Mag rotation time

tx gun runner

I number all my mags . The ones I keep loaded on the 1st of the month like this month I unload all the mag with the even numbers and put the ammo in odd number mags to match the odd number month . And next month I put fresh ammo in them when I rotate the mags and the next time I go to range I shoot the that old ammo . I hope this makes sense to you ...... I like to give my mag spring a rest and not get a set in them . They say the new spring won't do that . It only take a few mins so why take a chance .

303Lithgow

I number most of my mags too. Mainly so I know which ones are giving me problems.

mcgee10

Really I have several mags loaded never ever thought about rotating them. Thanks.
I have on 3 of them cut the mag spring so I could get 3 more rounds in them.

stoble

Hi TX Gun Runner. I used to think in similar fashion about mag springs. I believe I learned this from the gunsmith on the earlier Ruger forum we were on before this site began. A mag spring is not from a metal that will "set". During compression it is not going to have any wear or damage of getting weak. Mags have been found to have been filled to the max and then forgotton for years before being fired with no flaws at all. Spring steel just does not get effected by compression. What does hurt spring steel is cycles of loading and then going empty, repeat cycles. This cycle over and over will over time weaken the spring in a mag. Thus, a loaded mag left loaded will not be harmed like one that is shot over and over. The use in the gun or unloading by hand will do more harm than it setting full of ammo. Think of a piece of metal thin enough for you to bend over. If you bend it back out and then bend it over again and again it will finally break in a crease. This is a basic example of how the mag spring is weakened over time by compression and then relaxation over many, many, times. My mags get loaded and stay that way until I shoot them empty. Old springs and new springs for mags are good to leave loaded.

Machinist

I have read this as well. Metal fatigues from being flexed or otherwise absorbing energy. A static spring should hold up even under compression. Many springs on a gun are under tension but I don't think they weaken or fail if not used or cycled. I don't have personal experience to support either hypothesis but I do not worry about keeping magazines fully loaded any more. I used to download one or two rounds as this greatly reduces the stress but I don't bother any more. I do tend to try to buy good magazines.

Machinist

I tend to worry more about rotating my carry ammo than about the magazines. I am not much concerned about reasonable age but carry on the body is hard on ammo so I try to rotate it to a practice box and replace with fresh ammo a couple of times a year at least. As long as the rotated ammo performs perfectly when used for practice I feel I am doing it often enough.

tx gun runner

I don't agree or disagree anyones post . Even if you are 100% sure that there is no damage to the magazine or magazine spring, and that leaving it fully loaded will not hurt it one bit, you would also have to agree that there is absolutely no harm done by periodically rotating the magazines, rotating the ammunition, and/or replacing the magazines. Most of us like to shoot our firearms often and need to do so to maintain our shooting skills. Most of us also own a number of firearms and like to use them all. These are perfect excuses to rotate your magazines and ammunition after each use including those that have been carried or stored for any significant length of time. For me a reasonable period is 1 to 2 months but for others it could be 6 to 8 weeks or 2-3 years, or never. Since there is no harm I would suggest doing it more often but you have to decide this for yourself.

http://preppingtosurvive.com/2012/02...-fully-loaded/

Gunny G

Thanks for the link tx.

I will educate myself everyday to the best of my abilities and then do what I think is proper, regardless.
I mean, heck, it's my ass right?!
I try and use common sense and good judgement when making decisions and when changing my opinions.

Choices: make good ones, bad ones only get you in trouble

Machinist

No argument with you there! As you say, it doesn't hurt, and even if the springs don't need it I would think it is wise to periodically clean and lube the magazine anyway and why not rotate them when doing that?

brianinpa

This reminds me I need a few more Mags.

moakes58

+1 to both! I had a Glock mag loaded for 10 years & the ammo & mag functioned fine.

Machinist

Always!!

tx gun runner

I use WD-40 Specialist Silicone dry spray to lube mags and guns . Displaces moisture , water proofs , lubricants and drys fast and will not attract dirt . Operate from -100 f to a +500 f . There is 5 different WD-40 Specialist so you must be careful you get the right one for the job you need it for .

http://www.wd40.com.au/wd-40_special...ucts#lubricant

Machinist

I use WD40 for water displacement and cleaning. I am careful to keep it away from ammo. Same applies to any penetrating agent.

tx gun runner

This is dry Silicone and dry like paint in less then a min and I don't think it has a penetrating agent . . The other 4 WD-40 specialist sprays have grease or oil and a penetrating agent . You read about it and give me your opinion about it . .

http://www.wd40.com.au/wd-40_special...ucts#lubricant

Attached Images

wd-40_specialist_lubricant01.jpg (58.1 KB, 2 views)

gunjunkie

I've never seen the dry WD, but have used Rem DryLube.

brianinpa

Well you never now when more than a handful may be needed!