According to a Winchester press release dated August 20, 2009, the Department of Homeland Security, specifically Immigration, Customs and Enforcement (ICE), is to stockpile up to 200 million rounds over the next five years:

Winchester® Ammunition was recently awarded a contract by the Immigration, Customs and Enforcement (ICE) division of the Department of Homeland Security to supply a maximum of 200 million, 40 cal. rounds over the next five years.

“Winchester has a proud tradition of providing high quality ammunition to our nation’s law enforcement agencies,” said Dick Hammett, president, Winchester Ammunition. “No matter if they’re protecting our block, our city or our borders, each special agent is an invaluable resource and we are committed to giving them the best products available.”

The load selected for this contract is a 135-grain, hollow point designed for the office of Field Operations of Customs and Border Protection. It will fall under the Winchester® Ranger® line of products.

Don’t get us wrong. Here at SHTF Plan we strongly support emergency and disaster preparation, as well as TEOTWAWKI scenario planning, but 200 million rounds of pistol ammo? Either someone has a spare $100 million in stimulus lying around or they’re planning on doing some serious practice shooting at the range.

Of course, we could also venture a guess in the conspiracy fact and theory realm, but we’d rather let your imagination run wild on this one.