07-31-2011, 12:25 PM
Clod Stomper Wrote:I've heard this same theme over and over. Buy a 5.56, 7.62 NATO, 7.62x39, etc. for SHTF because they are very common rounds. But I must respectfully disagree. I am thoroughly of the belief that if indeed the S does HTF, you had better have what you need with you or stored away at your "compound" when it does. Case in point: as of November 5, 2008, which rounds could NOT be found at Walmart, or pretty much anywhere? And that wasn't even SHTF (well, I suppose that depends on your perspective). I couldn't even find .22 LR at Walmart for over a year. At least in bulk.
IMO, the best reason for choosing the common rounds is because you can stock up on them RIGHT NOW at a reasonable price.
One good reason to choose the Grendel for a SHTF round is: 1) To have a round that fits in the AR and is good up close and out to at least 500 yards. 2) One can stock up on inexpensive 7.62x39 which can be necked down to work in a Grendel if necessary. Yes, even steel cased ammo.
And IF one was far from home when the SHTF and didn't take plenty of ammo, they would want a rifle chambered in a round that is fairly common, but which everyone and their sister isn't going to be running out to buy. Don't know, maybe .270 Win or 7-08?
I'm not predicting bad stuff is gonna happen. But I know more and more people who are getting worried. And they are arming themselves and stocking up on basic necessities. Of course, there have always been folks like that. So, who knows?
Will
Will / Guys:
In 2008 we could not get Grendel ammunition anywhere. Period. Not from AA, not from Midway -- no where.
Right now when the MPT runs out it may be months to a year before you see any more due to production runs and importation.
And stalking up on Hornady or AA ammo is OK providing you are wealthy. But that leaves the real question.
You would actually trust your life to a Grendel with its CP magazines? How fast are you at replacing a bolt when you shear a lug? Many years around the issued 5.56 and I have seen one bolt lug shear. I have owned Grendels for six years and have six or eight bolts sitting on a shelf with sheared lugs. Both 7.62 and Grendel bolts. And no CP magazine I have owned have I been able to trust that it will function. Not the 10 round, 17 round, or 28 round.
OTOH, with every 5.56 I also own, I just don't seem to have function problems and so far I haven't sheared any bolt lugs. I have used magazines dating back to the 1960's, magazines that Army claimed to be bad, magazines made by the lowest bidder, no name magazines, Wolf ammo, issued ammo, hand loaded ammo, mixed lots of ammo, bullets of different lengths and designs. All fired through chambers ranging from (real) match chambers on Match rifles through blasting chambers on mid range quality blasting carbines. Can't remember the last time I had a problem with function.
No big deal.
LR55