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5/15/2004 8:10:00 AM EDT
I want to keep a couple of mags loaded. My question is ,if you have a 30 round mag, how many rounds can you store in the mag and not adversely effect the efficiiency and reliability of the mag.
Joel
5/15/2004 10:55:55 AM EDT
[#1]
30
5/15/2004 5:30:27 PM EDT
[#2]
Ditto
5/15/2004 8:43:09 PM EDT
[#3]
Would the stress of the fully loaded mag cause the body to swell or cause the top lips to crack ?
5/15/2004 9:55:48 PM EDT
[#4]

Quoted:
Would the stress of the fully loaded mag cause the body to swell or cause the top lips to crack ?



No
5/16/2004 3:16:49 AM EDT
[#5]
I store most of mine unloaded in GI mag pouches stacked up in the side of my safe.

The thing I would worry about is the feed lips spreading apart over time, then the mag fits tight or dosent drop free. I have seen center industrys LEO mags that were made in 02 that dont drop free, you can fix them easy by squeezing the lips together a little. I cant say for sure what makes the lips spread apart, my guess would be if you leave them loaded a few years. I dont think those leo mags saw much use in 2 years.

I woulden't load all of my mags, if someone breaks into your house you should only need 2 mags max. Download the mags to 29 so it will lock in the mag well easyer with the bolt closed, less stress on the mag too.

5/16/2004 9:49:13 AM EDT
[#6]

Quoted:
I store most of mine unloaded in GI mag pouches stacked up in the side of my safe.

The thing I would worry about is the feed lips spreading apart over time, then the mag fits tight or dosent drop free. I have seen center industrys LEO mags that were made in 02 that dont drop free, you can fix them easy by squeezing the lips together a little. I cant say for sure what makes the lips spread apart, my guess would be if you leave them loaded a few years. I dont think those leo mags saw much use in 2 years.

I woulden't load all of my mags, if someone breaks into your house you should only need 2 mags max. Download the mags to 29 so it will lock in the mag well easyer with the bolt closed, less stress on the mag too.




The reason they don't drop free is because they are made by different manufacturers.  My PWA magwell is generally tighter than all the Colts I have tried.  I buy a bunch of mags, then sell the ones that don't drop free.  Most of mine are Okays, some Centers.  I had to discard some Sanchez that were just too wide, and I had to discard one Labelle because it was obviously welded wrong with the top pushed out.  I had to discard another Labelle because it dragged when I dropped it.

All the magazines are probably in spec, just depends on how your magwell is.  My opinion is that unless the magazine is just too worn out to sell it for a decent amount, don't bother squeezing it in a vice.  Just sell it, it will probably work fine in someone elses gun.
5/16/2004 6:53:44 PM EDT
[#7]
If it's USGI mag  put 30rds in it
5/16/2004 8:56:50 PM EDT
[#8]

Quoted:
If it's USGI mag  put 30rds in it


Especially if it has green or orange followers.  Remember, these mags are grunt-proofed.
5/17/2004 8:32:41 PM EDT
[#9]
Like I just brought up in another post, I use a Vietnam era 20 rounder that was kept loaded in my basement for 20 years.  The mag body does swell a bit resulting in a tight fit and inability to drop free.

Function is A-OK though.  The other 20 rounder i found with it actually has some FTFs but no swelling.

(Yeah I know you asked about 30 rounders, didnt run into any of them in the basement - BUCC_Guy
5/18/2004 9:57:53 AM EDT
[#10]
30
5/18/2004 1:25:55 PM EDT
[#11]

Quoted:
30



Quoted:
30



Yep.  What they said.
5/22/2004 3:41:21 PM EDT
[#12]
dont want to hijack this thread but i had the same question, only concerning magazines purchased on the bushmaster site....10 rounds BATF approved (i live in nj).  i just received 5k rounds of federal ammo and i have an itch to load my clips.  is 2-3 months to long to keep em loaded?  thnx for your help.

bushy clip
5/22/2004 3:53:48 PM EDT
[#13]
No,  its not the length of time left loaded but actual use of the mag.  Your 10 round mag would wear sooner then say a 30 rd mag loading and unloading that 5k rounds.
5/22/2004 4:09:01 PM EDT
[#14]
thnx combat, i was under the impression the springs, being so compressed while loaded for so long would wear on the mag.  and by the way i wish i had a 30 round mag problem!!! LOL

jersey is killin me!
5/22/2004 4:17:59 PM EDT
[#15]
I would take them springs out, and wrap them in saran wrap, when not in use.
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