How Much Rifle Brass For Each Caliber?

[UpNorthMI]

As an active shooter and busy reloader I occasionally get brass anxiety (wondering how much brass is enough to make me not need to think that I should have more), just wonder how everyone else feels about how much brass on hand makes them feel comfortable. It has certainly been a difficult few years with primer, powder and bullet shortages, things have improved but are far from perfect.

How much brass do you like to have on hand for each caliber?

For my infrequent used guns I like to have at least 300 rounds of brass (7mm rem mag, 7 x 57R, 300 WM, 338 WM, 9.3 x 62, 375 H&H, .444 Rem). I like to load at least 100 rounds at a time and may have several different bullet types. For my main used calibers I like to have a minimum of 500 or more brass (.308, 243, 223). I like to load bigger batches of 200 rounds at one time.

Anyone else have a little brass anxiety?

My bullet, powder & primer anxiety kept me in a position of continuing to load and shoot actively this last few years. My wife things I'm a bit of a hoarder ... lol

 

[Jimboblincs2]

I like to have good stocks of everything, don't know why but it's just the way I am, food cupboards are full, lots of tools, the list could be endless.

 

[tarponhead]

I doubt my FEO would let me carry that amount of ammunition but then, maybe she would, if I had your good reason. 300 sounds generous for hunting but if for deer management and target shooting then perhaps not enough for some. I’m not anxious about brass because the length of time and effort to get a variation means I will doubtless never get to explore much beyond the usual popular and deer capable chamberings. I would like a 45-70 Govt Lever action though…so, 100 rounds at any one time per centre-fire, as long as I have components to make more as I use them and I will sleep soundly.

 

[tarponhead]

I like to have good stocks of everything, don't know why but it's just the way I am, food cupboards are full, lots of tools, the list could be endless.

I do have boxes and boxes of flies and fishing lures… just in case

 

[Stalker62]

 

[Foxyboy43]

Not so much a brass nut more an ammo neurosis sufferer! Fortunately our “allowance” of 1,000 rounds per calibre satisfies that concern though there are still quite a few cases in need of filling…

PS
Have no concerns about the good lady’s thoughts - a man’s gotta do…..

 

[DaveNeal]

I do have boxes and boxes of flies and fishing lures… just in case

boxes ? I store most of my flies in the trees and bushes surrounding our lake - am I missing a trick ?

 

[Stalker62]

I store most of my flies in the trees and bushes surrounding our lake - am I missing a trick ?

Well if you are, so am I...

 

[JTO]

I asked for 1000 .308 and .223 so that I could buy a big amount of the same brand(Samson) for reloading. Now I have plenty of emties, I told the FEO that 300 rounds of each would be plenty. Unfortunately, it means that it is not worth the road fuel cost of a long trip to buy just 300 rounds if/when I need some more(not likely!).

 

[enfieldspares]

How much brass do you like to have on hand for each caliber?

When I shot a lot I would always want at least three hundred cases available for each calibre. On the rare to get stuff when I had a .280 Remington and a 8x60S that was four or even five hundred. I grew up when many of the standard British calibres were becoming no longer available and what stocks did exist were dwindling. So learned the hard way...especially .455 Webley....that what you have you hold. Now that I am at the end of my rifle shooting and likely won't renew my FAC next time I can get by with just one hundred cases or slightly more. By custom Leicestershire were always happy in centrefire with two hundred rounds to acquire and three hundred to possess.

 

[disco_ike]

as I reload I don’t worry too much about the brass stash, mostly…..

For my .357 I have about 2k cases I have been given or collect from others. Typically I reload in batches of 600 (a seasons comps) and always stay within my allowance of 1k
My .308 I have approx 600 cases but usually only reload batches of 100 for stalking
My 6.5creedmoor PRS rifle I have 200 brass and need more want to get to 500 for that.

BUT on all of those I don’t use large loads usually factory ish type loads so should get 10-12 goes out the .357 and 8-10 out the rifles.

 

[MarinePMI]

IMHO, it depends on the cartridge and rifle usage.

When I competed, my comp rifles had 500 pieces of brass for each barrel, along with 3k bullets (when the barrel was bought or when it was time to screw it on the action). This allowed me to know I would have enough brass and bullets for the life of the barrel (6.5CM). A two day National level match was usually a 200-250 rd match, plus zero confirmation ammo. So 500 gave me enough volume to load up match ammo, and still have some brass loaded for practice rounds, or being processed for reloading.

For .223/5.56mm, I think I have somewhere around 5k of cases, with 1k loaded and stored away for emergencies.

For (big game) hunting calibers, 300 pieces is what I usually have.

For vermin calibers it varies. Probably around 500-700 pieces for each (6.5 Grendel, 224 Valkyrie, 20 Tactical, 22 Hornet, 17AH, etc.).

The boutique calibers it really depends on how much I shoot them, or expect to shoot them (.218 Bee, 25-20, etc.).

Pistol ammo is a whole other discussion. 8k minimum, easily for 9mm.