What round for TEOTWAWKI

[Whiskey_D.]

I've been wondering what the best round would be for TEOTWAWKI. I live in Kentucky where the largest animal as far as wildlife is a deer. Any confrontation with wildlife both two legged and four would be 100 yards or less. I think 30-30 Win in a Marlin 336 would be a good round because it is inexpensive and could be found at any mom and pop store. It is inexpensive and could be bought and stored in large quanity.
What do you all think?

Whiskey

[Matthew]

I guess it depends on what rifle you choose. For me the round of choice would be 5.56 NATO/223 Rem, but then again I like the AR. I don't think it has any issues stopping two legged adversaries less than 100 yards, (flame suit on) and would be adequate for deer.

[singleshot]

What the hell is TEOTWAWKI?

[jim]

Both of your choices will work, with the edge in stopping power going to the .30-30.

Start working on cast lead reloads (formerly referred to as bastard ammo). The Lyman cast flat points or round noses at 160-170 grs, at 1,200 fps will work beautifully at those ranges and targets. Seven grains of Unique under the above paper patched slug is most economical.

jim

[Gringo]

What the hell is TEOTWAWKI?
The End Of The World As We Know It

[meancoyote]

i would say 5.56/.223, it would be the most easy to find i suppose. but if the TEOTWAWKI thing happens tomaro, then whatever bullets fit the gun you have now would be good.

[Toad_Sticker]

lots of them......
there is no do it all round/gun/etc.
the problem with 30/30 is the same as any you find popular now.... it is on all the mom and pop shelves because there are so many of them and TSHTF it will disappear fast. Stock up now while it is still there and cheap. 30/30 is as fine selection as most others just don't plan on buying it for any price in an emergency as most won't part with it then.
TS

[Rick]

The problem with TEOTWAWKI is that it is so dang unpredictable.

If you are in a staic defence situation, a heavier round like a .308 or .30-06 would probably be the way to go (assuming your stature allows for the recoil and weight of the weapon).

If you are running and gunning through the piney woods, probably a cartridge weighing less would be the more appropriate choice; ie: 5.56 mm (or possibly .30 Carbine).

I believe in stocking ammunition ahead of time, but there is always the chance you may become separated from your stockpile (theft, fire, attack, etc)

If a person were simply hunting big game, a box of 20 rounds might last through three or four years of moderate hunting).

If the local mutant, zombie, biker gang is attacking, you might go through 600 rounds in an hour (it's unlikely, but it could happen). The problem is, if you expended a 600 rounds in combat, probably each enemy expended 600 rounds at you.

In a guerilla/resistance type envioronment, the guerillas often resupply themselves from captured supplies. (if no one else is providing resupply).

[scoutinlife]

A selection of weapons is good plan as well! Variuos popular calibers say 30-30,223, ect gives more options on ammo resupply by what ever means!!!! ;)

[meancoyote]

i think prolly get very good with just a few weapons, get to many guns, they all work alittle differnt? practice , practice, practice, and then practice some more. practice shooting water filled milk jugs at 100 yards on a very windy day, then at night, and rain maby. prolly more important to get good with what ever weapon you pick more than what type of weapon you pic.

[Rick]

Shooting at night is a real eye-opener (as well as a humbling experience)

:o

edited to add:

The shooting part is easy. The hitting part is slightly more problematic.

[jajbellsouthnet]

I vote for a 12 ga. with 3" magnum OO buckshot. It will take care of most problems under most conditions most of the time. Otherwise, buy a gun store.

[KeyserSoze]

Hello everyone,
My choice would be three,
12GA
45ACP
308WIN/7.62x51mm

Keyser

[Farmer]

You could also ask what saw should I have to cut some wood to make cabinets.

My answer would be the same - you should have enough tools to do the job.

If you are talking about offensive measures, I think the discussion belongs elsewhere.

If your scenario is self-defense, you need to define what kind of an area you're defending. If it's inside the homestead or just around the yard, you would want a shorter weapon with a round that will not penetrate walls and perhaps go where you don't want. Think .45ACP or .223 (5.56) in a short-barrelled rifle. Indoors, you don't have a lot of room to swing a longer rifle or shotgun.

If you're out in the open and being engaged from ranges that exceed 100 yards, perhaps .308 (7.62) would make more sense. I say 100 yards more for aiming and accuracy than weapons capabilities.

If you are talking hunting, you need to consider the size of the game you're after. A .308 will kill a squirrel just fine, but there might not be a lot left to eat. A .22 might kill a deer, but your shot placement better be pretty darn good.

So there's not one all-encompassing answer to your question.

Here are my recommendations:

1) Have a pistol for close-range self-defense. Make it a pistol with stopping power. The 1911 in .45ACP is very well regarded by many experts, and is an easy platform to learn and use. It can also be equipped with a .22 conversion for use in either practice or small game hunting. There is even a carbine conversion to extend the capabilities of the platform to medium sized game.

2) I like the AR-15 system. You can have an AR in .223 with a simple action swap to make it a .308. You can even get yourself a range of short and long barrels in either caliber to extend your capabilities for short and long range defense or hunting.

If you have to limit yourself to the minimum in weaponry, I'd recommend a .45 on your hip and an AR in .223 with a 16" barrel.

[Mark_and_Nicole]

i would'nt over look the marlin carbine lever action 'ranch rifles' in .357 or .44 mag.
not to be sexist, i feel these rifles would be excellent choices for women because of their lower recoil and are fairly light and easy to weild.and both would be reliable deer slayers.

imo. in a SHTF situation a .22 would be imperative for survival hunting and maybe defense.
but dont underestimate the humble .22. it is a proven giant killer,especially in hollow point form.and as was mentioned before,for large animals placement is very important.
and for defense and huning a short barreled pump shot gun is hard to beat.
no, there is not one caliber to suit all needs in a SHTF situation. imo the weapons i mentioned would be versatile in such a case.

Mark

[wy0mn]

Get the gun/caliber you want. Buy dies, bullets, powder & all the other necessary stuff to safely reload your own caliber. Study the manuals & never deviate. Stockpile components, not round$.
Small game, I'd use traps, archery, & blowguns. I wouldn't want to announce my presence to baddies with the popping of a .22 especially while I'm preoccupied looking up a tree @ Mr Bushytail.
My only rifle is a Marlin 1895GS, stainless, in .45-70, light gun, heavy ammo. Not tactical in any sense of the word, and ammo is getting harder to find.
I couldn't possibly carry enough rounds for a serious firefight, and my practical range is less than 200m. But I know the gun, & what it can do on the 'other end' is awe inspiring.

[longshot]

do i only have one weapon/caliber in this case?

if so i would go for my oldstand by of 12 gauge slugs and shot, number 4 lead shot and number 2 steel. if i have another it would be .303 for long range and .22 for "other" uses. small game etc.

ls