Surplus sales and dealers represent one of the most cost-effective ways to stock up on ammunition for your firearm or firearms. Numerous dealers offer surplus ammunition for sale, either at their physical location or through the internet. In some instances, munitions dealers offer the ammunition in small quantities, but this repackaging typically raises the overall cost. For the best price,
. consider buying surplus ammo in large quantities of 1000 rounds or more. Surplus ammunition typically come from government auctions. The government consistently buys ammunition and stores it for use in training and military operations. These operations often use two common types of firearm: a personal automatic rifle, such as the M4 carbine, and high-firing-rate machine gun, such as the M249 Squad Assault Weapon (SAW). The M4 carbine uses 5.56 millimeter or .223 inch caliber bullets. The SAW uses 7.62 mm or .308 inch caliber bullets. Therefore, the military buys particularly large quantities of .308 and .223 ammunition for storage. Nine millimeter ammunition, used frequently in various pistols, can also be purchased in large lots. When the stored ammunition reaches a certain age, the military looks to sell it and replace the stocks. Military-grade surplus ammunitionif its from a country, such as the U.S., which adheres to the Hague conventionis generally full metal jacket. While this type of solid-core bullet useful for general target shooting, it is generally less effective than hollow points in hunting and self-defense. One should always consider their firearm needs when purchasing surplus ammunition. Some ammunition sold as surplus is actually repurposed U.S. military casings. The military goes to great lengths to avoid litter in their training exercises, and thus collects all of the brass casings ejected following the discharge of a firearm. These durable casings can be refilled with powder and have a new bullet added. Some companies, such as Georgia Arms or Scharc Manufacturing, specialize in purchasing these brass casings and refilling them. Refilled cartridges can be made with different powder loads and bullets than direct surplus purchases, but may cost slightly more. http://cheaperthandirt.com/blog/?p=1711 or http://proliberty.com/observer/20090311.htm
