barrier penetration).

How can I effectively build an ammunition stockpile on a budget?

To build an ammo stockpile on a budget, prioritize calibers for your most used firearms, set a dedicated monthly budget, and consider supplementing live fire with dry-firing. Shopping for deals, including on steel-cased ammo for practice, can also help maximize your reserve.

What is causing the current gunpowder shortage?

The gunpowder shortage is primarily driven by 'world events' leading to unprecedented demand and global supply chain disruptions. Key factors include the war in Ukraine affecting raw material sourcing and shipping, and China ceasing to sell nitrocellulose, a critical gunpowder ingredient, to the US.

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