First Impressions of Brenton USA Long-Load AR-15 350 Legend 16 Rounds Rifle Magazine
The Brenton USA Long-Load AR-15 350 Legend 16 Rounds Rifle Magazine promises to solve a common problem for 350 Legend AR-15 owners: reliable feeding with longer overall cartridge lengths (COAL). Many standard AR-15 magazines designed for 5.56 NATO can struggle with the 350 Legend’s unique dimensions, especially when handloading or using specific factory loads. This magazine aims to address that, offering a generous internal dimension for accommodating those longer rounds, ultimately enhancing reliability and accuracy.
I was looking for a magazine that could reliably feed my hand-loaded 350 Legend rounds, which I load a bit longer for enhanced accuracy in my Ruger AR-15. Factory magazines and converted 5.56 mags often resulted in feeding issues, costing me valuable time and frustration at the range and potentially in the field. The promise of a magazine built from durable stainless steel with a specific design for the 350 Legend cartridge immediately grabbed my attention.
Upon unboxing, the Brenton USA magazine feels solid and well-constructed. The black nitride finish gives it a professional, durable appearance. The weight feels appropriate for a stainless-steel magazine, lending a sense of quality that cheaper polymer alternatives sometimes lack.
Compared to a standard 5.56 AR-15 magazine and a modified .223 magazine I attempted to use, the Brenton USA magazine’s slightly wider internal dimensions are noticeable. This, combined with the unique follower design, immediately suggested a better feeding experience. The other magazines I’ve tried were ProMag and some no-name brands, all with less than satisfactory results.
My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. I was excited by the potential for a reliable 350 Legend magazine, but also aware that many products promise more than they deliver. The Brenton USA Long-Load AR-15 350 Legend 16 Rounds Rifle Magazine‘s construction and features suggested a product worthy of serious testing.
Real-World Testing: Putting Brenton USA Long-Load AR-15 350 Legend 16 Rounds Rifle Magazine to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Brenton USA Long-Load AR-15 350 Legend 16 Rounds Rifle Magazine at my local outdoor shooting range. The weather was slightly overcast, with temperatures hovering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit – typical midwestern autumn conditions. I ran a mix of factory-loaded Winchester 150-grain Deer Season XP ammunition and my handloads with 170-grain projectiles at a COAL of 2.28 inches.
The magazine performed flawlessly right out of the gate. I experienced no feeding issues, no misfires, and no failures to eject across roughly 100 rounds fired during that initial range session. The smooth feeding and consistent performance significantly improved my shooting experience, boosting my confidence.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Brenton USA Long-Load AR-15 350 Legend 16 Rounds Rifle Magazine continues to impress. I have used it in a variety of conditions, including temperatures ranging from near-freezing to over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and in slightly dusty environments. The magazine has consistently functioned without issue.
The black nitride finish has held up exceptionally well, showing minimal signs of wear despite regular use and handling. Maintenance is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a lightly oiled cloth after each range session is all that’s been required. It is significantly easier to clean than my old .223 magazines.
Compared to my previous experiences with converted .223 magazines, the Brenton USA magazine is in a different league. My reloads are reliably fed, with no hiccups at all, unlike before. It significantly outperforms all other magazines I’ve tried with my 350 Legend AR-15.
Breaking Down the Features of Brenton USA Long-Load AR-15 350 Legend 16 Rounds Rifle Magazine
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Brenton USA
- Caliber: .350 Legend
- Magazine Capacity: 16 Rounds (Removable 5rd LimitBlock included)
- Gun Make: AR Platform
- Gun Model: AR-15
- Material: 410 Stainless Steel
- Finish: All Weather Black Nitride Protective Coating
- Interior Dimensions: 2.315 +/- .002 inches for long loads.
- Max COAL: 2.310 inches
- Body Thickness: .025in
These specifications are critical for reliable 350 Legend AR-15 functionality. The generous internal dimension for longer COALs is the standout feature, preventing rounds from binding or nose-diving during feeding. The 410 stainless steel construction provides exceptional durability and corrosion resistance, essential for withstanding harsh outdoor conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Brenton USA Long-Load AR-15 350 Legend 16 Rounds Rifle Magazine excels at its primary job: feeding .350 Legend ammunition reliably. The magazine’s smooth feeding action ensures consistent cycling, minimizing the risk of malfunctions. It definitely meets and exceeds expectations for magazine performance.
Its strength lies in its dedicated design for the .350 Legend cartridge. While it performs admirably, the 16-round capacity (without the limiter) might be restricted in some hunting situations depending on local regulations, although the removable limiter is a helpful addition.
Design & Ergonomics
The magazine’s build quality is excellent. The 410 stainless steel construction feels robust and durable. The magazine fits snugly and securely into my AR-15’s magazine well, with no excessive wobble or play.
The design is user-friendly, with a smooth, consistent feeding action. There is no real learning curve to using it.
Durability & Maintenance
The Brenton USA Long-Load AR-15 350 Legend 16 Rounds Rifle Magazine is built to last. The stainless-steel construction and black nitride finish provide excellent corrosion resistance, ensuring long-term reliability even in harsh conditions. The simple design makes it easy to disassemble for cleaning and maintenance.
Cleaning is a simple task, involving wiping down the magazine body and follower with a lightly oiled cloth. Disassembly is relatively simple and requires no specialized tools.
Accessories and Customization Options
The magazine comes with a removable 5-round capacity limiter, making it compliant with hunting regulations in some areas. While there are no other immediately customizable aspects, the magazine is compatible with standard AR-15 magazine pouches and carriers.
Due to its standard AR-15 magazine dimensions, this magazine is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket accessories, from magazine couplers to enhanced baseplates. Its compatibility with standard AR-15 gear makes it a versatile addition to any .350 Legend AR-15 setup.
Pros and Cons of Brenton USA Long-Load AR-15 350 Legend 16 Rounds Rifle Magazine
Pros
- Reliable Feeding: Designed specifically for .350 Legend, ensuring smooth and consistent feeding.
- Durable Construction: Made from 410 stainless steel with a black nitride finish for long-lasting performance.
- Long-Load Compatibility: Accommodates longer overall cartridge lengths (COAL) for improved accuracy.
- Removable Capacity Limiter: Includes a 5-round limiter for hunting regulations, easily removable for target shooting.
- Easy Maintenance: Simple design allows for quick and easy cleaning.
Cons
- 16-Round Capacity: The 16-round capacity might not be legal for all hunting applications (though the limiter helps).
- Price: Slightly more expensive than some generic AR-15 magazines (but worth it for the reliability).
Who Should Buy Brenton USA Long-Load AR-15 350 Legend 16 Rounds Rifle Magazine?
This magazine is perfect for .350 Legend AR-15 owners who demand reliable feeding, especially those who handload or use longer COAL factory ammunition. Hunters, target shooters, and anyone relying on their .350 Legend AR-15 for serious use will appreciate the consistent performance and durable construction.
Those who only shoot standard factory .350 Legend ammunition with shorter COALs might find generic magazines sufficient. If you are on a very tight budget, this magazine might be more than you need, but it is hard to put a price on reliability.
A must-have accessory would be a quality magazine pouch for convenient carry and protection in the field.
Conclusion on Brenton USA Long-Load AR-15 350 Legend 16 Rounds Rifle Magazine
The Brenton USA Long-Load AR-15 350 Legend 16 Rounds Rifle Magazine is a well-designed, durable, and reliable magazine that solves a critical problem for .350 Legend AR-15 owners. The price is justified by the enhanced reliability and long-lasting construction.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this magazine to anyone looking to improve the performance of their .350 Legend AR-15. If you are tired of feeding issues and want a magazine you can depend on, the Brenton USA Long-Load AR-15 350 Legend 16 Rounds Rifle Magazine is a worthwhile investment. Upgrade your AR-15 today and experience the difference a quality magazine can make!