9 Best Calibers to Stockpile

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

The world will never forget 2020. One of the many standout things that happened that year was a serious shortage of some of the most popular calibers of ammunition out there. It did not take long for all the 9mm and .38 ammo to be sold out. These were hardly the only calibers of ammunition affected but it really spoke to the shortage and its effect.

What was most alarming is that production lines were shuttered for a short period of time so people and even the stores themselves had no idea when the ammunition would be back in stock. What would happen if America was dealing with a crisis that lasted years? Decades?

The answer is the ammo would dry up very quickly and you would never see it again.

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Let’s look at the state of affairs right now. We have America in a proxy war with Russia. We have China and a growing contingent of nations attacking the US Dollar and testing the waters and American temperament, with Taiwan. We also have total chaos in the Middle East.

Should we face a World War, the birth of a World Government, Cultural Revolution in the States (already happening), and the fall of the US dollar, there is no doubt that ammo is going to all but disappear. What you have now is what you will have.

Do you have enough?

Let’s look at the 9 calibers you should stockpile right now.

The Big 3

The only thing more contentious than writing about firearms is writing about ammunition. That said, we are not here to talk about which calibers are better than others, but I do think we have to come to realize that The Big 3, if we are to pick 3, will be the most in demand and will be the most used.

00 Buckshot

If I could have only one firearm for the rest of my life, it would be a 12-gauge shotgun. These are incredible weapons, but they are so common that people can often forget about what a great gun the 12 gauge is.

The most popular caliber for this firearm is 00 Buckshot. That said, when the ammo crunch comes, it won’t just swallow up buckshot, but it will take birdshot and slugs and everything in between. So, stocking up on 00 buckshot is a very high priority for me and it should be for you, too.

.22LR

The economy and utility of this round makes it a no brainer when it comes to stockpiling. While the .22 LR does not have the pointed tip, psi, or the amount of powder that similar sized rounds like the .223 Remington, it is still a deadly round with good placement.

The .22LR is lightweight, easy to pack and carry, great for killing small game and livestock, great for dealing with predators both four legged and two legged and of course, cheap to stockpile.

Right now, the .22LR is the ammo that is always around and it’s always cheap. Now, it is not as cheap as it was but still a great deal compared to 5.56 or even 9mm. Not that I would substitute one for the other. That said, there will come a time when .22LR is gone, too. Do you have enough?

9mm

The most popular handgun ammunition today is 9mm. Chances are you have a 9mm in your own arsenal. As gun ownership has increased in America so has the demand for 9mm ammunition. The US Military also uses a lot of 9mm ammunition for things like training.

The overwhelming demand for this caliber of ammunition means that it will be gone from the civilian world in a hurry in the face of a supply chain disruption or even a serious war. Not only will these things limit the amount that is available, but panic will drive people to buy more.

Popular Rifle Rounds

The modern sporting rifle, known to the ATF as an “assault rifle” is one of the most popular firearms in the United States of America. I think the calibers are going to be in high demand for sporting rifles and several come to mind. Now, I am biased on the 30-06 because that is what I shoot for deer hunting. You might shoot a .308 or something else.

5.56

This is another military round and one that is very popular. The price of 5.56 skyrocketed in 2020 and I distinctly remember purchasing a box of PMC X-TAC that cost around $20 before shipping and taxes. I was well over $1 per round of 5.56 in 2020.

That was what they were charging when it was available! This is a very popular caliber and one that you should stockpile plenty of if you do not have it already.

7.62

Are you a hero or a villain? Are you an AK or an AR shooter? That is a joke but if you do shoot an AK-47 or a similar style weapon that fires 7.62 caliber then you should stock up on this ammunition, too. This is another round that was hard to find in 2020. With the slight disruption we saw this stuff all but disappear or become so expensive that it was a better idea to wait it out.

30-06

This powerful hunting round is a must have. As I mentioned earlier, you may not have a 30-06 caliber rifle but whatever caliber you have you need to treat it as I do the 30-06 caliber for my hunting rifle. When you can really reach out and touch someone or something with a scope a devastating round like this makes a huge difference.

As far as availability, I noticed that the quantity of hunting calibers was in better shape than the more common personal defense calibers like 9mm and 5.56 but that doesn’t mean you should wait till they aren’t. Start stockpiling now so you don’t have to worry about what could be.

The OUTLAWS

Some types of ammunition are on this list because they are in high demand, others are here because I don’t really know how much longer you are going to be able to buy them. Those types are the outlaws and if they hold any weight in your mind then you should be after them now while you can still get them.

Green Tipped 5.56

The aim of green tipped 5.56 is to punch through body armor, right? Wrong. In fact, it is black tipped ammo that is armor piercing. While the green tipped M588 round is called a penetrator round, and is packed with 62 grains of powder, this round is not as dangerous as the uninformed make it out to be.

That of course is where the problem lies. The uniformed are the people writing up gun control legislation these days. They see a green tip and they think it can shoot through anything. They see a 30-round magazine and they think you pull the trigger once and the gun shoots thirty rounds.

Green tipped 5.56 ammo was targeted years ago by the ATF and I think we will see it targeted again in the near future. It is a round with tremendous stopping power. If that is important to you then you should get it while you can.

Russian Ammo

Russian Ammo was banned in 2014 by Obama, banned in 2017 by Trump, and banned in 2021 by Biden. Every president for the last 10 years has put some kind of ban on Russian Ammo coming into the nation. Of course, we are still able to buy Russian ammo.

As the war in Ukraine broadens and drags more and more nations into it, Russia may not only have its ammo banned here, but they might also stop selling it to the enemy, or it might not have enough to sell at all!

The reason for buying Russian ammo is because it is inexpensive and reliable. If you do a lot of shooting, then Russian ammo can save you a lot of money.

Dragon’s Breath

In the prepping community we have known about dragon’s breath for a long time. It has always been something to shoot off for fun. Not a great home defense round because it would likely burn the whole house down.

Now that it has gone mainstream in the movie John Wick 4, I think we will see it more and probably some violent instances with it. This will immediately garner the attention of the uninformed gun control crowd and they will likely come after this type of ammo and maybe even some of the other fun stuff shotgun rounds out there.

Conclusion

As you can see there are many different calibers to stockpile right now and there are a number of reasons to do so. If this article really hit home with you then I would also suggest getting yourself an ammo reloading setup and stocking up the components for your most used ammunition.

The combination of an ammunition stockpile and the capability of reloading can go a very long way in keeping your firearms fed and shelves stocked with viable ammunition.

If ammo reloading seems too far afield for you then you need to start stockpiling the calibers on our list right now to assure that you have what you need when the prices jump, or the shelves empty out.

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The Hidden Crisis: Why So Many High School Students Are Homeless

The hidden crisis: Why are so many high school students homeless? When you picture a homeless person, you might imagine an adult sleeping on a park bench or someone holding a cardboard sign on a street corner.
But what if I told you that thousands of homeless people are actually high school students who still take algebra tests, go to football games, and dream about college, even though they don’t know where they’ll sleep tonight?

This is one of America’s quietest tragedies, a hidden crisis unfolding in classrooms across the country.

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When Mark and I were living with our daughter while we built our tiny home, my daughter and her husband were asked by the local high school if we could shelter a young student who was no longer welcome at his home. Although the reason was unknown, they immediately took him in, ensuring he had rides to school and activities, food to eat, and a bed to sleep on. He was a senior and just needed some help; he has since gone on to college and pursued his dreams. And no, he was not on drugs.

The area where this school is located is relatively affluent, which might leave you wondering, what? How could this be? Well, it’s everywhere, my friends. I recall a neighbor mentioning at a BBQ in Southern Utah that St. George, Utah, didn’t have a problem with homelessness or food scarcity. Yes, they did. Mark and I served many meals to families in need. Also, child abuse was rampant, dark secrets no one talks about. Homelessness is everywhere.

Mark belongs to a national-based civic club called the National Exchange Club. His particular club is located in a community called Murray, Utah. Murray High School has the Spartans as its mascot. Club members became familiar with a number of students who came to school hungry, wearing worn-out clothes, and needing some basic necessities we all take for granted, like toothpaste and deodorant. The club worked with the high school admin and put together the Spartan Closet. It is a place the kids can go to get treats, clothes, and other items, and do so without embarrassment. Most of the local high schools are trying to do the same kind of thing, with varying success.

Why So Many Teens End Up Homeless

Homelessness among high school students rarely has a single cause. It’s often the result of overlapping crises, family breakdowns, economic hardship, and systemic failures that leave vulnerable teens with nowhere to go.

1. Family Instability and Conflict

Many teens lose their homes because of domestic violence, neglect, or abuse. Others are forced out after coming out as LGBTQ+, leaving them to survive on their own.
Some people leave simply because their home isn’t safe, either emotionally or physically.

2. Poverty and Economic Hardship

Even when families stay together, poverty can push them into homelessness. Job loss, medical bills, or rising rent can quickly destroy a fragile financial situation.
Many families end up “doubled up,” living temporarily with relatives or friends, a situation the government still counts as homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act.

3. Foster Care and System Failures

Youth who age out of foster care (when they turn 18 years old) without permanent homes often become homeless within months.
With no family, few resources, and limited life skills, these young adults face an uphill battle before they even begin adulthood.

4. The Affordable Housing Crisis

In many cities, housing costs have skyrocketed far beyond what minimum-wage workers or struggling families can afford.
For a student trying to work part-time while attending school, the idea of paying rent is nearly impossible.

5. The Hidden Homeless

Not every homeless teen sleeps under a bridge.
Many couch surf, staying with friends, classmates, or relatives. They might keep their homelessness secret out of shame or fear of being separated from siblings.
These students often go unnoticed and unsupported by schools and social services.

The Impact on Education

Homelessness touches every part of a student’s life.
It’s hard to focus on geometry when you’re hungry or unsure where you’ll sleep. It’s harder still to attend school when you have no clean clothes, no bus fare, or no way to finish homework if you don’t have access to a computer or printer.

Homeless students are:

• More likely to drop out before graduation
• More likely to experience mental health struggles
• Less likely to attend college or gain stable employment

Yet, when given stability and support, these same students can thrive — often showing remarkable resilience and determination.

What We Can Do About It

This crisis may be hidden, but it isn’t hopeless.
Here’s how we can all help:

1. Support the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Programs

Every U.S. school district is required to have a liaison to help homeless students with transportation, meals, and enrollment, but these programs are often underfunded.
Advocating for them, volunteering, or donating supplies makes a real difference.

2. Increase Awareness

Teachers, parents, and community members can learn to recognize signs of student homelessness, such as chronic absences, frequent moves, or exhaustion, and approach with compassion, not judgment.

3. Support Affordable Housing Initiatives

Stable housing is the foundation of everything else. Supporting local housing nonprofits, shelters, and youth hostels helps create safe spaces for teens in crisis.

4. Offer Practical Help

Gift cards, hygiene kits, blankets, and bus passes can be life-changing for a teen without stable housing. Even small acts of kindness can remind them that they’re not invisible. Most high schools in Utah have Food Pantries and mini Clothing Stores where students can get what they need at no cost.

The Takeaway

Homeless high school students aren’t statistics; they’re young people fighting to hold onto hope in impossible circumstances.
They’re studying for exams in the back of cars, showing up for class after sleeping in shelters, and dreaming of a future that feels just out of reach.

By shedding light on this hidden crisis, we can help ensure that no student has to face the most challenging years of their life alone.

It’s challenging to get a precise count of only high school students who are homeless, because data is usually collected for all K-12 students. But here’s what the numbers show and what we can reasonably infer:

What the data says

• In the 2022-2023 school year, U.S. public schools identified 1,374,537 students as experiencing homelessness. SchoolHouse Connection+1.
• In 2021-2022, the number was 1,205,292 students (about 2.4% of all public school students) National Center for Homeless Education+1.
• In 2020-2021, about 1,099,221 students were identified as homeless. National Center for Homeless Education+1.
• Historically, in 2017-2018, the count peaked around 1.5 million K-12 students. SchoolHouse Connection+1.

Because students in all grades are included, roughly 7%–8% of homeless students are in each grade (kindergarten through about 10th grade), with 11th graders representing about 6% of the homeless student population in some datasets. National Center for Homeless Education.

So, if you take 1.2 to 1.4 million total homeless K-12 students, and assume that high school grades (9–12) make up about 30–35% of that total (4 out of 13 grades), then the number of homeless high school students might be on the order of 350,000 to 500,000 (a rough estimate).

Why is it hard to get an exact figure

• Underreporting: Many homeless youth are “hidden” couch-surfing, staying with friends or relatives, and may not be identified by schools or support systems.
• Data aggregation by grade levels: Most reports lump all K–12 together rather than break out high school segments.
• Variation across districts and states: Some areas have stronger identification systems, others do not.
• Changing definitions: “Homelessness” under the McKinney-Vento Act includes students doubled up, in motels, shelters, etc. Some of these living situations are less visible.

Options or Resources Available

That’s an essential and compassionate topic. Homeless high school students face enormous barriers, but there are programs and options designed to help them stay safe, continue their education, and build stability. Here’s a breakdown of key options and resources available to them:

1. School-Based Support (McKinney-Vento Act)

Every public school district in the U.S. is required by federal law (McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act) to support homeless students.
Services include:

• The right to enroll immediately, even without proof of address, immunizations, or guardianship.
• Free transportation to and from the student’s “school of origin.”
• Access to free meals (no paperwork required).
• A Homeless Liaison at every district to connect students with housing, counseling, and supplies.
  Tip: Ask a counselor or principal to contact the district’s McKinney-Vento liaison.

2. Housing and Shelter Options

• Youth Shelters & Drop-In Centers: Many cities have safe shelters for teens (sometimes 16–22) that provide meals, beds, counseling, and help with school.
• Host Homes: Community members volunteer to house students temporarily through organizations like Point Source Youth or Safe Families for Children.
• Transitional Living Programs (TLPs): Long-term housing (up to 18–24 months) for youth aged 16–22, often paired with job training or GED support.
• Family Reunification Programs: Help mediate family conflict and safely reconnect youth with relatives when possible.

3. Basic Needs and Essentials

• Food Banks and Pantries: Most allow walk-ins, no ID required. Schools often have “backpack programs” that send food home for weekends.
• Clothing Closets: Many schools, churches, and community centers provide free clothing, hygiene kits, and school supplies.
• Community Centers/YMCAs: Often have showers, laundry access, and quiet study areas.

4. Financial and Educational Help

• FAFSA (Financial Aid for College): Homeless students (or unaccompanied youth) can apply for aid without parental information.
• Scholarships: Programs like SchoolHouse Connection, Covenant House, and National Center for Homeless Education offer grants for homeless or formerly homeless students.
• Employment Programs: Job Corps, local workforce centers, and nonprofits like Covenant House help with resume skills, internships, and apprenticeships.

5. Mental Health and Counseling Support

Homelessness is traumatic—support is available through:

• School counselors trained under McKinney-Vento.
• Community mental health clinics (often with sliding scale or free options).
• Hotlines:
  • National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-786-2929
  • Call: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  • Text “SAFE” and your location to 4HELP (44357) for local shelters and support.

6. Local and National Organizations

• Covenant House: emergency housing and education programs for homeless youth.
• StandUp for Kids: mentoring and outreach for homeless teens.
• National Network for Youth (NN4Y): connects young people to local support programs.
• United Way 211: call or visit 211.org to find any local resource (housing, food, school help, healthcare).

How to Survive in a Homeless Shelter

School Emergency Kits: What You Need to Know

Final Word

No teenager should have to worry about where they’ll sleep at night or how they’ll get to school in the morning. Yet thousands of high school students across the country face homelessness every year. The good news is that help exists—through schools, communities, and caring organizations that believe in their potential. With the proper support and awareness, we can give every student the stability, safety, and opportunity they deserve to build a brighter future. May God bless this world, Linda

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