Top 13 Ar-308 Magazines: Essential for Long-Range Shooting

The AR-308 magazine represents a reliable upgrade for AR-15 rifles, offering enhanced capacity and durability. Our detailed comparison examines the most popular options, highlighting their features and performance to help you choose the right magazine for your firearm.

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Reviews

Hexmag HexID 4-Pack Red AR 308 Magazine

A simple yet effective way to keep track of your different AR15 calibers, these red-colored magazines snap into your Hexmag carrier without any tools needed. At just 0.19 ounces per piece, they’re incredibly light and don’t add any extra weight to your setup. The best part? You can switch between them in less than a minute, making it a breeze to quickly identify which ammo is which without any messy paint or tape.

Shield Arms S15 G43x/48 Mag

This sleek 15-round magazine slips seamlessly into your Glock 43X or Glock 48, matching the OEM’s size while adding five extra shots. Built for durability with thicker steel and a tough black nitrocarburized finish, it’s designed to handle whatever you dish out at the range.

US Palm AK30R Magazine

Featuring a sleek black finish and reliable polymer construction, these 30-round magazines bring the proven US Palm design to a more wallet-friendly price point. The self-cleaning follower and distinctive waffle-patterned base plate make them a standout choice for AK-47 owners who want magazine reliability without breaking the bank. The magazines have earned high praise from users who’ve tested them extensively, with many noting flawless performance during rapid fire drills.

Lancer L5AWM 30-Round Magazine

These mags deliver impressive reliability with their hybrid steel-and-polymer construction, while the wrap-around feed lips and anti-tilt follower ensure consistent performance. The translucent blue body makes them easy to distinguish from standard 223 mags, and they’ve acquitted themselves flawlessly through thousands of rounds for many satisfied owners.

US Palm Magazine AK47

This sleek black magazine combines military-grade durability with refined details like stainless steel latches and a proprietary polymer construction. The ergonomic waffle-textured grip surface proves particularly valuable during high-stress situations, while the reliable single-piece design and self-cleaning follower keep your rounds cycling smoothly. At just 0.45 ounces, it packs serious capacity without adding unnecessary weight to your rig.

Walther PK380 8RD Magazine

This stainless steel magazine perfectly matches Walther PK380 pistols with its 8-round capacity, keeping your firearm loaded and ready. The quality build and German engineering show in every detail, though some might find the price a bit steep. Most users love how reliably it feeds their 380 ACP rounds.

Alexander Arms Oem, Alex Meg654 Mag

Crafted from durable steel with reinforced floor plate tags, the 6.5 Grendel 4-round magazine features a reliable white anti-tilt follower to keep your rounds in perfect alignment. The magazine’s lightweight design keeps your AR-308 setup nimble, while the protective coating ensures it’ll last through countless reloads.

US Palm AK30R 7.62x39 Magazine

At just $22.95, it’s incredibly affordable for an extended 30-round magazine that works with any standard AK-47. The polymer construction feels premium, with that signature US Palm texture on the sides that makes it a pleasure to handle. The self-cleaning follower means smoother magazine changes, which is a game-changer during rapid fire drills.

Lockdown AR 15 Magazine Rack

Organize your AR-15 magazines with this space-saving rack that holds up to 10 loaded magazines. Made from durable vinyl-coated steel, it’s available in two sizes and mounts easily on walls or gun safes. Users love how it keeps their mags organized and accessible.

Lancer L5AWM Mag

This hybrid magazine combines the durability of polymer with the strength of steel, featuring a one-piece feed lip assembly and non-tilting follower for reliable feeding. The magazine’s curved geometry and aggressive texture make it a robust choice for military, law enforcement, and commercial use, while its stainless steel spring and corrosion-resistant design ensure longevity in challenging environments.

High Speed Gear Duty Double Pistol/Rifle Magazine Pouch

Designed for both right- and left-handed users, this American-made pouch mounts securely to MOLLE or two-inch belts with proprietary HSGI clips. The open-top design and shock-absorbing nylon construction protect your gear while allowing quick access. Whether you’re carrying rifle magazines or smaller items like multitools and flashlights, the adjustable retention system keeps everything organized and secure.

Byrna 7RD Magazine

Adding 20% more capacity to your Byrna launcher, this magazine fits perfectly in your grip and with the mag defender, matching the size of the 5-round version for consistent reloading. With simple maintenance like regular water flushes and proper care, it’s reliable for kinetic rounds, though pepper rounds can cause issues that need special attention according to the manufacturer.

Pit Pal 308 Log Book/Magazine Pouch

This universal storage rack fits just about any vehicle and keeps your AR 308 magazines organized and handy. I’ve been using mine on my trailer for all sorts of documents - log books, tech cards, and charts - and it works great for keeping everything sorted and easy to find.

Buyer’s Guide

The AR-308 magazine represents an important advancement in ammunition storage for modern firearms. Understanding its key features and considerations will help you select the right magazine for your needs.

Compatibility and Installation

AR-308 magazines are specifically designed for. 308 rifle platforms, including AR-15 variants chambered in. 308 Win or. 300 Win Mag. Ensure your lower receiver is compatible with extended magazines by checking your rifle’s specifications. Installation is typically straightforward, requiring alignment with the rifle’s feed port and proper engagement of internal locking mechanisms.

Capacity and Reliability

Capacity ranges from 5 to 10 rounds per magazine, depending on the specific design. Look for magazines with single-stage followers for improved reliability and reduced cycling force. magazines with well-finished internals and consistent wall thickness maintain optimal round alignment and feeding performance.

Construction and Durability

Magazines constructed from high-carbon steel offer superior strength and resistance to bending or warping under load. Aluminum magazines with reinforced walls provide a lighter alternative while maintaining structural integrity. The base plate, follower, and spring are crucial components; choose magazines with components that match the quality level of your firearm’s internals.

Casing Wall and Taper Fit

Proper magazine function depends on the interaction between the casing wall and the magazine’s body taper. Modern designs incorporate a distinct taper that guides each round smoothly into place. This feature prevents misfeeds and ensures consistent magazine height when loaded.

FAQ

What is an AR-308 Magazine?

Unlike standard AR-15 magazines, AR-308 magazines are specifically designed to feed the larger 308 Winchester caliber ammunition. These magazines offer the same reliability and capacity advantages of AR-15 magazines but adapted for the 308’s larger case size and increased cartridge count.

AR-308 magazines typically feature a 20-round capacity and are built to handle the higher pressure and longer cartridge of the 308 Winchester round. They require compatibility modifications in the firearm’s magazine well and follower to function properly.

What Caliber Works in an AR-308 Magazine?

AR-308 magazines are specifically chambered for the 308 Winchester caliber. This popular rifle cartridge offers improved power and range over the standard 5.56mm NATO round used in many AR-15s, making it ideal for longer-range targets and tougher applications.

While these magazines are only compatible with 308 Winchester ammunition, they maintain the same dimensions as standard AR-15 magazines, allowing for interchangeable use in most AR platforms equipped with the proper magazine wells and followers.

How Much Do AR-308 Magazines Cost?

AR-308 magazines generally cost between $30 and $50, depending on the manufacturer, build quality, and additional features like extended grip or ambidextrous design. This price point reflects the specialized engineering required to handle the larger 308 cartridge while maintaining reliable feed characteristics.

Entry-level magazines typically fall within the $40-50 range and offer basic functionality. Premium versions with additional features or improved materials may command prices up to $75 or more.

What Makes a Good AR-308 Magazine?

A quality AR-308 magazine should feature a solid construction with durable high-strength polymer, precise tolerances for reliable feeding, and an ergonomic grip for controlled cycling. Additional features like extended magazines or ambidextrous paddle designs can enhance usability in different shooting positions.

Performance aspects to consider include consistent round count, smooth magazine release, and minimal magazine spring pressure to reduce user fatigue during rapid fire scenarios.

Can You Fire 308 Out of an AR-15 Magazine?

Standard AR-15 magazines are not compatible with 308 Winchester ammunition due to the larger case size and higher pressure requirements. Attempting to use 308 cartridges in an AR-15 magazine risks catastrophic failure, damaged parts, and potential injury.

The only way to safely use 308 ammunition in an AR-15 is through dedicated AR-308 magazines that incorporate the necessary modifications for proper feeding and cycling.

Are AR-308 Magazines Worth It?

AR-308 magazines offer significant advantages for long-range shooters, varmint hunters, and precision shooters who need the extra power of 308 Winchester ammunition. They provide reliable single-feed operation, consistent round count, and the durability expected of precision rifle components.

While more expensive than standard AR-15 magazines, the improved performance and versatility make them a worthwhile investment for shooters who regularly engage with 308 Winchester-equipped firearms.

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