How much Ammo in a Firefight?

[flynlead]

How much ammo is typically used in a single firefight? Years ago, it was SOP to carry 210 rounds (5.56). I'm sure that today most SF, contractors and others carry at least this much and probably more. In an actual firefight with small numbers of irregular soldiers (Taliban, drug goons, VC, etc.), how many rounds are used by a single operator before it is over?

In a SHTF situation (think LA riots(s)), if forced to bug out of hostile urban territory on foot for 2 or 3 miles, how many 30 round AR magazines would be needed? I have zero body armor, and zero combat experience. I am fairly well trained with a semiauto AR, but can not shoot and move like the Sundance Kid. Instead of a heavy bug out bag and 10 mags, I think it would be better to carry only water and maybe 4 mags. I think in a prolonged firefight I would be long dead before I got to my 5th mag.

Any thoughts on this?