Loaded Magazine Confusion

**razmtaz** · 06-30-22, 23:18

Okay, now I'm confused. On these two points I've read many convincing arguments that: 1) 30-round mags are meant to hold 30 rounds and there's no need to under fill them to insure proper function, and: 2) The springs wear out faster by repeated emptying and filling of the mag, as opposed to leaving them loaded. I've lately been reading the US Marine Corps Rifle Marksmanship manual and the following are excerpts pertaining to these two points: 1) "The recommended number of rounds per magazine is no more than 29. Thirty rounds in the magazine can prohibit the magazine from seating properly on a closed bolt." 2) "Ammunition in filled magazines should be rotated frequently if the rounds are not expended. The spring tension on the magazine can weaken if compressed for a long period of time and can cause a malfunction of the magazine." Hard to imagine the Marines have it all wrong...

**markm** · 07-01-22, 08:16

Is this really a fitness and nutrition topic?

**ST911** · 07-01-22, 09:19

Originally Posted by markm

Is this really a fitness and nutrition topic?

Perhaps if you have trouble seating a magazine under a closed bolt. (I kid, I kid...)

Thread moved. Please keep it civil and help OP out.

**markm** · 07-01-22, 09:47

Or Fit'niss ammo into my mag.

Yeah. Just load 28 or 30 and live well. I'm in the 28 round camp.

**Diamondback** · 07-01-22, 09:52

Current science has it that it's not time in compression that kills springs, but operating cycles. Look at how long a 1911's mainspring and recoil spring stay under almost permanent compression--their replacement schedule is round-count not "time under load."

**Uncas47** · 07-01-22, 10:12

The mags I love above all others hold 20 and that's what they get, the 30s get 28. No worries, just pick a side and dig in.

**bobcatdriver** · 07-01-22, 12:49

Originally Posted by Diamondback

Current science has it that it's not time in compression that kills springs, but operating cycles. Look at how long a 1911's mainspring and recoil spring stay under almost permanent compression--their replacement schedule is round-count not "time under load."

With the hammer down and the slide forward, the 1911's main & recoil spring are under some compression but not full compression. The only time they could be near full compression continually, is if it were stored with the slide locked back. Slight compression on an installed captive spring on pretty much anything is normal.

**kerplode** · 07-01-22, 13:21

My "Ready Mags" are aluminum 30-rounders loaded to 28 rounds. I find they seat more easily on a closed bolt with 28rds.

They've been continuously loaded for probably 10 years. I only foresee them being cycled if I eventually decide to change what they're loaded with. Like for instance, if a case of M855A1 fell off a truck, I might cycle a couple of them then.

Otherwise, they'll probably still be loaded when the executor liquidates my estate.