7 Rounds Every American Should Stockpile Before The 2026 Ammo Crunch!

Published on January 19, 2026
Duration: 12:12

Ted from Line45 advises stockpiling specific ammunition calibers to prepare for potential ammo shortages, drawing parallels to past events like the 2020 crunch. He emphasizes the importance of having sufficient training and defensive rounds for various firearms, including .22 LR, 9mm, 5.56/.223, 12-gauge slugs and buckshot, 7.62x39mm, and .308/7.62 NATO, as well as less common calibers. The advice focuses on proactive preparation to maintain training and defensive capabilities during scarcity.

Quick Summary

Ted from Line45 advises stockpiling .22 LR, 9mm Luger, .223/5.56 NATO, 12-gauge slugs/buckshot, 7.62x39mm, .308/7.62 NATO, and other personal calibers. He highlights that .22 LR and 9mm disappear first due to widespread use, while rifle and shotgun defensive rounds are also vulnerable. Niche calibers require batch stockpiling.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 7 ammunition calibers recommended for stockpiling?

The recommended calibers for stockpiling are .22 LR, 9mm Luger, .223 Remington/5.56x45mm NATO, 12-gauge slugs and buckshot, 7.62x39mm, .308 Winchester/7.62 NATO, and any other personal 'oddball' calibers you regularly shoot.

Why is .22 LR ammunition the first to disappear during shortages?

.22 LR disappears first because it's used by everyone from beginners to experienced shooters for training, pest control, and small game. Rimfire production is slower and more sensitive to supply chain issues, making it difficult to meet sudden demand spikes.

What factors contribute to 9mm Luger ammunition shortages?

9mm Luger is in high demand due to its status as the default service caliber for law enforcement and widespread civilian use. High consumption by ranges, first-time buyers, and defensive carriers means any supply chain stress or panic buying rapidly depletes available stock.

How do import restrictions and sanctions affect 7.62x39mm availability?

Import bans on Chinese ammunition and sanctions on Russian imports have significantly reduced the availability of common steel-cased 7.62x39mm. Emerging sources like Serbia are also facing export restrictions and potential tariffs, creating volatility.

What is the strategy for stockpiling niche or 'oddball' calibers?

For niche calibers, manufacturers produce in batches. The strategy is to list all owned calibers and set separate minimum stockpiles for defensive ammunition and training/hunting ammunition to ensure every firearm can be used from home inventory.

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