Introduction
In a world teetering on the brink of uncertainty, the specter of a “Situations When Things Hit the Fan” (SHTF) scenario looms large. Whether it’s a natural disaster, societal collapse, or any other unforeseen event, being prepared is paramount. At the heart of any survival plan lies the ability to defend yourself and your loved ones. For those who own an AR-15 or other rifles chambered in 5.56 NATO, choosing the right ammunition is a critical component of that preparedness.
The 5.56 NATO round, renowned for its versatility and widespread adoption, offers a blend of stopping power, accuracy, and manageable recoil. Understanding the nuances of this ammunition and selecting the best rounds for your specific needs can significantly enhance your chances of survival. This article dives deep into the factors that determine optimal 5.56 ammo performance and then presents our top picks for surviving a SHTF event. Our goal is to arm you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your ammunition choices, bolstering your readiness when it matters most.
It’s important to acknowledge that firearms and ammunition regulations vary significantly by location. Always familiarize yourself with and abide by local laws and regulations. This article is for informational purposes only, and the user is responsible for following all applicable rules.
Understanding Ammo Choices for Survival
Choosing the right 5.56 ammunition isn’t just about grabbing the cheapest box on the shelf. Several factors must be considered to ensure your rounds perform when your life may depend on it.
Prioritizing Reliability
Reliability is the cornerstone of any survival ammunition. The most effective round is useless if it fails to fire. A well-maintained firearm is crucial, but the ammunition itself must also be of high quality. This means the ammunition should be clean, properly sealed, and constructed with quality components to minimize the chances of misfires or malfunctions. Look for ammunition from reputable manufacturers with a proven track record of quality control.
Considering Penetration Power
Penetration is the ability of a bullet to punch through barriers. This is particularly important in a SHTF scenario, where you might encounter situations where you need to engage targets behind cover. A round that can penetrate obstacles like car doors, walls, or even light body armor can give you a significant advantage. However, excessive penetration can also mean the bullet passes through the target without delivering maximum energy. Therefore, balancing penetration with terminal performance is crucial.
Evaluating Terminal Performance
Terminal performance refers to the bullet’s effectiveness upon impact. This is the measure of how well a round expands, fragments, or delivers energy to incapacitate or neutralize a threat. The ideal terminal performance depends on the specific threat you are facing. For instance, you might want a bullet designed to expand rapidly upon impact to transfer its energy quickly and create a devastating wound channel. Different bullet designs are optimized for different terminal effects, making this a critical factor in selecting the best 5.56 ammo.
Weighing Availability
In a true SHTF situation, your initial stockpile of ammunition will eventually deplete. This is why you need to consider the availability of replacement rounds. While specialized or high-performance ammunition might offer superior capabilities, it may also be more difficult to find. It makes sense to select ammo that is known to be on shelves commonly. Having a readily available supply of ammunition you can restock or scavenge can mean the difference between having ammo, and not having any.
Understanding Ballistics
Ballistics is the science of projectiles in motion. It encompasses the bullet’s trajectory, how it’s affected by wind, and its energy at different ranges. Understanding the ballistics of your chosen ammunition is important for accurate shot placement. Factors like bullet weight, shape, and velocity all impact ballistics. Knowing the bullet drop and wind drift at various distances will allow you to make accurate shots, especially when engaging targets beyond close range.
Managing the Cost
The cost of ammunition is a practical consideration for any prepper. As you build your stockpile, the financial implications of purchasing large quantities of ammunition are significant. While quality should always be a priority, it’s still possible to choose rounds that offer an excellent balance of performance and affordability. Consider the cost per round when evaluating different ammunition options and plan your budget accordingly to maximize your stockpile without sacrificing quality.
The Best 5.56 Ammo For Survival
Now, let’s delve into the top 5.56 ammo choices, carefully selected with the characteristics needed for a SHTF scenario.
General Purpose: Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) rounds are a staple in the world of ammunition. These rounds are typically less expensive than specialized ammunition and therefore an excellent choice for practice and backup ammo. FMJ bullets generally consist of a lead core encased in a full metal jacket.
- Ideal use: General purpose defense. These bullets are good for target practice and also good for defense.
- Pros: Readily available, affordable, reliable, good penetration.
- Cons: Can over-penetrate targets without maximum energy transfer.
- Ideal use: General purpose self-defense, target practice, training.
Increased Stopping Power: Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) rounds are designed to expand rapidly upon impact, delivering more energy to the target. These bullets have a hollow point cavity in their nose.
- Ideal use: Self-defense and home defense. These rounds are a great choice when looking for stopping power.
- Pros: Excellent stopping power, controlled expansion, designed for soft targets.
- Cons: Can be less effective on targets behind cover.
- Ideal use: Situations where stopping a threat quickly is crucial.
Long-Range Accuracy: Open Tip Match (OTM)
Open Tip Match (OTM) bullets are renowned for their accuracy. These bullets are specifically designed for target shooting and offer exceptional precision.
- Ideal use: Long-range engagements, precise shooting.
- Pros: Superior accuracy, excellent ballistic coefficients.
- Cons: Generally not designed for maximum expansion.
- Ideal use: Situations where a long-range shot is required.
Dealing with Barriers: Penetrator Rounds
Penetrator rounds, also known as armor-piercing ammunition, are designed to penetrate hardened targets. The exact composition of penetrator rounds can vary, but they are often composed of a hard core material.
- Ideal use: Penetrating barriers, engaging threats behind cover.
- Pros: Excellent penetration capabilities, can defeat hard targets, more effective at penetrating barriers.
- Cons: Specialized use, potential legal restrictions.
- Ideal use: When engaging targets behind barriers or in armored vehicles.
Improved Performance: Solid Copper Hollow Point (SCHP)
Solid Copper Hollow Point (SCHP) bullets are made from a single piece of copper, eliminating the need for a jacket. These rounds are excellent for hunting and self-defense.
- Ideal use: Improved terminal performance in soft targets, and general self defense.
- Pros: Excellent terminal performance.
- Cons: More expensive.
- Ideal use: Defense and hunting.
Safe Storage and Preservation of Your Ammo
Storing and preserving your ammunition properly is as critical as selecting the right rounds. Ammunition, like any valuable asset, requires thoughtful care to maintain its effectiveness.
Finding Safe Storage
Choose a storage location that offers protection from the elements. A cool, dry environment is ideal. Attics, basements, and garages can be problematic due to temperature fluctuations and humidity. A climate-controlled room or a specialized ammunition storage container is preferable.
Shielding From the Elements
Moisture is the enemy of ammunition. It can cause corrosion, which can lead to malfunctions. Keep ammunition in its original packaging or use airtight containers with desiccant packs to absorb any moisture. Avoid storing ammunition in direct sunlight, as heat can degrade the propellant.
Rotating Your Ammunition
Consider rotating your ammunition to ensure you’re using the freshest rounds possible. This means using a portion of your stored ammunition for training or recreational shooting and replacing it with newly purchased ammunition. This helps prevent degradation over time and ensures that the ammunition you rely on is in peak condition.
Procuring Ammunition for the Long Term
Securing a sufficient supply of 5.56 ammunition requires a proactive approach. Relying solely on current availability is risky, as economic or political events can drastically alter the market.
Preparing and Stockpiling for the Future
Begin by purchasing ammunition regularly, even if it’s just a box or two each month. Focus on high-quality, reliable rounds. Gradually build your stockpile, diversifying your choices to cover a range of potential scenarios.
Considering Bartering or Trading
In a SHTF scenario, currency may become useless. Being able to barter or trade for goods and services becomes vital. Ammunition can be a highly valuable commodity. Consider having a diversified stock to trade with people who may need it.
When Scavenging Is the Last Resort
Scavenging ammunition should only be considered as a last resort. If you have exhausted your supply, and have absolutely no other means of obtaining it, then this may be necessary.
Conclusion
The best 5.56 ammo for SHTF is not a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your specific needs, threat assessment, and preferences. Choosing the right ammunition is a multifaceted process, encompassing factors like reliability, penetration, terminal performance, and availability. You must select the rounds that will give you the best chance of success.
Remember our top picks: General purpose FMJ for all-around defense, JHP for stopping power, OTM for long-range, penetrator rounds for barriers, and SCHP for a variety of situations.
We cannot stress enough how important it is to be prepared. The time to prepare is now. This will ensure you have the ammunition and the knowledge needed for the worst-case scenario. Always practice, and refine your choices and skills. Your life, and the lives of those you care about, may depend on it.
Always remember: Be prepared, stay vigilant, and train consistently with the ammunition you select.
