Bulk Ammo Buying Guide: When Cases Make Sense (and When They Don’t)

You’ve probably stood at the counter looking at the price of a single box of 9mm and then at the case price and thought:

“Should I just buy the whole case?”

Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes it’s nope, not this time.

This guide breaks down how to think about bulk ammo so you get the savings without wasting money or filling your closet with calibers you barely shoot.

What do we mean by “bulk ammo”?

When we say bulk, we’re usually talking about:

• 500-round packs (half cases)

• 1,000-round cases

• Larger value packs of rifle or shotgun ammo

Most bulk deals are geared toward:

• Range practice

• Classes and training blocks

• Matches or high-round-count events

We’re not talking about defensive ammo here—that’s usually bought in smaller quantities.

Step 1 – How much do you really shoot?

Before you look at prices, be honest about your shooting habits.

Ask yourself:

• How many times a month do I go to the range?

• How many rounds do I usually shoot per trip?

• Do I have any classes or matches planned in the next 3–6 months?

A quick rule of thumb:

• Casual range visit: 100–150 rounds of pistol, 60–100 rounds of rifle

• Training class or match: 300–800+ rounds depending on the course

• Monthly regular: If you hit the range a couple times a month, a case of 1,000 rounds of 9mm can disappear faster than you think.

If you’re shooting a few hundred rounds a month, bulk starts to make sense for your main caliber.

Step 2 – Compare real cost per round

Bulk ammo is about cost per round, not the scary big number on the case.

For example:

• Box price: 50 rounds of 9mm at $X → $X / 50 = cost per round

• Case price: 1,000 rounds of 9mm at $Y → $Y / 1,000 = cost per round

Even a 2–3 cents per round difference adds up fast when you shoot a lot. Over 1,000 rounds, that’s $20–30+ saved.

When you look at our Deal of the Week or Deal of the Month, pay attention to:

• Case vs box pricing

• Whether there’s a mail-in rebate

• How often you actually shoot that caliber

If the savings are real and you’ll definitely shoot it within the year, bulk is usually a good move.

When buying a case makes sense

Bulk is usually smart when:

1. It’s your main range caliber

If you mostly shoot 9mm or .223/5.56 and you hit the range regularly, you will burn through a case.

2. You’ve got training or matches coming up

Classes, qualifications, and competitions chew ammo. Having your case ready before the event saves stress and avoids last-minute shopping.

3. The deal is genuinely good

Sometimes the case deal is only slightly better than individual boxes. Other times, especially during DOW or DOM, the case price is where the real savings are.

4. You can store it safely

You have a cool, dry space to store ammo—ideally in original boxes or cans, away from heat and moisture, and out of reach of kids.

When buying a case isn’t the best move

Bulk isn’t always the answer. Consider skipping the case if:

1. You’re still figuring out what your gun likes

Different guns prefer different brands and bullet weights. If you’re still testing what runs reliably and shoots well, buy a few smaller boxes first.

2. It’s a caliber you rarely shoot

That random caliber you only bring out once every few months? A case might sit for years while your main caliber runs dry.

3. Your budget will be stretched too thin

Don’t empty your wallet for a case if it means skipping range time. It’s better to buy less ammo and actually get out to shoot.

4. You don’t have safe storage

If you’re living in a small space or don’t have a good place to store ammo away from heat and prying hands, smaller amounts may make more sense.

New vs remanufactured in bulk

At LAX Ammo San Diego, you’ll often see both new and remanufactured options in bulk.

• New ammo:

  • Factory-fresh

  • Great for defensive practice, classes, and matches where you want maximum consistency.

  
  

• Remanufactured ammo:

  • Professionally reloaded with quality components

  • Usually offers better price-per-round

  • Best for general range practice and drills

If you’re not sure which way to go, ask us at the counter. Tell us what you shoot, how often, and what your budget is—we’ll steer you toward what makes sense.

Storage basics for bulk ammo

If you do decide to stock up:

• Keep ammo in a cool, dry place

• Avoid direct sunlight and high heat (no leaving cases in a hot car)

• Consider using ammo cans with desiccant packs in more humid environments

• Store out of reach of children and separate from firearms when possible

Stored properly, quality ammo stays usable for years.

How to use LAX Ammo San Diego deals to stock up smart

You don’t have to guess when to buy. Use our regular sales to your advantage:

• Check our Deal of the Week and Deal of the Month

• Join the Weekly & Monthly Ammo Deals List so you see case specials first

• When your main caliber drops to a great price and your stash is low, that’s the time to grab a case

If you’re unsure, here’s a simple strategy:

• Keep at least 1–2 range trips’ worth of ammo on hand

• When you’re down to your last trip’s worth, watch for a DOW/DOM deal on your caliber and restock

Not sure how much to buy? Ask us.

Every shooter’s situation is different—budget, range time, storage, training goals.

If you’re on the fence about buying a case:

• Come by the shop

• Tell us what you shoot, how often, and what you’re planning

• We’ll talk through options without any pressure

You can also call or text the store at (858) 987-0509 to ask about current bulk pricing and availability before you drive over.

And before your next visit, don’t forget to check our current in-store ammo deals.

Sometimes the best time to buy a case is simply when your main caliber hits a deal you don’t want to miss.