Why Carry Spare Ammo? — A Deep Dive

1. The Mindset: A Gun Without Spare Ammo Is a Temporary Gun

One of the strongest messages in the video is that if you’re relying solely on the rounds in your chamber/magazine, you’re leaving yourself vulnerable. In a real defensive encounter, things rarely go ideally. Having spare ammo means you’re planning for contingencies.

Massad Ayoob has echoed this sentiment in other training circles: a defensive pistol without backup ammo is less a defense tool and more a gamble. YouTube

2. Consistency Over Exotic Ammo Choices

Justin emphasizes that you should carry what you shoot — meaning, your training ammo and your carry ammo should be as close as possible in trajectory, recoil, and performance. That consistency reduces surprises when the pressure is on.

He also alludes to the “Point of Aim / Point of Impact” shift some shooters experience when switching ammo types. A mismatch between your training load and carry load can introduce variables you don’t want during a high-stress moment.

In similar videos, instructors advise always verifying POA = POI out to at least 25 yards to account for those subtle differences. YouTube

3. Where Should Spare Ammo Go?

Justin discusses placement options for spare ammo or magazines. Some key considerations:

• Accessibility — you must be able to reach the spare ammo quickly without fumbling.
• Concealability — the spare must not compromise your concealment or draw.
• Retention & Security — it cannot bounce, fall out, or shift during movement.

In practice, many carry spare mags on the support side hip, inside-the-waistband, or in mag pouches aligned with movement mechanics. Others carry slim mag carriers in 4 o’clock or on the belt. The ideal position is one that doesn’t interfere with gear, draw, or natural movement.

4. Training & Reliability

Beyond just carrying, Justin underscores the necessity of training with your spare ammo and ensuring it functions reliably in your firearm. Carry ammo, mags, and the gun must all be proven under stress and in different scenarios.

As one commenter on similar ammo-carry topics put it:

“Train with your carry ammo every once in a while. Gotta make sure it’s feeding reliably.”
— Reddit community member Reddit

It’s not enough to carry — you must also practice reloading under time and stress, magazine changes, target transitions, and failure drills.

5. Pros, Cons & Caveats

No instruction is without nuance. Here are some trade-offs and cautions:

Pros

• Provides redundancy if your first magazine fails or is depleted.
• Offers time to transition strategies or escape under pressure.
• Builds confidence knowing you have a backup.

Cons / Risks

• Adds bulk, weight, and potential profile.
• Can complicate the draw or concealment if poorly placed.
• Mismatch or poor reliability of spare may cause more harm than good.

Also, some shooters argue over penetration / over-penetration and the choice between FMJ, JHP, or hybrid loads. Justin’s video doesn’t delve deeply into that debate, but he clearly favors consistency and reliability over chasing “perfect ammo.”

6. Action Plan: What You Can Do Now

1. Decide on your spare ammo format
   (spare mag, loose rounds, speedloaders, etc.)
   Ideally, go with a solution you already train with and can trust.
2. Place it where it makes sense
   Simulate movement, carry, drawing — does it stay secure? Is it accessible?
3. Train with your spare
   Practice transitions, reloads, malfunction drills, and drawing under duress.
4. Test for POA vs POI differences
   If your carry ammo differs ballistically from your training ammo, test how much shift you get.
5. Evaluate reliability periodically
   Mission-ready gear must remain reliable over time, under varying conditions.

Final Thought

“Carry spare ammo” sounds simple, but it’s a decision that touches on preparation, mindset, gear discipline, and practical training. Justin’s video doesn’t just advocate “carry more” — it makes the case for smart carrying.