I usually carry at least 5 for the bolt action. 3 or 4 in the mag, plus one or two in my pocket. With the 30-30 I usually load 5 or 6 in the tube. I figure that it is very rare to ever get more than 2 shots off, but if I miss clean I want a chance at another since I am going to finish my walk anyways. Around here the deer are shot at so much that you cant rule out seeing another on the way back to the house...