First Thoughts on the MDT .308 Winchester Metal Magazine Short Action With Binder Plate – 10 Rd – Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black
The MDT .308 Winchester Metal Magazine Short Action With Binder Plate – 10 Rd – Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black promises robust reliability and improved feeding for short action rifles chambered in .308 Winchester and similar calibers. MDT, a name synonymous with precision rifle chassis and accessories, aims to deliver a magazine that overcomes common feeding issues and ensures consistent performance. This magazine caught my eye because I was looking for a more dependable magazine for my precision .308 rifle, specifically one that could handle a variety of .308 based cartridges.
I needed a magazine that could reliably feed various bullet profiles and weights in my custom-built rifle. I was tired of magazines that would occasionally fail to chamber rounds, especially during rapid-fire drills. Upon unboxing, the magazine feels solid and well-built. The black Cerakote finish is evenly applied and provides a professional, durable look.
Compared to Magpul’s polymer AICS magazines and Accurate-Mag’s offerings, the MDT magazine felt like a step up in terms of material quality. I chose the MDT magazine over the others due to the binder plate feature, which promised more consistent feeding of shorter cartridges. My first impression was one of cautious optimism; the build quality seemed excellent, but the real test would be on the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting MDT .308 Winchester Metal Magazine Short Action With Binder Plate – 10 Rd – Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local outdoor shooting range. I wanted to assess the magazine’s feeding reliability with different types of ammunition, so I brought a mix of .308 Winchester loads ranging from 150-grain FMJ to 175-grain match-grade bullets. The weather was sunny and dry, providing ideal conditions for testing. The magazine snapped securely into my rifle’s AICS-compatible bottom metal with a positive click.
Right away, I noticed a significant improvement in feeding compared to some of my older magazines. Rounds chambered smoothly and consistently, even when running the bolt quickly. There were no failures to feed or double feeds during the first 50 rounds.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions spanning a few months, the MDT .308 Winchester Metal Magazine has held up admirably. The Cerakote finish shows no signs of significant wear, even after being repeatedly inserted and removed from the rifle. Cleaning is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a cloth and a brush is usually sufficient to remove any fouling or debris. Compared to some of my other magazines, which require more detailed cleaning to ensure smooth operation, the MDT magazine is relatively low-maintenance.
Over hundreds of rounds, I experienced only a single malfunction, which was likely due to a slightly deformed cartridge case. This is a far better performance than I’ve experienced with other magazines claiming AICS compatibility. The magazine definitely outperforms several of my older polymer magazines that have developed feeding issues over time.
Breaking Down the Features of MDT .308 Winchester Metal Magazine Short Action With Binder Plate – 10 Rd – Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black
Specifications
The MDT .308 Winchester Metal Magazine Short Action With Binder Plate – 10 Rd – Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black is designed for short action rifles accepting AICS-pattern magazines. It’s compatible with the following calibers: .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5×47 Lapua, 6mm Creedmoor, 6×47 Lapua, .243 Winchester, and 7mm-08. The magazine holds 10 rounds, offering a good balance between capacity and profile.
The body is constructed from high-strength steel, providing excellent durability and resistance to deformation. The tempered steel spring ensures consistent pressure on the follower, promoting reliable feeding. The follower is made from polymer which provides smooth movement within the magazine body.
The magazine features a steel baseplate for added durability. It’s finished with a black Cerakote coating, which enhances corrosion resistance and provides a sleek appearance. Most importantly, it features an AICS pattern with a binder plate which is designed to improve feeding reliability with shorter cartridges by positioning them correctly.
Performance & Functionality
The magazine performs its primary function – feeding rounds reliably – exceptionally well. The binder plate is a key feature that prevents shorter cartridges like 6mm Creedmoor from nose-diving, a common issue with standard AICS magazines. Accuracy and usability are also indirectly improved because reliable feeding contributes to consistent shot placement. While it’s not a magic bullet, this MDT magazine significantly reduces the likelihood of feeding-related malfunctions.
The magazine’s greatest strength lies in its reliability with a wide variety of cartridges. One potential improvement would be to offer the magazine in different colors or finishes for easy identification. It absolutely meets my expectations for a premium AICS magazine.
Design & Ergonomics
The MDT .308 Winchester Metal Magazine is built with robust materials and a thoughtful design. The steel body provides a feeling of quality and resilience. The black Cerakote finish not only looks good but also offers excellent corrosion resistance. The magazine seats positively and releases smoothly from the rifle.
The magazine is user-friendly with no significant learning curve. Its design and construction instill confidence.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its steel construction and Cerakote finish, the MDT .308 Winchester Metal Magazine is built to last. Regular cleaning and lubrication of the spring and follower will extend its lifespan. Disassembly for deep cleaning is relatively simple, requiring only basic tools. I anticipate that this magazine will provide many years of reliable service.
Accessories and Customization Options
The MDT .308 Winchester Metal Magazine doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with any rifle or chassis system designed to accept AICS-pattern magazines. There are no inherent customization options for the magazine itself. Aftermarket baseplates might be available from other manufacturers, but the stock baseplate is already quite durable.
Pros and Cons of MDT .308 Winchester Metal Magazine Short Action With Binder Plate – 10 Rd – Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black
Pros
- Superior feeding reliability due to the binder plate design.
- Durable steel construction with a corrosion-resistant Cerakote finish.
- Compatible with a wide range of .308-based cartridges including .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5×47 Lapua, 6mm Creedmoor, 6×47 Lapua, .243 Winchester, and 7mm-08.
- The magazine seats securely and releases smoothly from AICS-compatible bottom metal.
- Relatively easy to maintain and clean.
Cons
- Steel construction is heavier than polymer alternatives.
- Price point is higher than some other AICS magazines on the market.
Who Should Buy MDT .308 Winchester Metal Magazine Short Action With Binder Plate – 10 Rd – Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black?
The MDT .308 Winchester Metal Magazine is perfect for precision rifle shooters, hunters, and competitive shooters who demand reliable feeding from their AICS-pattern rifles. It’s especially beneficial for those who shoot a variety of .308-based cartridges and need a magazine that can handle them all. It’s a must-have for anyone building or upgrading a precision rifle.
This product might not be necessary for casual shooters who only use their rifles occasionally and are content with less reliable magazines. Those on a tight budget may find cheaper alternatives that suffice for basic range use. If you predominantly shoot only .308 Winchester and have reliable magazines already, the upgrade may not be worth it.
A must-have accessory for this magazine is a quality magazine loader to make loading easier and faster. No modifications are necessary out of the box, but some users may prefer aftermarket baseplates for aesthetic or functional reasons.
Conclusion on MDT .308 Winchester Metal Magazine Short Action With Binder Plate – 10 Rd – Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black
The MDT .308 Winchester Metal Magazine Short Action With Binder Plate – 10 Rd – Black – 308 Winchester/7.62 NATO Caliber, 10 Rounds, Black is a premium magazine that delivers on its promise of reliable feeding and durability. The binder plate design is a game-changer for those shooting shorter cartridges in their .308-pattern rifles.
The price of $69.95 is justified by the superior build quality and enhanced functionality. I would definitely recommend this magazine to anyone looking to improve the reliability of their AICS-compatible rifle. If you’re tired of feeding issues and want a magazine you can depend on, invest in the MDT .308 Winchester Metal Magazine. You won’t be disappointed.