Hi all, I tried using the search function but was unable to find a post about this but recently I purchased 10 30 round Pmags and want to test them to make sure none of them happen to have a malfunction.
In testing these mags to make sure they feed properly is the only true way to test them is by loading all 30 rounds? or will a quicker 10 round load give you the same information?
I am assuming a full 30 rounds is the only way because you need to see how the rounds feed on a fully compressed spring but if i am not correct than there is no reason to waste 20 rounds when 10 rounds will tell me what i want to know. Thanks all for your information.
You can load them up to 28 if you like and test that they will lock into the AR with a closed bolt. Then blast away to see if everything feeds properly.
For me, I would just load 1-3 rounds in them and make sure that the bolt locks back on the last round.
Just shoot them. If you have problems, junk them or return to sender. If you want to be more deliberate, load them to full capacity, partial capacity (1/2 - 1/3), and a couple of rounds to verify engagement of the bolt catch.
I’ve seen the following info put out by Magpul in a FAQ on the topic of only loading 28 rounds in a PMAG 30.
Quoting Magpul:
SHOULD I DOWNLOAD BY 2 ROUNDS TO FIT THE PMAG™ IN A WEAPON WITH THE BOLT CLOSED?
The PMAG™ holds a full load of 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 Remington) ammunition with no need for downloading below the listed capacity. The PMAG™ is marginally longer than aluminum magazines allowing for proper clearance to insert and seat a fully-loaded magazine into the weapon.
The PMAG is designed to be inserted into a weapon and seated properly with a full load of 30 rounds. This is unlike other magazine designs which may fail to lock into place if the weapon’s bolt is closed. For the PMAG 30, this increases firepower by 7.1% versus aluminum magazines which are typically downloaded by two rounds. With a double combat load of 420 rounds, this uses one less magazine.
I shoot 3 gun matches and it has never been an issue even with GI mags. My life does not depend on it but if it hurt my times I would not load 30. It just has not been an problem. I have owned AR’s since the early 80’s so I have some experience.
I am of the opinion that there are no magazine offerings currently available that will reliably load 30rds, and seat easily and positively beneath a closed bolt, across their production. I’ve seen and owned examples of each that will, and some will do so more consistently than others, but not enough that I’d call any of them a true 30rd magazine.
I’m curious to know if the lower plays any part in the equation. For instance, with my previous Lauer lower I had difficulty inserting a 28rd gi mag on a closed bolt, but with my DD, it’s not an issue. In fact, I find a 30 rd Pmag to lock in easier on a closed bolt than a 28 rd gi mag.
I’ve never tried it with the shot timer but I think I will do just that next time I can short term steal one from work.
I have always loaded 28 until I found I could easily load 31 into my pmags and they lock in easy with 30. The USGI mags I have are still loaded with 28 because of couple of them won’t lock in with the bolt closed easy.
I want to do some reload drills next time anyway I think I will give it a try and see what happens with the times.
Well, not all… This subject came up during Pat McNamara’s course last fall. He was of the opinion that a 30rd mag is just that. One of his statements was that stripper clips come in 10, 10, and 10. Not 10, 10, and 8.
I’ve not downloaded a mag in 22yrs though I admit some can be more challenging when they have aftermarket parts.
