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Is There A Reason Why Demonic Possession Seems To Be Getting A Lot More Common In Our Society?

In this article, I am going to share some things with you that defy “rational explanation”.  As our society has become increasingly obsessed with the occult, experts that deal with cases of demonic possession report that they have seen a huge surge in demand in recent years.  Many of those that reach out for help are absolutely desperate, because often the torment caused by the demons is almost unbearable.  Unfortunately, the movies, television shows, books and video games that draw so many of our young people to the world of the occult just keep getting even darker and even more “realistic”.  So it is quite likely that the surge in demonic activity in our society will only continue to escalate.

Of course a lot of people out there never spend too much time thinking about such things because they cannot see into that realm.

But once in a while, all of us have the opportunity to get a glimpse into what is happening on the other side.

For example, a grandmother named Tory McKenzie recently set up a motion-activated camera to try to determine what was causing her tw0-year-old granddaughter so much distress during the night.

It turns out that the camera did capture an image of what her two-year-old granddaughter was seeing, and when she saw what it was Tory McKenzie completely freaked out

Tory McKenzie set up a motion-activated camera at her son’s house after complaints his two-year-old daughter Amber McKenzie was talking to something unseen in the middle of the night.

The 41-year-old checked her camera’s app four days later to find a bone-chilling image of a figure standing inches away from the sleeping tot and her seven-month-old brother Michael McKenzie, with ‘a horn on its head and long claws’.

You can see a photo of the creature right here.  In a desperate attempt to get it to leave, Tory McKenzie started “burning oils”, but that only stirred up the creature even more…

When she tried to rid the house, which was hers but is now owned by her son, of the ‘evil presence’ by burning oils, she claims cabinets and curtains opened and closed and music began to play by itself.

These things are very real, and as incidents become increasingly common throughout our society even the mainstream media is starting to pay attention.

In fact, a few years ago the Washington Post actually featured a guest article by a psychiatrist about his experiences with demonic possession…

Assaults upon individuals are classified either as “demonic possessions” or as the slightly more common but less intense attacks usually called “oppressions.” A possessed individual may suddenly, in a type of trance, voice statements of astonishing venom and contempt for religion, while understanding and speaking various foreign languages previously unknown to them. The subject might also exhibit enormous strength or even the extraordinarily rare phenomenon of levitation. (I have not witnessed a levitation myself, but half a dozen people I work with vow that they’ve seen it in the course of their exorcisms.) He or she might demonstrate “hidden knowledge” of all sorts of things — like how a stranger’s loved ones died, what secret sins she has committed, even where people are at a given moment. These are skills that cannot be explained except by special psychic or preternatural ability.

Of course many others have reported witnessing similar things.  Just consider this quote from a Catholic priest named Vince Lampert

“I’ve seen levitation, eyes rolled to the back of the head, foaming at the mouth, people falling on the floor and slither like a snake across the ground,” Lampert said. “Speaking languages otherwise unknown to an individual, exhibiting superhuman strength.”

What would you do if you suddenly saw someone levitate or start slithering around on the ground like a snake as they speak in Latin?

Another exorcist named James Cloud that has “performed hundreds of exorcisms” says that many people willingly open up doors to dark spirits

He said drugs, ouija boards and a whole host of dark materials on the internet can open you up to dark spirits.

“As the years go by, the cases are getting darker.”

This is just one of the reasons why I encourage my readers to be very careful about what “entertainment” they bring into their homes.

As a teenager, Jenny Weaver was fascinated by the witchcraft that she saw practiced in a popular movie, and pretty soon she was deeply immersed in the occult

Feeling powerless and unloved, Jenny started cutting and smoking pot. Then she saw a movie about teen witches that showed her a way to take charge of her life. Soon, she was pouring over books about witchcraft, Wicca, and the occult, and trying spells with her friends.

“Wiccan religion is, ‘Do what you want, but do no one any harm.’” says Jenny. “It’s kind of like, ‘Oh, it’s the good witch.’ I felt like I had power,” says Jenny. “And, so, I’m looking at this like, ‘Oh, this is the most amazing thing ever.’”

Unfortunately for Weaver, the fun did not last for very long.  Pretty soon, the torment from the demon spirits that she had invited to be around her became quite nightmarish

“You would feel demon spirits literally walking by you like a human being was walking by you,” says Jenny. “Touching you. Scraping the wall. It went from, ‘Oh, this is gonna be really fun,’” says Jenny, “into, ‘I’m gonna choke you out until you die. I’m gonna take your life.’ All the time. Constantly tormented.”

This sort of thing is far more common than most of us would like to admit.

In fact, many “mental health disorders” actually have a spiritual cause, and some mainstream scientists are starting to figure this out.

For instance, M. Kemal Irmak just had a paper published in the Journal of Religion and Health that explored the link between schizophrenia and demonic possession

As seen above, there exist similarities between the clinical symptoms of schizophrenia and demonic possession. Common symptoms in schizophrenia and demonic possession such as hallucinations and delusions may be a result of the fact that demons in the vicinity of the brain may form the symptoms of schizophrenia. Delusions of schizophrenia such as “My feelings and movements are controlled by others in a certain way” and “They put thoughts in my head that are not mine” may be thoughts that stem from the effects of demons on the brain. In schizophrenia, the hallucination may be an auditory input also derived from demons, and the patient may hear these inputs not audible to the observer. The hallucination in schizophrenia may therefore be an illusion—a false interpretation of a real sensory image formed by demons. This input seems to be construed by the patient as “bad things,” reflecting the operation of the nervous system on the poorly structured sensory input to form an acceptable percept. On the other hand, auditory hallucinations expressed as voices arguing with one another and talking to the patient in the third person may be a result of the presence of more than one demon in the body. (p. 776)

So what should people do if they think that they have opened a door to demonic spirits?

Well, Jenny Weaver says that she finally got free when someone led her in a prayer to renounce witchcraft

“I would say, ‘I renounce,’ and if I would try to say it at first, it was like ‘Wwww,’ and they wouldn’t let me,” says Jenny. “It was like my mouth was—I couldn’t even get the words, and they would say, ‘Rrrr, we’re not—we’re not leaving, no.’ And they would curse and spit,” says Jenny. “It was very, very, very crazy.”

Finally…

“I knew there was a release,” says Jenny. “I could tell, I could feel it. I knew. I was like, ‘Okay, I’m free. They’re gone. They’re gone.’ And I was just, ‘Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus,’” says Jenny.

As we get even deeper into the end times, supernatural manifestations will become increasingly common.

Hollywood has exported occult culture all over the globe, and on a daily basis millions upon millions of people are opening up spiritual doors that they shouldn’t be opening.

This is creating a massive worldwide spiritual crisis, but the vast majority of the people out there still do not understand what is happening.

***Michael’s new book entitled “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America” is now available in paperback and for the Kindle on Amazon.***

About the Author: My name is Michael Snyder and my brand new book entitled “Lost Prophecies Of The Future Of America” is now available on Amazon.com.  In addition to my new book, I have written four others that are available on Amazon.com including The Beginning Of The EndGet Prepared Now, and Living A Life That Really Matters. (#CommissionsEarned)  By purchasing the books you help to support the work that my wife and I are doing, and by giving it to others you help to multiply the impact that we are having on people all over the globe.  I have published thousands of articles on The Economic Collapse BlogEnd Of The American Dream and The Most Important News, and the articles that I publish on those sites are republished on dozens of other prominent websites all over the globe.  I always freely and happily allow others to republish my articles on their own websites, but I also ask that they include this “About the Author” section with each article.  The material contained in this article is for general information purposes only, and readers should consult licensed professionals before making any legal, business, financial or health decisions.  I encourage you to follow me on social media on FacebookTwitter and Parler, and any way that you can share these articles with others is a great help.  During these very challenging times, people will need hope more than ever before, and it is our goal to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with as many people as we possibly can.

The post Is There A Reason Why Demonic Possession Seems To Be Getting A Lot More Common In Our Society? first appeared on End Of The American Dream.

9 Best Solar Powered Water Pumps On The Market Today

Solar Powered Water PumpThe solar powered water pump is a modern technology that’s exploding in popularity.

And why not – solar water pumps solve an age-old problem – moving water without grid power.

These devices allow folks to live and farm in remote locations. Places previously inhabitable due to the distance and cost to connect to the grid.

Solar power is one technology that actually helps make society more resilient and less fragile.

Solar provides more personal freedoms, liberties, and independence.

That’s why it’s time to embrace and support the solar revolution. And solar power water pumps are a wise way to get started.

So today, I’m going to share everything I know about solar powered water pumps. My goal is to help you choose the BEST solar water pump for your needs.

**Note: If you just want to know our top brands, feel free to SKIP AHEAD HERE.

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Solar Water Pump On A Remote Pond

WHAT EXACTLY IS A SOLAR POWERED PUMP ANYWAY?


Honestly, the name explains it all. But we still need to get into what exactly a solar pump is and why you need one.

We all know, when you need to get water out of the ground, it takes a pump.

Solar powered pumps are essentially just pumps that generate power by using photovoltaic panels.

These panels capture the sun’s renewable energy and convert it into either:

This power then rotates the motor to produce the pumping action. And the radiated thermal energy from the sun is free and abundant (when the sun is shining).

Hence, a solar panel water pump runs independently of grid or diesel power. And that’s a BIG DEAL in a remote location.

Now, most solar power pump kits have several parts, including:

  • Solar panel
  • Charge controller
  • Water pump
  • Water storage tank
  • Fuse box

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Ultimate Survival Gear Checklist. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

cows drinking with sun energy pannels for heating

BEST USES AND BENEFITS OF A SOLAR WATER PUMP


Your survival skillset should include way more than just combat and medical training. It also should consist of your ability to supply your family with food and water.

Here on Earth, historically, we’ve had an abundance of water. It seems like that fact may be in jeopardy soon, and we need it to live. If trends continue, things are looking bleak.

Why? Because without it, we’re toast.

Still, for many of us today, accessing water is relatively easy; just turn the tap, and it pours out. You don’t have to think about it in a public system, but it’s a different story in rural areas.

Outside cities, there is no infrastructure, so families dig wells on their properties. That means you have to use a pump to bring the water to the surface.

If you have electricity, then you use an electric pump.

You may have a large homestead or farm connected to the grid where you need water in a remote area on the acreage.

However, for those so remote electric power doesn’t reach, you need a solar powered water pump. Your solar water pumping system will give you access to the water you need.

It can pump water anywhere on Earth where the sun is shining, without external power.

You can extract water from wells, rivers, ponds, and streams, or any other water source you can find.

Then you can:

Farm Anywhere

As long as the sun is shining, you can access water without the worry of electricity.

Even if you have power on your homestead, you may need to pump water to the back 40 without electricity.

Get Off The Grid

Often municipalities add chemicals to tap water. So if you don’t want to drink it or feed it to your plants, you’ll have to:

Solar pumps can help you leave chlorine and fluoride behind.

Be Portable

It’s easy to relocate a solar powered water pump because it’s not hard-wired. Take it with you from farm to cabin to camping and back.

Keeps Working When The Power Goes Out

You don’t have to worry about a power failure with solar powered water pumps. With the right solar pump and setup, your water will keep flowing.

You can even store power in batteries in case the sun isn’t shining.

Operating a solar powered pump is pretty economical too. Why? Because of its low maintenance and operating costs. And since there’s no internal combustion engine, there’s less environmental impact.

They are clean and quiet and deliver water when you most need it.

If you want some inspiration – check out the excellent video below:



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4 TYPES OF SOLAR WATER PUMPS & PROS/CONS OF EACH


Depending on your needs, solar powered water pumps vary. You can get small units for running a birdbath or a larger unit for farm irrigation.

So let’s cover the 4 main types of solar powered water pumps:

1 – Surface Pump

These solar pumps are ideal for shallow waters found in streams, ponds, or even storage tanks.

The pump will sit out of the water and lift water, providing irrigation pressure. These are useful for moving large quantities of water at slow speeds.

Pros

  • Work best with large amounts of surface water
  • They are easy to maintain and move around

Cons

  • Will not function in deep water

2 – Submersible Pumps

A solar powered submersible water pump can go below the ground level and stay submerged.

They work great in wells, lakes, and rivers, as well as cisterns and tanks.

They’re for continuous OR intermittent operation. And you can use a gravity-fed holding tank to have access to water at night.

Submersible pumps work well for larger applications and are scalable. So they can provide water to farms for crop irrigation and livestock.

Pros

  • Can maintain water at higher levels for more extensive water needs
  • Can use multiple pumps to supply farms and buildings

Cons

  • Installation and maintenance costs are higher

3 – DC Pump

A solar powered DC pump has a motor that runs on direct current, so there are no batteries and no need for an inverter.

This type of pump works well in small to medium applications. They run on smaller solar panels than AC pumps because of their higher efficiency levels.

Pros

  • Uses half the energy as an AC pump
  • More cost-effective for deep wells as it doesn’t need large bursts of power.

Cons

  • They’re usually more expensive than an AC pump

4 – AC Pump

When you use an AC solar powered water pump, you are going to get decreased efficiency. Why? Because the inverter takes direct current produced by the solar panels and converts it to AC.

They’re more complex systems in general. But they’re also more affordable than DC pumps because they’re produced in larger quantities.

Pros

  • It is less expensive to buy an AC solar pump
  • Has higher pumping output

Cons

  • They use more energy because of the inverter

Watch this video to learn more about the pros/cons of AC vs DC solar powered water pumps:


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SOLAR WATER PUMP ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES


Operating a water pump using the power of the sun seems like a no-brainer. Why wouldn’t you want to use renewable energy?

Full disclosure; in general, we love off-grid applications for surviving and thriving.

And we want to bring the best solutions to your prepping plan. But ALL equipment has its advantages and disadvantages, so let’s check them out:

Advantages

1. No Fuel Costs

Your solar panel water pump uses available sunlight to power it. All you need are the solar panels, and the energy literally falls out of the sky.

Fuel adds cost to your homestead operation, and you don’t want to be buying fossil fuel all the time.

2. Less Labor

With an automated system, there is no manual irrigation needed. You can hook up a watering system without electricity.

There is also less maintenance, especially with solar surface pumps. You can often fix them with standard tools you already own.

3. Easy On The Environment

A solar water pump produces no pollutants because it uses renewable energy. There is no fuel to transport and spill either.

These pollutants affect not only the air but also your soil. Solar irrigation can solve the problem of dry spells and droughts when rain is scarce.

Solar pumps are the solution to reduce environmental damage to your homestead.

Disadvantages

1. Water Won’t Pump In The Dark

Solar panels are excellent when the sun is shining. Those rays convert into electricity, but not when it’s cloudy or at night.

When the sun isn’t available, it can be a problem, but you can get around this in a few ways.

First, you can store power in batteries. It’s more expensive, and they usually don’t hold a lot of lasting power.

Secondly, you can use a water catchment system. It can be a pond or a water storage tank, but the important thing is to have water stored when you need it.

Plan your water needs around your solar water system’s limitations. A good plan can help minimize or eliminate these problems.

2. It’s Expensive To Get Started

Yes, there are significant upfront costs to set up a solar powered water pump system. You need everything from the pump to the solar panels (and wiring).

In time, it will balance out and become a cheaper way to move water.

When you sit down and put paper to pen, you’ll see how fast a system like this will pay for itself over time.

Fuel costs are rising while solar prices are falling, so it literally pays to use solar powered water well pump.

Again, this solution is a game-changer for off-grid locations.


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Solar Panel & Pump Near Waterway

9 BEST SOLAR POWERED WATER PUMPS ON THE MARKET TODAY


1 – PWS Stainless 316 Solar Water Pump Kit

PWS Stainless 316 Solar Water Pump Kit

This PSW Solar Water Pump Kit is a rugged deep-well solar pump, perfect for your home and farm.

This stainless steel model is ideal for moving a large volume of water. And it’s possible to combine it with batteries for on-demand pumping needs.

And it includes a controller to drive the DC pump motor.

This solar pump setup gives maximum flow under all light conditions. And it also protects the submersible pump from running dry or overheating.

Included in the package is:

  • the 210watt pump with a 6′ cable
  • MPPT controller
  • waterproof wiring
  • 2 water level sensors
  • there’s also a 20′ cable for solar panel hookup

What you DON’T get is solar panels, and it requires 4 – 100watt panels.

But overall, it’s an excellent solution for both irrigation and off-grid water needs. Plus, they have a 100% guarantee and fast customer service.


2 – Solariver Solar Water Pump Kit

Solariver Solar Water Pump Kit

This solar water pump is great for many applications. You can operate a simple fountain or scale up to water for animal troughs and greenhouses.

Its design makes it easy to use because there are no wiring or connection hassles.

All you have to do is submerge it in water, plug in the solar panels, and the water starts pumping.

The kit includes 2 aluminum-framed, 35-watt solar panels, which you can locate up to16 feet away from the pump.

You can also get an additional 16′ cord for further placement. And there’s 16′ of tubing to give you a max lift of 10′.

BUT it only operates when the sun is out. Water flow is dependent on the amount of sunlight that hits the solar panels. That’s because it doesn’t have any battery backup.

You get a 1-year warranty with a 100% money-back guarantee, and the pump has a 20,000+ hour life.


3 – SEAFLO 12 V / 24 V DC, Solar Water Pump

SEAFLO 12 V / 24 V DC, Solar Water Pump

The SEAFLO is a 24v submersible solar water pump with a 3 chamber positive displacement diaphragm. It has a great flow rate and is immersable up to 100 ft.

This setup provides you a total lift of 230 ft, so you’ll get all the water you need for:

All cable connections are waterproof with high strength, engineered plastic. And a corrosive-resistant housing and stainless steel fasteners.

It also sports a thermally protected permanent magnet motor.

The maximum flow rate is fantastic at1.6 gallons per minute.

So this is the solar powered water pump you need to get the job done at your remote location. All you need to do is connect it to your solar cells, and you are good to go.


4 – ECO-WORTHY Solar Fountain Water Pump Kit

ECO-WORTHY Solar Fountain Water Pump Kit

EOC-WORTHY is a company that produces several renewable energy products.

Their submersible solar powered pump works great for large outdoor fountains. Or in your garden as well as hydroponics in your greenhouse.

You can simply drop it in a pond or stream to get water to where you need it.

The pump has a max flow rate of 160 GPH with 5.6ft of lift and has a lifespan of 20,000 hrs.

It also comes with its own 12V adjustable solar panel, so all you need to do is set it up, and water will start flowing.

There are no batteries with this system, so you’ll only get water flow when the sun is out.


5 – BACOENG DC 12V Farm & Ranch Solar Water Pump

BACOENG DC 12V Farm & Ranch Solar Water Pump

Another great submersible solar water pump is from BACOENG.

This unit works well for drainage needs or agriculture and livestock with its large flow capacity.

It features either a zinc-plated housing or upgraded stainless steel. These options give you a choice depending on your budget.

It has a filter screen on the base to stop debris from clogging up the system. You can simply drop it into a well with a water depth of less than 20ft.

This solar pump is unstoppable in sunny weather, but it doesn’t end when the sun goes down. You can use a 20A controller and a 70AH battery to store power and extend your watering into the evening.

BACOENG also has 4 sizes to choose from depending on your needs.

This solar powered water pump provides stable performance with a large flow.


6 – Amarine Made DC 12V Farm & Ranch Solar Water Pump

Amarine Made DC 12V Farm & Ranch Solar Water Pump

Here’s a DC solar water pump from Amarine that solves all your farm and ranch water issues.

The pump features a waterproof, stainless steel 12V DC electric motor. That means it’s highly corrosive-resistant.

It’s also a simple build with few components, so repair and maintenance are easy.

This solar water pump is super quiet too. So there’s little noise pollution while having a large flow capacity.

You can hook it up to a series of 4 100W 12V solar panels to get maximum AMP power for solar power.

The more solar panels, the more water pressure you’ll get as the rotor spins faster.

The bottom line is this is an awesome submersible solar water pump.


7 – AEO Solar Powered Water Pump KIT

AEO Solar Water Pump KIT

The solar water pump kit from AEO is an easy-to-use solution for small water pumping needs. Since there’s no wiring, it’s easy to put together.

If you are looking for a way to sustainably power your water fountain, aquarium, or fish pond, this will do it.

It comes with a 10W polycrystalline solar panel in a strong, aluminum frame so you know it will be durable.

The brushless motor can run for over 20,000 hours. And it has a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.

If you are into hydroponics, then this solar kit is for you. The same goes for aquaponics.

The AEO filter system can safely take care of your fish pond with clean water and great nutrients.

There are 4 models to give you the water pump flow that you need.


8 – Amarine-made 24V Submersible Deep Well Water Pump

Amarine-made 24V Submersible Deep Well Water Pump

This solar powered water pump is the perfect solution for your remote watering needs.

It operates with solar panels and batteries, so you don’t have to worry about running out of water any time soon.

It is designed to work in a deep well and is submersible to 100ft with a maximum lift of 230ft.

The stainless steel housing keeps an airtight seal. So if you accidentally run it dry, you won’t damage it.

These solar water well pumps are ideal for crop irrigation and livestock watering.

They also work well to supply water to your remote cabin or off-grid homestead.


9 – Sunlitec Solar Fountain with Panel Water Pump

Sunlitec Solar Fountain with Panel Water Pump

If you want an eco-safe water feature in your gardens, then Sunlitec is your answer. They have a high-quality solar powered birdbath and efficient water feature kit.

This setup won’t water your vegetables or livestock. But sometimes, you just need to hear the sounds of water flowing.

And if you can give your winged friends a place to drink, all the better.

It’s designed to be functional for 20,000 hours and works well in a birdbath, fish tank, and small pond.

The spray heads provide extra water flows with heights up to 27.6″. This height depends on the strength of the sunlight and continues to flow throughout your sunny day.

The kit comes with a 1.8W solar panel, pump, 4 kinds of sprinkler heads, and a 9.5ft cord.

It’s everything you need to have a tranquil flow of water in your backyard.

FINAL THOUGHTS


We all know access to water is essential for life. We need it to survive, and plants need it to grow. Plus, if you have livestock they need a reliable supply of water in abundance.

Pumping water from rivers, streams, and wells without electricity is vital in survival. Your off-grid camp or homestead should be utilizing as much solar power as you can.

“Just In Case” Jack

P.s. More people than I can count have asked me for this exact road map.

It shows you just how easy it is to achieve a REASSURING Level Of Preparedness.

By following these10 simple steps you’ll be way more prepared than the rest of the FRAGILE MASSES out there!

No long-winded far fetched stories, just straight talk from a guy who did it.

Click here to watch this FREE video now.

Click here to watch the Free 10 steps to basic preparedness video

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10 Best Powdered Milk With A Long Shelf Life For Emergencies

Best Powdered MilkPowdered milk – it’s an essential part of any well-rounded emergency food storage plan.

Why? Because milk has many amazing health benefits.

And while it’s possible to live without milk, it’s more challenging. And we often forget just how fast liquid milk spoils.

What’s your plan if the grocery store is out of liquid milk for the foreseeable future? How can you get the vitamins and minerals that milk provides in a long-term crisis?

Powdered milk! IF you planned ahead…

So today I’ll share with you everything I know about powdered milk, specifically:

**Note: If you just want to know our top brands, feel free to SKIP AHEAD HERE.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Family First Food Planning Guide. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

Heap of Milk Powder (selective focus) on an old wooden table

WHAT IS POWDERED MILK (a.k.a. DEHYDRATED MILK)?


Powdered milk is milk that’s had most of its liquids removed. This process creates a solid, powdery substance sometimes called:

  • Dried milk
  • Milk powder
  • Or Dehydrated milk

Powdered milk is not a new invention and has been referenced as far back as the 11th century. Commercial production of powdered milk began in the early 19th century.

Since then, it has been a widely produced and popular product available worldwide.

You can make powdered milk out of almost any type of milk you can think of. This includes:

  • Nonfat skimmed milk
  • Other skimmed milk (like 1% or 2% milk)
  • Fortified milk
  • Whole milk
  • Buttermilk
  • Almond milk
  • Soy milk
  • Etc.

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Portion of Milk Powder (close-up shot) on wooden background

6 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD STOCK UP ON POWDERED MILK


There are many, many reasons to include powdered milk in any food supply. They include:

1 – Excellent shelf life.

Simply put, powdered milk is a nonperishable food and will last. As we will explain below, some types of powdered milk can last for up to 25 years when stored the right way.

Long-lasting staples are essential for a well-rounded pantry. Powdered milk is one of them.

2 – Excellent ingredient for cooking.

Milk is a key ingredient in many recipes, including creamy sauces, soups, and desserts.

Having access to powdered milk increases the number of recipes you can make. This variety helps stave off boredom and keeps mealtime fun, nutritious, and delicious.

3 – For coffee, tea, cocoa, and cereal.

Some people cannot drink their coffee or tea without milk. With powdered milk, they won’t have to.

The same is true for other hot beverages, such as cocoa, as well as breakfast foods.

Most food stores include hot and cold cereal since they also have long shelf lives. Though you can eat cereal without milk, most people would far prefer to eat it with milk.

Keeping a supply of powdered milk gives you that option.

4 – Make your own dairy products.

Dairy products like cheese and butter are often perishable. Meaning they won’t last long without refrigeration.

In a scenario where there isn’t any working electricity, it’s essential to know how to make do.

Powdered milk can make many different types of dairy products. These include some types of cheeses, butter, sour cream, yogurt, and even ice cream.

5 – Easy to transport and prepare.

There are many reasons powdered milk easy to store and take with you. For one, it takes up far less space than its equal in fresh milk.

You can also take it with you wherever you go with ease. It is lightweight, and all that you need to prepare it is water.

It’s so easy to transport and prepare that you don’t even need to wait for an emergency to use it.

Whenever you go camping, you can use it to improve classic fireside camping meals.

6 – A potentially valuable commodity.

In an emergency scenario that disrupts supply lines, access to dairy will be hard to come by. Even without total disruption, milk prices rise during droughts and times of crisis.

These swings in price make milk an excellent commodity to have during trying times.

Stocking powdered milk means you’ll have a supply of a valuable commodity when you need it most.

As A Way To Introduce You To Skilled Survival, We’re Giving Away Our Family First Food Planning Guide. Click Here To Get Your FREE Copy Of It.

10 BEST POWDERED MILK BRANDS ON THE MARKET TODAY


Powdered milk is a staple of prepping and building food stores. You can tell by the sheer number of options that come up on a basic search for the term.

It’s hard to make heads or tails of things in the face of so many brands. That’s why we did the research for you!

Here’s our list of the top recommended brands:


1 – READY HOUR Powdered Whey Milk

Ready Hour Powdered Whey MilkWith Ready Hour Powdered Whey Milk is designed to stay fresh for up to 20 years if unopened!

This means it’s an essential addition to your survival food kit, providing you and your loved ones with critical nutrition even in a crisis.

It requires no refrigeration and all you need to do is add water. This item comes in a big #10 can size, about five times the size of a normal soup can.


2 – READY WISE Whey Milk Alternative

ReadyWise Powdered Milk BucketEach Ready Wise powdered milk bucket contains 120 servings.

Each individual bucket contains durable mylar pouches of powdered whey milk that can be re-hydrated in a matter of minutes by simply adding water.

This product promises to be a nutritious and delicious addition to your survival foods and has a 20-year shelf life guarantee!


3 – NUTRIENT SURVIVAL Powdered Vitamin Milk

Nutrient Survival MilkNutrient Survival is known as the world’s most nutrient-dense survival food.  If you are looking for the highest quality, healthiest, and best tasting long-term food storage options, then Nutrient Survival is for you.

You don’t have to sacrifice during survival situations with its 25-year shelf life guarantee!

Now you can get your daily milk and your daily vitamins in one! 13 essential vitamins including biotin, folate, and riboflavin, plus all the key antioxidant superstars, will keep you thriving all day long.


4 – AUGASON FARMS Country Fresh Instant Nonfat Dry Milk

Augason Farms MilkEvery food storage enthusiast should check out Augason Farms. They offer a wide range of emergency food products, from basic supplies to specialties.

One of their most popular products is powdered milk.

Augason Farms powdered milk is available in a whole range of sizes, from 1 lb packages to 14 lb sealable pails.

When sealed, it has a shelf life of over 10 years. Once opened, it can last for over a year.

The milk itself is tasty and fortified with extra calcium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D.

For chocoholics, they also make a low-fat chocolate milk alternative called Chocolate Moo.


5 – LEGACY FOODS Powder Milk

Legacy Foods Powdered MilkLegacy Foods, another survivalist/emergency prep mainstay, also has great powdered milk.

Their Grade-A powdered milk is high-quality, RBST free, and enriched with vitamins and minerals.

It is also excellent for long-term storage.

The packaging has preservation technology, including mylar pouches with oxygen absorbers. This gives Legacy Foods powdered milk a shelf life of over 5 years.


6 – SARATOGA FARMS Powdered Milk

Saratoga Farms Instant MilkSaratoga Farms powdered milk is a great choice if you’re looking for extended shelf life.

Packed in double-enameled #10 cans, it has a staying power of over 20 years when sealed.

It’s also a great value item, especially if you catch one of the company’s storewide sales.


7 – VALLY FOOD STORAGE Instant Non-Fat Milk

VFS has been making emergency food stores for some time, and their products reflect that.

Their powdered milk has no fillers, GMOs, or artificial ingredients. It is also fortified with vitamins, minerals, and calcium.

If you’re looking for a LONG shelf-life, Valley Food Storage is your best bet.

Their products have some of the longest shelf lives in the business. This includes their powdered milk, which has a 25-year guarantee!


8 – Bob’s Red Mill Non-Fat Dairy Milk Powder

Bob’s Red Mill is something of a gold standard for what powdered milk can be.

Made from all-natural milk with no hormones, Bob’s has definite cred for its authentic taste.

Unfortunately, it is not available in bulk and is usually sold in 22 or 26 oz packages. While some preppers see this as a downside, it may actually be a benefit.

Smaller packages are one way to be creative about space. They also prevent widespread food loss in the event of contamination.

Bob’s also sells an excellent Sweet Cream Buttermilk Powder, which can be an excellent addition to recipes.


9 – PEAK DRY Whole Milk Powder

This Dutch powdered whole milk has all the benefits of Holland’s organic agriculture system and high-quality dairies.

The milk is consistently good and high-quality. It is also 100 percent hormone and antibiotic-free.

Peak is not usually sold in bulk quantities, and it is also not available for bulk prices. Still, the cost is quite reasonable.

For the price of a gallon of organic milk at the grocery store, you can get a container of Peak powdered milk that will make 3 gallons.


10 – Hoosier Hill Farms Whole Milk Powder

This powdered milk is a staple among many preppers. It comes in a range of sizes, so you can pick what size best works for your storage area.

Made in the heartland of Indiana, it has a stellar reputation.

This is in large part owing to its high-quality milk and how easy it is to work with.

Hoosier Hills’ production process makes a very water-soluble product.

This makes it a dream in the kitchen when compared to less-soluble alternatives.


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Whole Powdered Milk On A Spoon

HOW IS POWDERED MILK MADE


Now that you know the best-powdered milk brands – you may be interested in a few different ways it’s made.

The primary method of making powdered milk used to be drum drying. Drum drying starts by coating a heated drum with a thin layer of milk.

The heat causes the water in the milk to evaporate, leaving behind a solid product. The solid product is then scraped off and processed into a powder.

The drum drying method does have some downsides.

Drum drying milk can be labor-intensive and can give the powder a cooked or even burnt flavor. This led to the development of newer technologies.

These days, spray drying is the most common method used to produce powdered milk. The process starts by evaporating milk down to approximately 50% milk solids.

The concentrated milk is then sprayed through an atomizer into a heated chamber. Extra streams of hot air then evaporate the moisture in the milk. The final product is a powder that you can use or store.

Another way to make powdered milk is by freeze-drying, also known as cryodesiccation. This process starts by freezing milk in a pressure and temperature-controlled container. You then lower the pressure in the container. The lowered pressure causes a process called sublimation.

Sublimation removes the ice (i.e., the moisture) from the milk. This process leaves behind a final powdery product.

Most survival food kits are now made up of freeze-dried foods to preserve them for long-term storage.

And there is a way to turn regular fresh milk into powdered milk at home – for those into DIY:

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Powdered Milk Shelf Life

HOW LONG DOES POWDERED MILK LAST?


Powdered milk shelf life depends on several factors. Many brands have a “best-by” date of approximately 18 months.

This is more of a taste-based suggestion than a hard limit. Many brands will last between 2-10 years before going bad. There are other brands that can last for up to 25 years.

The fat content of powdered milk also contributes to its lifespan. As a rule, the less fat it contains, the longer it lasts.

Powdered whole milk and powdered buttermilk tend not to last as long as powdered skim milk.

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Dry Foods On A Shelf

TIPS TO EXTENDING POWDERED MILK SHELF LIFE


Smaller packages are better.

Lots of preppers think the larger your packages, the better your supply. This motto isn’t always true.

When it comes to powdered milk, it’s generally better to have a larger number of smaller packages. Instead of having a smaller number of larger packages. The more packages you have, the less you lose due to contamination.

Contamination such as insects, rodents, mold, or moisture.

Keep it sealed.

Exposure to oxygen reduces the lifespan of powdered milk. Make sure to buy it in containers intended for long-term food storage. This strategy is important.

Many bulk products come in containers that look sealed or airtight but aren’t. If you’re sure a unit is airtight and sealed, keep it in its original packaging until it’s time to use it.

Removing it from its original sealed packaging before you need to can reduce its shelf life. If a package isn’t sealed for long-term storage, you can repackage it.

You should also make certain secondary containers are carefully sealed.

Make sure to re-seal.

Of course, you’ll need to open sealed packages of powdered milk when it’s time to use them. But you’re unlikely to use the entire package at once. This means the rest of it needs someplace to go.

If you can fully re-seal the original packaging, do it. If you decide on a secondary container, make sure that the container is totally sealed. You may want to invest in a vacuum sealer for this purpose.

Label your containers.

Make sure to label all your containers with pertinent information. Include any best-by or expiration dates. If you have different types of powdered milk, make sure to be clear about which one is which.

Keep away from light.

Powdered milk lasts longer if not exposed to sunlight. So keep it in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or a root cellar. If your storage area isn’t dark, you can keep it in an oblique container or bag. This helps offsets some potential damage done by light.

Keep it cool.

The ideal storage temperature for non-frozen powdered milk is around 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. You can keep it at somewhat cooler and warmer temperatures, but this may reduce its shelf life.

Know when it goes bad.

There are many reasons powdered milk might go bad. Sometimes this happens unexpectedly, so it’s important to know the signs. When it goes bad, it usually develops an unpleasant odor and/or starts to yellow.

If it’s gone bad, it’s important not to use it. Spoiled powdered milk may harbor bacteria and mold that can be harmful to your health.

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children eating healthy food at home or kindergarten

WHAT MAKES POWDERED MILK SO NUTRITIOUS?


Powdered milk is an ideal addition to any long-term food cache. There are many reasons for this. One reason is that powdered milk gives you an excellent bang for your nutritional buck.

Some of the nutritional attributes of milk include:

Good source of calcium and vitamin D.

Powdered milk is rich in these two nutrients. We need both to build strong bones, teeth and to prevent disease.

Good source of other vitamins and minerals.

It’s packed with many of the vitamins, minerals, and other good things we need to stay healthy. It is an excellent source of:

  • Vitamin A (good for vision, immune system health, and tissue health.)
  • Iodine (strengthens the thyroid and the endocrine system.)
  • Vitamin B (needed for energy production, nerve health, red blood cell health, and healthy cell division.)
  • Potassium (regulates heartbeat and blood pressure and helps cells absorb nutrients and expel waste.)
  • Vitamin C (helps protect cells, skin, cartilage and helps boost the immune system.)
  • Magnesium (supports muscles and nerves, maintains blood sugar and blood pressure, and helps make protein, bone, and DNA.)
  • Vitamin E (protects skin, prevents cell damage, and reduces the risk of certain cancers.)
  • Phosphorus (aids the growth of bones and teeth in children, helps digestion, and promotes cell and tissue health)
  • Vitamin K (encourages blood clotting, wound recovery, and bone health)

Packed with amino acids.

Powdered milk contains over 20 different types of essential amino acids. Amino acids are crucial to maintaining health. They are, in essence, the building blocks of proteins. They also help synthesize and produce hormones and neurotransmitters.

May prevent osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a condition that can cause cartilage loss, pain, and joint damage. Studies have shown that consuming milk may reduce the risk and severity of the condition.

May prevent diabetes.

Several studies show milk may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in adults. This may be because milk proteins and sugars help to balance blood sugar levels.

May improve heart health.

Besides containing heart-healthy nutrients, milk can also raise levels of HDL cholesterol. HDL is the “good” cholesterol that may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

If your powdered milk comes from grass-fed cows, it may also contain omega three fatty acids and linoleic acid. These beneficial fats protect both your blood vessels and your heart.

Good source of protein without excess calories.

Powdered milk is very rich in protein. Unlike many other protein-rich foods, it is also low in calories. One cup of skim milk has only 80 calories but around 8 grams of protein.

If you are looking for higher-calorie milk, you can also seek out whole milk, which has more calories. However, if you are looking for a low-calorie, high protein food, skim milk is an excellent choice.

As always, be safe, and happy prepping!

Lana Alder

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The post 10 Best Powdered Milk With A Long Shelf Life For Emergencies appeared first on Skilled Survival.

What to Do in a Power Outage

The wind is blowing hard, the rain is horizontal and it’s freezing cold at 3:00 am a tree just fell onto the dining room side of the house, rain is coming in.

Three trees have fallen across the only road to our side of the island, neighbors are out there cutting it up. My wife and I have grabbed our emergency kits and went to the levee, standing in the rain waiting for the word to be able to go into the house if there is anyone to tell us we cannot.

RELATED: Power Outage: What To Do When The Power Goes Out

Power Failure, What Causes Blackouts, and What to Do in a Power Outage

All of the neighbors were out on the levee, a transformer on a power pole was struck by lightning and woke everyone up. Nothing has flooded or caught on fire, all of the houses are still standing, it’s a good thing because the first responders are not able to make it to any of the houses on the island, the bridge is gone.

With nothing else to do, everyone went back into their houses to spend the night, we may be looking at morning without coffee.

We had been hit with a double whammy, a major earthquake during a driving rainstorm on a January night, the entire San Francisco Bay Area is crippled due to a major power failure.

We have all most likely experienced a blackout, but does everyone know what to do in a power outage? I think probably not. Few people have gotten out of the city, the traffic-jammed up on the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge’s, the only way out for them was highway 101 south, it’s a parking lot.

We’ve got the family all over the country, we have discovered the entire state is affected from Fresno north, the epicenter was on a fault that was declared “inactive”, it is a long fault running from Concord to Mountain view. Now some decisions must be made.

This never happened, could it, yes it could happen, we keep hearing it is a matter of when not if, so what are some of the actions to take?

The first is Communications, as soon as possible notify your relatives and loved ones. Take the emergency preparedness plan out of the emergency kit that was put together in anticipation of this event.

Included in that plan is a telephone number of a relative living out of the affected area. Choose a person out of the area as a contact, the local telephone lines will be jammed up, 911 calls are the most common. When we make a call if we get a “busy” signal normally we will hang up then immediately redial the same number, compounding the problem.

The “recalls” add to the volume of calls crowding all of the calls out of the queue. Call the contact number every 4-5 hours if possible, however, after one call is made that you are OK it will be relayed to others calling the line.

Make a determination if you are able to remain in your home or if you just walk out, gather as much information as you can. If the house is structurally sound it will be safe to stay.

Then secure the electrical, natural gas, and water supplies, the water will be off as well due to there being no electric service. We will smell gas if a gas line is corrupted but we will not be able to detect a water leak or if the electrical system has been compromised, it could start a fire.

It is safest to eliminate the worry, it will be a hassle after the utilities return because your supplier will have to check out the systems but it is the safest action to take. Standing water and an electrical short to ground to not complement one another.

Water, check your supply, we need a minimum of 1/2 gallon per person per day if that much water is not on hand begin conserving immediately.

Check the food in your freezer, part of the emergency plan should have included freezing water in your freezer. In many ways, this event can be defined as a freezer power outage as well. Using containers holding milk or juices fill them with tap water, place them in your freezer and leave them there.

They will help keep the frozen foods cold for a longer period of time when the ice melts the water is drinkable. Container made for this purpose are readily available, mine are 1 gallon each, approximately 1-foot square and 2 inches thick, laid under all of the food they work well.

Do not open the freezer door until you positively have to, if the temperature goes below 40 degrees and the food begins to thaw, the usable life of the food decreases. If the food itself drops below 40 degrees, it’s time to throw it in the trash, don’t chance to get an intestinal illness, we all know what misery that is.

Stop using the toilet if there is no way to flush it if it is continued to be used we are heading for a huge problem. If there is water available, in a creek, lake, or pond the toilet can be flushed by dumping a bucket of water (2 gallons) directly into the bowl.

I suggest making a rule if you’re the one that used the water you’re the one to fill it again. A temporary toilet can be made by using a 5-gallon bucket, using a split swimming “floaty” as a seat, black garbage bags work well as liners.

A commercial “porta-potty” may be purchased at most camping supply outlets. As the water from the freezer and your supply dwindle, start making water, boil and purify, fill your containers.

Save the food in your evacuation kit for use after the food you have in your pantry has been extinguished, use as much food from your freezer as possible first.

The spirit should be this event may last for two weeks or longer, I am a proponent of not just having a 72-hour emergency kit, but having supplies for one week, which means adding more food to a commercially prepared kit.

If we have not received word on long the event may last, call the contact number, even though it’s out of state they most likely have kept up with the ongoing event. Prepare for 3 days, but expect 6, it won’t hurt a thing. Keep boiling water, charging cell phones with the dynamic charger (or your vehicle), and keep informed through the radio.

1/3 of the people are over-prepared, 1/3 kind of prepared, and 1/3 completely unprepared. It’s prudent to expect the neighbors to need water, prepare yourself to supply them.

None of us will be 100% prepared, there are just too many unknowns and not everyone subscribes to the “self-reliant” lifestyle, I think it’s best to accept reality. Remember after the disaster they will still be your neighbors, I would not be able to refuse someone water if I have any amount.

Make no mistake, water will be the number one sought-after commodity, especially if a flood takes place. A big part of my mission statement is to be overly prepared, with the goal of my family and I being over-prepared and in a position to help other people, that’s the only way I would be able to look myself in the mirror.

In times of hardship, people band together and come to one another’s aid, I’ve seen it happen many times. Most people want to be active positive contributors during times of crisis, humans need each other for survival. The person contributing the coffee pot that first morning will gain the status of a mythical “god”.

After the initial 3 days have passed and it looks like it may be an extended event we should be in pretty good shape. We have just started to notice the freezer defrosting, the ice in it is still solid, we conserved our food in the emergency kit by using the freezer and pantry food.

In a few days, decisions will be made whether to throw freezer foods away, water production continues, and responders are beginning to evacuate at-risk people. Looking like the event may last a month or more, we are now in a long-term situation, however, due to pre-planning and foresight, we will survive it.

This is the first 3 days, it could be better and it could be a lot worse, we had some water on hand and a way to make more, many people won’t. We won’t be out of the mess yet, but we are surviving on our own, self-reliance and confidence paved the way.

If you need to rev up your disaster preparedness planning, set up a commercially prepared or self-made home emergency kit. I would suggest a 4 person survival kit for two people, that will get them by 6 days, the length of time I feel is most logical.

Most power failures are short-lived, however once in a while, (more often than we may think) they last for a week or longer, sometimes longer than a month. What causes blackouts? lots of things, they are unpredictable, leaving all we are able to do is prepare for them in advance.

Jacques Lebec has been an advocate of self-reliance his entire life. Emergency [http://www.emergencykitsplus.com] preparedness is an area of great interest to him. He and his wife live in the middle of the California Delta. Visit his site at [http://www.emergencykitsplus.com]

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Jacques_Lebec/2382258

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7 Best Places To Buy Ammo Online Right Now

Best Places To Buy Ammo OnlineBuying ammo online is often more convenient than going to the store!

Gone are the days of having to find the nearest store and hoping they have the specific ammo you want in stock.

Today, buying ammo online can be more convenient and cheaper.

But understandably, many folks are still skeptical and uncertain.

So today, we’re going to clear the air.

I’m going to share everything I know about buying ammo online, specifically:

**Note: If you just want to know our top places to buy ammo online, feel free to SKIP AHEAD HERE.

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handgun and ammunition

CAN YOU BUY AMMO ONLINE? YES


Like most products, many folks CAN buy ammunition online these days. But unlike other products, it’s NOT a one-click experience.

Buying ammo is a bit more complicated than buying a T-shirt from your favorite online stores.

Assuming you’re in the US, there are restrictions on ammunition types and quantities. You must meet some of these requirements before you can complete your purchase.

And the rules governing online ammunition sales change from State to State. And some even vary within specific municipalities.

So be sure to read up on the rules in your area before ordering. It’ll save you a ton of frustration in the end!

Age Requirements

According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives website:

Minimum age restrictions for the purchase of firearms and ammunition are a part of the Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968:

  • You must be at least 18 years old to purchase shotgun and rifle ammunition
  • You must be 21 years old to buy a handgun and other (non-rifle or shotgun) ammunition

Keep in mind that these are the federal MINIMUM age restrictions.

Many local governments have even stricter standards. And some online retailers have their own age restrictions.

Some State-Specific Restrictions

As mentioned above, many states and cities have enacted their own tighter restrictions.

Some of these added restrictions are due to public safety concerns. Others are due to the difficulty of shipping hazardous materials such as:

  • gun powders
  • primers
  • lead

So let’s go over a few examples of more stringent state regulations when this article was published (you should look up your local regulations before you attempt to buy ammo online):

California

Many California cities do not allow receiving shipments of ammo. Cities such as Beverly Hills, Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco, Los Angeles…

Alaska

No online purchases of ammo or primer shipped from the continental US. This limitation is primarily due to shipping concerns.

Hawaii

Like Alaska, no ammo or primer shipments due to shipping concerns.

Illinois

Chicago prohibits online purchases of ammunition altogether.

New York

All online ammunition orders must go to a local vendor with a Federal Firearms License (FFL). Some cities (NYC, Buffalo, Rochester) prohibit any online ammo purchases.

Washington DC

Prohibits all online ammunition sales.

As noted above, these are just a sample of the local gun laws you may have to contend with.

So always check your own local/state/federal laws. Do yourself a favor and do your homework before placing an online ammunition order.

Some vendors also have particular restrictions due to their location. Or prefer to avoid any headaches in dealing with shipments to specific states or cities.

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357 Caliber hollow point bullets near revolver pistol gun on black background

HOW TO PLAN ONLINE AMMO PURCHASES


Purchasing ammunition online isn’t rocket science. But you still need to do your research.

For example, each online retailer will have different policies regarding:

  • Maximum quantities
  • Caliber availability
  • Ammunition types

They also frequently have varying shipping and return policies as well. These policies can add to your final purchase price.

Also, take time to check for customer reviews and ratings on OTHER sites. Always be skeptical of reviews posted on the retailer’s own site. They are often heavily curated to provide an excellent brand image.

That’s why it’s worth reading the fine print for each retailer and looking for your best deal. But be flexible, as you’re ultimately at the mercy of who actually HAS ammunition in stock.

Decide What You Want To Buying (and Why)?

Back in the day, I recall the overwhelming number of ammo choices at our local sporting goods store. For example, the 12-gauge shotgun ammo took up several shelving units alone!

Before shopping, I had to think about what I was planning to do, was I:

  • Hunting waterfowl?
  • Target shooting?
  • Upland birds?
  • Or even big game?

So I’d start by narrowing my choices between:

  • toxic vs. non-toxic loads,
  • heavy vs. light loads
  • density patterns
  • shot vs. slugs
  • etc.

This process isn’t any different than what you need to do when shopping in person. But now imagine the shelves nearly empty and a dozen other shoppers staring at the same couple boxes.

The urge to buy SOMETHING NOW can get overwhelming. But if you buy the wrong ammo, it’s almost worse than not buying anything at all.

Think through the use and type of ammunition, how many rounds you feel you need, and what you’re willing to spend.

These things are all interrelated. For example, it’s far easier to justify spending more on self-defense rounds. Because you know your life might depend on them someday.

But with those rounds, a day at the range would break the bank. So, in that case, opt for a more economical round.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

The first time I bought ammunition online, it was an intimidating task.

I wanted to make sure I did it right to avoid any legal issues or wasted time and money.

If you’ve got friends who buy online, it’s beneficial to ask them for recommendations. And even ask for their help in making your first order.

Sure, their ammunition preferences and needs may not be the same as yours. But they can often help steer you clear of less-reputable retailers.

And they can show you some of the tricks to keep informed of rapidly changing in-stock options at any given site.

For example, if several friends use the same place, they likely have a quality product at a reasonable price.

Do Your Homework

“Cheap” ammunition isn’t cheap. So start by treating your online ammo purchases like any other significant investment.

Despite the help you get from friends, it’s always best to do your own research.

  • First, focus on the best, time-tested brands
  • Next, research for retailers with the best prices and flexible policies
  • Now, figure out how long shipping takes and research their specific return policy
  • Finally, double-check for any fine print or any extra costs

When you start purchasing, I suggest buying a couple of smaller boxes first. You may want to buy various calibers or brands for testing. Do this before committing to a larger purchase.

Because the more info you have at your disposal, the better your ammo buying decisions will be. This testing phase will help avoid panic buying and get you more for your money.

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9mm pistol bullets on old wooden table.

HOW TO AVOID GETTING RIPPED OFF WHEN BUYING AMMO ONLINE


One of the significant concerns that buyers have when shopping online is:

“How do I know I’m not getting ripped off?”

Just like ALL online purchases, you’re right to be cautious. This is even MORE critical when buying ammunition online.

Why? Because it’s a major purchase of a critical item – one with high cost AND scarcity.

Unlike a brick-and-mortar store, it’s hard to get a feel for whether an online shop is legitimate or not.

You have to look for other clues and ask yourself some serious questions.

  • Does the website prices and promotions too good to be true?
  • Can you find online reviews (on other trusted sites) of the retailer?
  • Are the buying, shipping, and return policies well documented on the website?
  • Do they readily display contact information? Does it list a physical address and phone number, or just a PO Box and email?
  • Does the website appear well designed and professionally maintained?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” I strongly suggest caution!

You must always be on the lookout for online scams. Internet scams are on the rise nowadays with the ease of building a simple website.

So always be critical and discerning when selecting an online marketplace for ammunition.

Second, it’s essential to determine if the products are up to your quality standards. When first purchasing from a new seller, it’s wise to proceed slowly. Start with purchasing smaller quantities initially.

Once you receive it, check it over carefully, and be sure to test some rounds at the range.

It’s far better to find out you have ONE box of bad ammo than an entire case. This check is especially true if you haven’t tested a company’s return policy yet.

Once they’ve proven themselves, you can move to larger order sizes with confidence.

Even so, be sure to inspect your shipments as they arrive and always test random samples. It’s much easier to work with customer service and return or replace faulty ammo if you catch it early.

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A FEW REASONS WHY AMMO SUPPLIES ARE SO LIMITED


Lots of variables are affecting the current availability of ammunition. But those individual variables ALWAYS add up to the same age-old adage:

Supply vs. Demand

Let’s talk “Supply” and “Demand.”

Note the analysis below is for early 2021 – overtime, supply chains shift, laws change, etc.

First off, the global pandemic is affecting all supply chains. Such as upset event creates unusual spikes and dips in the availability of a wide range of products.

China is a big player in much of the world’s raw materials and finished goods. It’s no wonder trade restrictions and travel bans created major supply chain hiccups.

Right now, raw materials prices such as brass, lead, and steel are at near-record highs. Some countries are enacting rationing to produce necessary goods. These current rationing efforts are similar to wartime production measures.

Countries are trying to work out new trade and public health policies. These efforts are to allow for smoother international exchange of goods. But until then, we’re left to increase domestic production of these materials to fill the gap.

All these efforts to fix the supply chain is a slow process. It’s like trying to turn around a battleship on a dime – ain’t gonna happen.

It’s got a very long curve of infrastructure construction and workforce training needed.

And raw materials are not the only issue at hand. More complex components (like gunpowder and primers) require complicated manufacturing processes. They also demand skilled tradespeople to ensure quality products.

At the same time, a flood of new (and old) buyers and snapping up all the ammo they can get their hands on.

The last significant shortage was during the Obama Administration. Back then, many feared chatter of new firearm laws. Laws that could lead to restricting the type and number of guns the public could purchase.

This situation led to years of stockpiling. And it took years of adding more production capacity to match the demand spike.

But after the Trump election, these same buyers felt less urge to add to their stockpiles. Under the Trump administration, buyers felt confident in no new firearm restrictions.

Sales of new weapons dropped, and ammunition purchases leveled off. But this left manufacturers with excess inventory and production capacity.

Excessive capacity then became an unnecessary cost in the new political climate. Ammo brands followed suit by closing some factories and reducing their workforce.

These political shifts and the resulting changes in purchasing patterns are nothing new. They happen nearly every time the political affiliation of the sitting president changes.

The bottom line is this:

The market was not prepared for the global COVID-19 pandemic and the drastic turn in demand of 2020.

Within weeks, many countries began to shut down borders, and global trade suffered. Civil unrest also came into the national spotlight due to many factors.

These combinations of surprising events caused a massive swing towards emergency preparedness.

As with any commodity in an emergency, ammo storage became popular again. Ammunition was bought faster than it could be produced.

Some stores even put restrictions on how much ammo could be sold in one transaction. This restriction fed the panic-buying even further.

I even saw people “hiding” popular calibers in the clothing and footwear departments. They were hoping to come back for a second purchase later in the day.

No joke, I tried on a pair of boots only to find one was stuffed with boxes of .22LR. And the was the same caliber that happened to be sold out on the shelves.

When Will The Shortages End?

It’s tough for any industry to respond to these kinds of extreme swings.

Ammunition manufacturers are bringing as much production back online as possible. This includes the recent sale of Remington Ammunition.

This well-known manufacturer got shut down in the wake of civil lawsuits. It’s now part of the Vista sporting goods brand family. And Remington’s old ammunition factories are coming back online.

While other manufacturers are bringing furloughed workers back to re-staff.

We’re starting to see the end of COVID-19 related supply chain issues. These “fixes” are happening slowly as countries open their borders to outside trade.

These changes should help with raw material stocks and complex components made overseas.

BUT we’re also moving to a more liberal federal administration in 2021. And history tells us firearm and ammo purchases spike with talk of more restrictions.

These potential reforms are targeting more specific weapon and ammo bans. So some folks think these new proposals could see more success than previous bills.

Additionally, our current social unrest continues to create more demand.

Basically, ammunition manufacturing can’t respond in real-time to fast-moving market swings. And at the moment, the demand for ammunition is likely to outpace supply.

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A black pistol hand gun with bullets and shooting glasses.

7 BEST PLACES TO BUY AMMO ONLINE TODAY


With so many online sources vying for your purchases, where should you start?

In some respects, you can base that decision on the brand, type, and availability of the ammunition.

Smaller retailers often have good deals on specific brands and calibers. But it’s often easier and more reliable to go with a larger vendor at first.

Next, let’s go over a few of the more prominent players in the online ammo market. All are well-reviewed have been around for years, both online and in person.

1 – CABELA’S

Everyone – and I mean EVERYONE – has heard of Cabela’s.

Their mail-order catalogs were as thick as a phone book (both now relics from the pre-internet days).

And they carried everything for the outdoors.

Since their merger with Bass Pro, their selection has grown even more extensive. Their ammunition prices are reasonable, and their shipping and return policies are generous.

With their near-universal brand recognition, they deal in higher volumes than smaller retailers. These volumes help get items back in stock faster.

And this also means they’re one of the first places ammo shoppers should look.


2 – LUCKY GUNNER

The Lucky Gunner is a great place to check as well.

Now, most online retailers show every item they have for sale. But the build of the Lucky Gunner website is unique.

Lucky Gunner only shows IN-STOCK items, period!

They use a real-time inventory tracking system to show quantities. That way, you don’t have to fumble around through dozens of pages only to find most items are “out of stock.”

Instead, they present you with a smaller list of items – but you can buy every one of them today!

Plus, you can filter through options and place an order fast to snag up hard-to-get calibers. And they guarantee next-day shipping and have a great shipping calculator as well.

Overall, it’s a painless and enjoyable way to order ammo online, but act fast when you find what you want!

Bulk Ammo for Sale at Lucky Gunner


3 – PALMETTO STATE ARMORY

Palmetto State Armory is based in South Carolina. They are a good bet if you’re looking for bulk ammo online of popular rifle and handgun ammunition.

Their prices on smaller volumes aren’t always the best. But they make up for it at 1000+ round cases.

They also sell a wide range of guns, gun parts, and firearm accessories. So they’re an ideal resource for some of the most popular sporting rifles.


4 – SPORTSMAN’S GUIDE

Sportsman’s Guide is a mix between a sporting goods shop and a discount hardware store. They carry a wide range of items and at competitive prices.

To take advantage of the best prices, you’ll need to buy a membership. But your savings on your first order is often enough to make up for the cost of the membership.

I’ve found their in-stock selections aren’t always as extensive as I’d like. So you have to watch for your preferred ammo to come back in stock and purchase as soon as it’s available.


5 – BROWNELLS

Brownells is another long-standing ammunition and gun parts dealer. And their customer service and shipping policies are a big part of that.

It’s easy to navigate their website. You can filter for in-stock items, and find your favorite ammo brands. And they make order placement and calculating shipping a breeze.

They also carry a wide range of ammunition and a lot of specialty gun parts.

Finally, they have a wide selection of reloading ammo and gunsmithing tools as well.


6 – GORILLA AMMO

Gorilla Ammo focuses primarily on self-defense ammo and supplies. They list a few hunting calibers but most of their ammo is for handguns and semi-automatic rifles.

In my experience, they’re frequently out of stock on many items. Yet, they do have a convenient waitlist. And automated notifications when something comes back in inventory.

Their prices are in line with the rest of the industry, but they make very high-quality rounds.


7 – SPORTSMAN’S WAREHOUSE

Sportsman’s Warehouse is another good option to check out. Perhaps you’re familiar with their 111 (and counting) stores across the country.

If you haven’t been to one, they’re essentially a smaller version of a Cabela’s.

And their online presence and buying experience is similar to Cabela’s. They have a wide range of hunting, fishing, and outdoor home goods.

They have an excellent range of ammunition selection. But you might not find some of the more exotic calibers and brands.

If you’re looking for general use hunting rounds, Sportsman’s Warehouse is a great bet.

Plus, you can get free shipping to the store, which can be a significant saving if you’re buying bulk ammo online!


FINAL THOUGHTS


Buying ammo online can be a more convenient and, often, cheaper purchasing path. But there are many factors you have to consider when purchasing ammo online.

These factors include:

  • Website legitimacy
  • Brand reputation
  • Ammunition availability
  • Quality and quantity
  • State or area restrictions
  • Age restrictions
  • Competitive price
  • Shipping costs
  • etc.

But if you’re diligent with your research, you can get what you’re looking for from the comfort of your home.

Once you’ve got past all these hurdles, purchasing ammo online can be a great experience. Especially if you don’t enjoy driving from store to store all around town only to come home empty-handed!

One final note before you go, if your buying ammo in bulk and planning on storing it – do it right and avoid these amateur mistakes. And invest in quality ammo cans to protect your investment!

Jason K.

P.s. More people than I can count ask have asked me for this exact road map.

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The post 7 Best Places To Buy Ammo Online Right Now appeared first on Skilled Survival.

Holacracy and Self-Management With Mark Simpson [PODCAST]


RELATED: Your Road Map To Self Sufficiency 

Holacracy and Self-Management

In today’s episode, co-host David Bilbrey continues his exploration of business and permaculture as he sits down to hear from Mark Simpson about how Mark applied the ideas of Holacracy and Self Management to a hierarchical business. This resulted in a flattening of that vertical organization into a vastly more horizontal one that creates empowerment and opportunity for employees to influence their work and direction.

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