Testing AR-15 mags

[AKM47]

I have a AR-15 side charging 10 inch 5.56 pistol on the way and I want to feed test the mags I have, but due to the cost of ammo I want to use as little as possible

What would the minimal number rounds per 30rd mag be for a good test

 

[Vaquero]

One

 

[Axxe55]

30.

 

[Dawico]

Really you're testing the gun and the mags.

When I function test I run a full mag but these usually aren't my primary home defense firearms.

 

[Bozz10mm]

Buy a Magpul Pmag. Fill it up and run 30 rounds through it. You should be more concerned with function testing the rifle than the mags, especially if you use a high quality mag like Pmag. If the rifle is already fully vetted, you shouldn't need to run more than 5 rounds to test a magazine.

 

[Sam7sf]

I have a AR-15 side charging 10 inch 5.56 pistol on the way and I want to feed test the mags I have, but due to the cost of ammo I want to use as little as possible

What would the minimal number rounds per 30rd mag be for a good test

A full mag. Magazines will always feed better when loaded light. Not logical to test a mag unless it’s full.

 

[ZX9RCAM]

Unless you never completely fill your mags.

 

[baboon]

I never fill my Colt magazine to 30, rather 28. I also short load my SureFire 60 & Magpul drums.

I also keep my gun properly lubricated.

 

[Sasquatch]

I never fill my Colt magazine to 30, rather 28. I also short load my SureFire 60 & Magpul drums.

I also keep my gun properly lubricated.

Same as Baboon. I download 20 round mags by 1, and 30+ round mags by 2.

 

[gll]

3 rounds... the first to test manual loading, and last two to test semi-auto function. If a mag will work nearly empty, it will assuredly work full, but I agree with downloading by 1 or 2 rounds to ease bolt closed insertion. JMO.

 

[BuzzinSATX]

Is the side charging AR design prone to FTL/FTF/FTE issues, or is it just a “how many mags question?

I don’t sweat testing quality mags (PMAG, Hexmag, etc.)

 

[oldag]

30 rounds won't break the bank.

 

[gll]

30 rounds won't break the bank.

30 mags of 30 rounds per mag will...

 

[baboon]

Magazines by their very nature are designed to deliver multiple rounds. Running’s a few rounds won’t expose problems with the magazine.

 

[gll]

As the goal here is to test mags as best possible without expending excessive numbers of rounds during the current ammunition shortage...

Test the followers of the empty mags by pressing them down to full compression with a non-marring tool like a wooden dowel. Press them front, middle, and rear to see the degree to which the followers bind and how the spring tension feels. Segregate the mags according to how well they fare.

Load the magazines to your full and then strip the cartridges from the rear with your thumb. Or, cycle the rounds through the rifle manually. Segregate them according to their ease of unloading and note magazines that significantly mar rounds.

Discard, or test fire the more problematic mags with full loads. Test the others with 3 rounds.

 

[Charlie]

As the goal here is to test mags as best possible without expending excessive numbers of rounds during the current ammunition shortage...

Test the followers of the empty mags by pressing them down to full compression with a non-marring tool like a wooden dowel. Press them front, middle, and rear to see the degree to which the followers bind and how the spring tension feels. Segregate the mags according to how well they fare.

Load the magazines to your full and then strip the cartridges from the rear with your thumb. Or, cycle the rounds through the rifle manually. Segregate them according to their ease of unloading and note magazines that significantly mar rounds.

Discard, or test fire the more problematic mags with full loads. Test the others with 3 rounds.

I agree with all the above except where highlighted!

 

[gll]

I agree with all the above except where highlighted!

I think that thumbing the rounds out will adequately test the function of the magazine, while manually cycling through the rifle more tests the rifle, also, but is harder on the cartridges.

 

[Sam7sf]

Just load the damn mag full and test everything. Mag and gun. It’s 30 dollars.

 

[ZX9RCAM]

Just load the damn mag full and test everything. Mag and gun. It’s 30 dollars.

As he said though, he wants to test 30 mags, so using that method costs $900.

 

[cycleguy2300]

Magazines by their very nature are designed to deliver multiple rounds. Running’s a few rounds won’t expose problems with the magazine.

Exactly!

The OP needs to decide how many FTFeeds are acceptable per how many rounds. I.e. create a standard.

Just blasting and going OK, that works I guess is ultimately just blasting ammo for fun.

Create a standard and that will tell you how many mags you need to go through. Personally, I wouldn't be happy with a mag that failed to feed 1% or 0.5% of the time. That doesn't mean shoot 100rnds, it means several (3, 4, 500) hundred rounds per mag to get a real failure rate. Loading up five, ten or 20 mags and blasting won't give you good info about each mag if you have concerns.

I would number your mags, then have a paint pen handy when you happen to shoot. Get an ftf? Tic mark. Get 2 or 3, mag goes in the trash.

Just buy some good Pmags, number them and shoot. A good maker's mags work in ARs, the mags are proven.

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