I’m not saying nothing, but I suggest that you put on your flame suit!!
I won’t need anything from anyone and I’m not bartering which I think is dangerous as hell. I have gobs of bartering items bought for that but they are useful items to me, too, so I’ll keep them until I see a safe use for them.
Why would I prepare and leave out something thinking I could barter to get it? That makes no sense.
People who would want to barter right off the bat, are not prepared, they need stuff, and they would be dangerous to be around. No, I’m staying scarce and not being seen. After all, I’m just an old lady who is afraid to leave her house and she couldn’t have anything anyone wanted anyway.
During my downrange time overseas, we had no problems with ammunition. Burned through a few magazines? No worries, First Sergeant will be by shortly with the LOGPAC, and you can reload. What, Top ain't coming yet? No problem you can cross-level with Smitty.
But now this is SHTF. This is TEOTWAWKI. This is "Survivor: Ruby Ridge". There's no First Sergeant, no LOGPAC, and the neighbor next to you would just as soon shoot you and take all your ammo (and your daughters) for his later use.
Oh, you want to trade "ballistic wampum"? Sure, no problem! Hey guys, see what that doofus just traded us? What else does he got?
And at 0300, you have your former trading partner, and his boyfriends, storming your house, taking your stash of supplies (and your daughters), and laughing at you as you bleed out on the carpet.
The bullet you trade in the morning will be shot back at you in the night.
Never, EVER, barter your ammo.