Earlier this month, News Target published a list of the best and most effective firearms preppers can get their hands on. But of course, it’s not enough to only have quality guns in your possession; you also need to have quality ammunition. Below is a list of the best ammo types to stock up on before SHTF. (RELATED: If you’ve stopped prepping, it could be the biggest mistake of your life. Here’s why.)

22 LR

Having been in existence for over a hundred years, the 22 Long Rifle cartridge has certainly earned its spot on this list. For preppers, 22 LR is an obvious choice, and for more than one reason. First of all, they are extremely lightweight – a brick of 500 could be carried inside of a cargo pocket with ease. On top of that, even though the 22 LR isn’t necessarily made for self-defense, it does serve as an efficient general purpose round. It is great for hunting small game and killing pests. What makes this type of ammunition even more attractive to preppers is the fact that it is relatively inexpensive. A bucket of 1,500 rounds can be purchased for just $60 give or take.

9 mm

Every true prepper knows the importance of stocking up on essential items like food and ammunition before societal collapse is set in motion. Due to how common and affordable it is, the 9 mm round is one of the best types of ammunition you can stock up on. It is the chosen round of the U.S. military, and even more than that, it is quickly becoming the chosen round for law enforcement as well. The 9 mm is great for self-defense, as it can stop an attacker just as easily as a round from a 40 S&W or a 45 ACP. It also has low recoil, making it ideal for anyone of any size.

12 Gauge

The fact that the 12 gauge round is one of the most available rounds of ammunition in the world makes it a must have for preppers who are serious about hunting and self-defense. Just by changing the load, the 12 gauge has the ability to take down game ranging from a squirrel to a bear. It has been used by police officers for generations and is incredibly powerful. The downside is that this particular type of ammunition tends to be big and heavy, making it a bit less ideal for transportation than the 9 mm round, for example. But even still, the 12 gauge round is a must-have. It is not only powerful but also versatile and extremely plentiful.

5.56/223

Due to the fact that the AR-15 is easily the most popular rifle in the United States, 5.56 or 223 ammunition can be found virtually anywhere. It has dropped significantly in price making it easy for preppers to stock up on, and is a very lightweight, light recoiling round, making it relatively easy to shoot.

The 5.56 round is used frequently overseas in places like Afghanistan, and is more than capable of getting the job done should you be faced with someone seeking to do you harm. As far as hunting goes, the round can easily take down medium game animals like deer and pigs.

308/7.62 NATO 

If you are a prepper who wants to stock up on a round that can go on for extended ranges or break through barriers, the 308 or the 7.62 NATO are the rounds for you. As a battle rifle, this type of ammunition is more than capable of breaking through vehicle doors, brick wood walls, and even light metal walls. While it isn’t as cheap as the 5.56 round, the 7.62 NATO is ideal for anyone who wants ammo that can pack a punch.

Sources include:

AskAPrepper.com

ThePrepperDome.com

NewsTarget.com