Just a random musing...

Of my handgun centerfire calibers, I shoot and own 9mm, 357mag, and 44mag.

I don't currently own a 45, but I've definitely shot a lot of handguns (and frequently) in this caliber.

Lately, ammo and reloading components are still hard to come by in my area at a decent price and even though I do reload, I have a very modest setup. So reloading is kind of slow, but I don't frequent the range as much as I used to so its not too bad (used to go 2-3x a week, now I'm lucky if I even get that per month).

So I was thinking if it'd be a good idea to just consolidate to 1 caliber. It'd allow me to streamline my reloading and I can just stockpile 1 caliber that I'll stick with. Currently, splitting up calibers means I might never get enough of any 1 caliber.

If I do decide to consolidate to 1 caliber, it'll probably be 45ACP. It'll also mean I'd probably have to reorganize my collection. I'd have to sell/trade some and somewhere along the lines replace those with a S&W 625, 1911, and a Glock 30.

Anyone else go through this type of transition, what are your thoughts/experience? Mind you, I've already streamlined some of my calibers because in the past, I had 40SW and 357SIG as well. Good idea? Bad idea?

The one bad point that immediately comes to mind.. 45ACP is probably one of the most sought after brass, etc. So I'd be competing with everyone else to get my grubby paws on the brass.

Other point of contention is that 357 was the first caliber I started off on. SO it'll always have a soft place in my heart and I already have a ton of brass for it. If I decide to streamline, I wanna go all the way. I'm not looking to add another caliber to reload in.

Shortened but never that much. Just got rid of all my 308 at the hight of the panic. It was too expansive to shoot in semi auto. Otherwise i really do love them all (guns) and keep the common stuff. I noticed that everytime I sell something I eventually end up buying something else.

Life is too short for only one caliber. You dont have to shoot it all the time to own it!

My dad is the only person i know who can stick to only ONE gun in one caliber

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I've actually added to my stable as I don't reload and you never know what you'll find on the shelves.

Funny, I had the same mentality before I reloaded. During the previous ammo drought, I was so happy to be able to just casually drive down to Wally World or any gun store and freely pluck up my pickings of 40SW and 357SIG (especially 357SIG).

I did. Sold off my Ruger LCP .380 ACP and Colt 1991 .45 ACP. Sticking with my .38 - .357 revolvers. Admittedly I do miss the Colt. That was s fun gun to shoot, but a royal PITA to maintain and keep running reliably.

I couldn't do it. My collecting interests are mostly military and there is such a wide variety of calibers out there used by other countries over the years it would be impossible to stick to only one caliber. I could see you wanting to narrow down all the different varieties of ammo you need to purchase but I never worried about that. I am always buying oddball military caliber ammo when I can find it even if I have nothing to shoot it in. If you want to streamline your reloading only concentrate on your favorite caliber but don't give up collecting. Variety is the spice of life.

My interests tend to focus on one caliber at a time,but I don't sell off guns anymore.I had sold off all of my handguns about 20 years ago and since then I've only bought guns that I considered classics rather than the latest thing.Some of them may sit for years,but I'll get back to them eventually.

I am also shifting my emphasis but totally the other way. I have been without a 357 mag for more than 15 years until the day before yesterday. The calibre is easy to reload and very versitle, and also available in rifles which also can shoot everything from target loads to short range big game. Since I do reload I find .38/.357 to be a lot nicer as you don't have to chase brass. I see me gravitating away from my much lover .45 ACP and 9mm autos to emphasize the .357/.38. Actually I am moving away from all the hungry autos and now looking again at my bolts and lever actions. That said, I have no plans to reduce my inventory in any of those other calibres.

I've got a 9MM & a 22, both semi-autos, but otherwise all my handguns are 38 special revolvers. Not so much because of the caliber, but because I really really like S&W Chief Specials. But although it's not flashy, the caliber's a pretty good one too. 158 gr lead HP at 850-900 fps is my only load & it works for me.

Yes.
Tomorrow I'm selling my Makarov in oddball 9x18.

That leaves me in a state of simplicity as at that point all I have to keep up with is:
.22 LR
.22 WMR
5.56/.223
.243
.270 WSM
7mm-08
.30-30
7.62x39
7.62x54R
.300 Wby. Mag.
.303 Brit
.35 Whelen
.45-70
7.62x25
.32 S&W
.380 ACP
.38 Spl.
9mm
.357 Mag.
10mm
.41 mag.
.44 Spl.
.44 mag.
.45 ACP
.45 AR
.45 Colt
.500 S&W

Glad I got rid of the 9x18 Mak. Simplicity is good.

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

I own, and shoot, ONLY .22, .38/.357. Keeps life simple. My days of playing 'king of the range' are gladly over.

I have 6 handgun in 9mm three handguns in 38 special and a 22 rifle and pistol. I got rid of all my 45acp pistols. I think that's downsizing.


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Funny with that laundry list of calibers. If someone wants to simplify, that's fine but going down to one caliber would be really boring. I don't have a huge collection but I reload for 5 calibers, don't want fewer. Don

I once sold an EAA Witness that was my only gun chambered in 38 Super. Found that I could fire my 38 super handloads in my model 60, and was all set to sell my unloaded brass & dies.

Two weeks later at a gun show, see an individual walking around with a Springfield Factory Comp with Tasco Pro Point on a Weigland mount, how much I have to ask....$500 he replies... No thanks, I've only got $400, but I just got out of shooting 38 Super... 2nd thought I'll give you $400 for it, and he took it.

And thats as close as I've come to ridding myself of one of my cartridges... So I guees the other 20 or so with multiple guns chambered in each are safe.

I have a few .22 .38 .45 .44 but also think its important to have a rifle and handgun that shoot the same caliber. So that's why i have a lever action rifle in .38/.357 to go along with the 64's 19 66's. i have thought of getting rid of everything else but that's no fun and I hunt with my .44's.

I have not had to consolidate down to one gun caliber yet, but if i have to one day i think it would be .22 caliber since rimfire ammunition is less expensive and i don't have the necessary equipment to reload and i don't have a space in my home for the reloading equipment.

I have tried to simplify. Shotguns; easy 12 ga. Rifles also easy, .223/5.56, .306/ 7.62x51. Long and short .22's. Handguns; .38/.357, .44mag, 9mm, .45acp., a couple .45 Colt have wandered in but one is a convertible OM Vaquero. I'd like to get down to 2 calibers in sidearms but I get vapors every time I seriously consider it. Joe

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Member"Other Half"01/20/2017

With one exception all of my firearms are .357 Magnum caliber. This allows me to safely shoot everything from 38 special target ammo up to full power .357 Magnum ammo. For me the .357 magnum revolver is the end all be all in revolvers. As an added bonus until recently factory ammo was easy to locate and WAS not overly expensive.

I'm reverting to my childhood interest in .22s.Now,if I could find a nice mini-bike,it would help with that return to childhood.

I actually considered this from a worst case Political scenario -- how many calibers did I want to try to carry into the hills?

So I have two Model 29s, and a Model 17. I can carry 1000 rds of .22, and maybe a few hundred .44 spec/mag. I gave up a perfectly good Commander to finance the second 29, and the carry differences are huge. I blew that one. But I still have a sweet gun, with the vintage vibe I prefer and which the new Commander didn't provide. I just can't resist a 4" big bore N frame. It's a sickness. I almost bought a Model 57 more than once in the last month, and I have not a single round of .41 ammo. They're just beautiful.

I do, hoever, have over 1000 rds of .44, so it was easy to narrow calibers. I'd rather hunt with .44 mag than .45 ACP, but in the end, it's not 4-legged animals I arm for.

One caliber would not be fun for me. I need my .22 fix as well as 38 Special/357...definately can't go without shooting the .45 ACP either. The only other caliber S&W i have is .44 Spec./Mag, but i can make do without shooting the pricey .44 ammo.

I tried to in my handguns but I currently have three different calibers ...

If I had to ditch anything it would be the 9mm and .40 S&W. I'll keep the .22, .38/.357, .45acp and the .44 special since I reload for those (except the 22).

I have been consolidating down. I sold my Ruger No.1 Stainless Tropical in .458 Lott and my ammo when it got to $7.00 average per trigger pull. Ten boxes of ammo were worth more than the rifle. I sold my FNH FN5.7 and my AR 57 and all of my 5.6X28 ammo. You couldn’t find 5.7X28mm ammo before the panic buying started. I sold my 9mm guns and all of my 9mm ammo. I prefer .45 ACP and 10mm for self-defense.

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Get off my lawn!

I'm down to .22's, .38 Specials and .357 Magnums. I've picked up a 64-8, a Model 60 Pro, a Ruger GP100 and a Ruger SP101 since the first of the year. It's a matter of economics to me narrowing down what I have to keep in stock.

At one point in my shooting career I reloaded and shot.....

.454 Casull
.45 Colt
.45 acp
.44 Magnum
.38 Spl. / .357 Magnum
9mm
.308 / 7.62mm
.223 Rem / 5.56mm

plus I had a stable of .22Lr pistols and rifles....

I have since down sized to.....

.45 acp
.38 Spl. / .357 Magnum
9mm
.223 Rem / 5.56mm

and with that it's been a real PIA in acquiring the components to keep the ammo boxes full. I've been kicking around the idea of getting another .44 Magnum, but I keep questioning that desire every time I look at my reloading bench, and the serious lack of supplies. Besides they would require me to use up large pistol primers I would otherwise have for my .45 acp...
I leaning more towards getting another 6" 686, had one several years ago, and kick myself for trading it in on another gun.....

$7 a round? Why didn't you reload? I have a No. 1 in .458 Win Mag, it's very easy to reload for, no tricks and very flexible. The Lott would be slightly less flexible but still easy. Don

Came very close to going only .44 special. I just couldn't find a 296 for reasonable $$$. IF I were to go one caliber it would have to be .38/.357 because I could pocket carry (642, 340, 638, etc) or hip carry ( K-frame, GP100, SP-101, Speed six, etc) and long gun with a lever action 38/357. I could load from mild to wild with every conceivable bullet shape. Hope I never have to make that choice but if I do, it's .38/.357!!!!

I should have started reloading when I was young and didn't have a stockpile of ammo, but I was in the military and Uncle Sam provided most of my ammo for training. I have been shooting guns since 1953 and accumulating guns since 1962. Now that I am pushing sixty-seven, the cost to acquire the reloading equipment for the nineteen different cartridges I still shoot is cost prohibitive from an actuarial viewpoint.

I averaged shooting the .458 Lott about twenty times a year so the ten boxes of ammo was good for about a ten year supply.

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Get off my lawn!

Despite what you may hear that you have to buy the state of the art progressive press (usually a Dillon), and a whole array of equipment it just isn't true. If I weren't a reloader from way back I wouldn't even consider it today after reading some of the threads I have here. I started with banging out reloads for pistol and shotgun on Lee loaders and progressed to new tools only as I needed them and had space to accomidte them. I think I had been loading for five years before I bought my first scale. I did not have a progressive press until just two years ago and I still don't own a tumbler and never intend to buy one. . Believe me, you can produce quality ammo without breaking the bank on machinery and all you need for pistol can easily be mounted on a B&D Workmate.

I've simplified to S&W revolvers, and mostly 45 ACP in 1911 except for 9 MM and 40 S&W.

The Rugers shoot 22 LR. Does that help? I prefer not to discuss simplification of rifles. It gets too confuzing. Are you lost yet?

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S&WCA # 2533

You guys lose. He who dies with the most toys wins !

I think it would be hard to not have at least 1 centerfire and 22 LR. Personally, I have thought of getting rid of everything in 44 magnum. If I did, I would probably keep my 44 spl. The older I get the less I feel the need for the heavy hitters (except my SBH Hunter in 45 Colt).

Consolidation is easy. While I've been away it seems like a new model/chambering has surfaced to dominate discussions and generate intrigue. The mythical "CTG" round has emerged - whether from folklore, technology or just plain word of mouth interactions - to raise the bar on excitement and conversational intensity. Once I get all my other worthless chamberings out of the shooting rotation (disposed of) I'm going to consolidate on the CTG, its a winner.

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.............SmithNut

My collection consists of 22LR & 9mm pistols, rifle, and revolvers. It makes for a simpler ammo supply collection.

I had started to get down to .357 Mag and .38 Spl when I retired, with .308 as my rifle caliber. That almost worked, but I found I wanted to keep my 1911 .45 ACP, and also my .32 ACP Keltec...things happened over time, and my financial situation improved...Now I have more guns in various calibers than I have ever had in my life, including .32-20 and .44 Russian.

I'm not going back to "austerity"...this is much more fun.

mark

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Another armed liberal veteran.

Streamlining just hasn't ever worked out for me.

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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H Richard
SWCA1967

Same here. I sold a few awhile back and regretted it. Have just about replaced all of them, but I am not done yet.

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US Veteran 1970-1974

More than downsizing to just one caliber, I think downsizing to one load per caliber is a good idea-- at least for me. I have a favorite load for each gun/caliber I own, & have pretty much much setttled on those & got rid of everything else. I recently sold off a couple partially-full cans of gunpowder and several half- and full boxes of bullets for my 7x57 & 250-3000 rifles-- didn't get all that much money (about half of what I had in them) but it sure tidied up my reloading bench.
BTW my 38 spl load is a 158 gr lead HP over a stout charge of W231.

+ 1


Scott Campbell
Remember wheel guns are real guns too
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Wheel guns are real guns too.

I asked this very question some time ago on this forum. I guess I really wasn't surprised by most answers. This is a forum for folks who REALLY like (some say love) S&W guns and really a lot of different guns.

Most folks here have a lot of guns/calibers and seem to enjoy a lot of them. Well when I was younger and reloaded years ago I had more than I do today. From 9mm all the way to .455.

I no longer hunt and don't bullseye shoot. I shoot and practice for short range self defense, primarily in the 10 to 15 yard range.

I have 38/357, 44 special, and 45acp/ar revolvers. My wife has 45acp/ar,45colt, and 44 special revolvers. I haven't shoot my 44 hand ejectors in years and really practice with my short barrel 45 acp/ar revolvers.

Some day I can see me getting down to just 45 acp/ar. But for now the mod 65-5 in 3" in 357/38 is fun.

To directly answer the question; probably someday, but not now. It will likely be 45acp/ar revolvers.

Thanks
Dave

I tried to, I honestly did. I am now down to 40's, 9's, 38/357's, and 22's in pistols and 22 and 270 rifles and 410, 20, and 12 ga. I think I'll try to stay along these lines for now.

But, that S&W 1911 E in 45 sure looks nice and you could never go wrong with a nice stainless with wood target grip 44, maybe I'll re think my down sizing or just swap one caliber for another. Oh well, decisions, decisions.

I've said I was going to do it and failed. I was down to 9mm and .45 and primarily shooting 9mm. Then I came across some great .38s that I had to have. Then the ammo crisis happened and I'm primarily shooting .22 until it passes

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It's harder if you're stupid

I have done it to a small extent.
I got rid of my .380. a couple of 9mm's and a 40sw.
That still leave me with, 45acp, 10mm, 357, 44mag,
45lc, and 22lr.
That's enough pistol calibers for me to keep up with.

I've sold all my semi-auto pistols lately, thinking I was wanting to downsize and consolidate my ammo a bit.

So I've got:
.38spl/.357
.22lr
12 guage
.223/5.56
7.62x54r

Now I'm looking in my meager gun safe thinking.. I don't have a semi-auto in a military caliber, and "need one".

Now I'm looking to add..
.38spl/.357 in a lever action
9mm in a steel frame (S&W Gen3 or CZ75)
Or 1911 (.45acp).

To me, it is like trying to get down to one tool in my toolbox. To a man with only a hammer, everything is a nail. My .22LR is for something different than my .308 is for.

A good tool kit has both SAE (.22 .38 .357 .44 .45 .50) and metric (9mm 10mm) wrenches. Sometimes you need a small (20 gauge) or a large (12 gauge) slide hammer. And a wrench will not substitute for a screwdriver so you need a few sizes of them (5.56 7.62x51 7.62x39).

A thing should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler.

I consolidated to 9mm once.
I used subsonic 147gr so I could shoot my M9 suppressed.
But, my HK PSP wasn't supposed to use 147gr, so I have some 124gr for it.
And them my EDC was a Kahr but the top round of the spare magazine kept working it way out. Sometimes it would just hang out there and have to be repositioned before the mag could be inserted, ot the spare round would come loose.

After time, I found myself with 2 flavors of 9mm, a couple of .45ACP, and some .38 Specials.

And then there were the rifles.

I am back down to 3 handgun calibers and one rifle caliber to reload. And I don't reload one of them because bulk 147gr 9mm used to be so cheap. We'll see about that some day.

So, go ahead and consolidate. It might work for a couple of years.

I don't think of it as keeping it simple. When I go to the LGS and I see empty shelves of certain calibers, I'm glad I have multiple calibers because I can still usually find something to shoot.

I sold off the 40s and 9s -- added 32mags to 22s,38/357s and 45s. Thats about as simple as I can get...