Ammunition Storage Components AR-15 450 Bushmaster Stainless Steel 5 Round Rifle Magazine Review

Let’s Talk About Ammunition Storage Components AR-15 450 Bushmaster Stainless Steel 5 Round Rifle Magazine

The Ammunition Storage Components (ASC) AR-15 450 Bushmaster Stainless Steel 5 Round Rifle Magazine is a critical component for anyone building or owning an AR-15 chambered in the potent .450 Bushmaster cartridge. As someone who’s spent over a decade tinkering with and relying on various AR platforms, I’ve learned that magazine reliability is non-negotiable. ASC has a reputation for producing decent, affordable magazines, and this one aims to deliver that same value in the larger .450 Bushmaster caliber.

My foray into the .450 Bushmaster started a few years back. States were opening up to straight-walled cartridge hunting, and the .450 Bushmaster was the cartridge to have. The problem? Feeding that hefty round reliably in an AR-15 often felt like a gamble. I needed a dependable magazine solution.

The ASC magazine arrived in a simple, no-frills package. The immediate impression was positive; the stainless steel body felt robust and the welds appeared clean and consistent. It felt heavier than a standard 5.56 magazine, which is expected given the larger cartridge it’s designed to hold. The black Marlube coating gave it a sleek, tactical look.

Compared to other .450 Bushmaster magazines on the market, the ASC stood out for its price point. Many .450 magazines command a premium, often twice the price of a standard AR mag. I considered a couple of pricier options from other manufacturers like Duramag. However, I’ve had decent luck with ASC products in the past, and the price difference was compelling. I also looked at a no-name brand with questionable reviews. The ASC seemed like the best balance of price and reliability.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. I’ve seen magazines look good only to fail miserably on the range. I hoped the ASC magazine would prove to be a reliable and affordable option. I’ve read mixed reviews and I was ready to test it properly.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Ammunition Storage Components AR-15 450 Bushmaster Stainless Steel 5 Round Rifle Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground was my local outdoor shooting range. I loaded the ASC magazine with Hornady .450 Bushmaster rounds and ran it through my dedicated .450 upper receiver. I started with slow, deliberate shots to observe the feeding process. The magazine performed flawlessly for the first 20 rounds.

The conditions were dry and sunny, ideal for shooting. However, I wanted to simulate different environmental challenges. I purposely dropped the magazine in the dirt and sand, then reloaded it into the rifle. Even with the added grit, the magazine continued to feed rounds without issue. This was a promising start.

Using the ASC magazine felt no different than using a standard AR-15 magazine. The magazine seated positively, and the rounds chambered smoothly. No issues with the bolt holding open on the last round either.

After the first range session, I noticed no immediate issues. I did make a note to inspect the magazine more closely after cleaning to see if any debris had worked its way into the follower or spring.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the ASC magazine has held up admirably. I’ve put approximately 200 rounds of .450 Bushmaster through it. It has yet to cause a single malfunction.

There are minimal signs of wear and tear. The Marlube coating shows some slight scuffing around the feed lips. However, the stainless steel body remains rust-free.

Maintenance is straightforward. After each range session, I disassemble the magazine, clean it with a brush and solvent, and lightly lubricate the spring and follower. Reassembly is simple.

Compared to some of the aluminum magazines I’ve used in the past, the ASC‘s stainless steel construction feels significantly more durable. It inspires confidence. It has outperformed my expectations for a magazine in this price range.

Breaking Down the Features of Ammunition Storage Components AR-15 450 Bushmaster Stainless Steel 5 Round Rifle Magazine

Specifications

The Ammunition Storage Components AR-15 450 Bushmaster Stainless Steel 5 Round Rifle Magazine boasts several key specifications:

• Caliber: .450 Bushmaster. This dictates the magazine’s internal dimensions and feed lip geometry.
• Capacity: 5 Rounds. This is a common capacity for hunting regulations in some states.
• Material: 410 Series Stainless Steel. This provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability.
• Finish: Stainless Steel with Black Marlube Coating. The Marlube coating enhances lubricity and reduces friction.
• Follower: Enhanced Anti-Tilt Polymer Follower with PTFE. The PTFE (Teflon) additive further reduces friction.
• Spring: Chrome Silicon. This material offers consistent spring pressure and long-term reliability.
• Floor Plate: 300 Series Stainless Steel with Black Oxide Coating. The black oxide coating adds corrosion resistance.
• Gun Model: AR-15. Designed to fit standard AR-15 lower receivers.

These specifications contribute directly to the magazine’s performance. For example, the stainless steel body ensures longevity in harsh conditions. The anti-tilt follower promotes reliable feeding.

Performance & Functionality

The ASC magazine performs its primary function exceptionally well: reliably feeding .450 Bushmaster rounds into an AR-15. I’ve experienced no failures to feed, double feeds, or bolt override issues. The rounds strip cleanly from the magazine and chamber consistently.

Strengths: Reliable feeding, durable construction, reasonable price.
Weaknesses: Some users reported issues with the bolt hold open.

Overall, the ASC magazine meets and slightly exceeds my expectations. It’s not a premium, match-grade magazine. However, it performs admirably for its intended purpose.

Design & Ergonomics

The ASC magazine features a straightforward, functional design. The stainless steel body is robust and well-welded. The black Marlube coating provides a smooth, tactile feel.

The magazine’s weight is noticeable but not excessive. It feels solid and substantial, instilling confidence in its durability. No sharp edges or awkward protrusions are present.

The magazine is user-friendly. It inserts easily into the magazine well and releases smoothly. No learning curve is involved.

Durability & Maintenance

The ASC magazine’s stainless steel construction suggests excellent long-term durability. It should withstand repeated use and exposure to the elements without significant degradation.

Maintenance is simple. Disassembly requires only a punch or similar tool to depress the floor plate retainer. Cleaning and lubrication are quick and easy.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ASC magazine itself doesn’t offer any specific customization options. However, it is compatible with aftermarket floor plates. Many users, including myself, replace the stock floor plate with ranger plates for easier identification.

The magazine works seamlessly with standard AR-15 magazine pouches and carriers. It does not require any specialized accessories.

Pros and Cons of Ammunition Storage Components AR-15 450 Bushmaster Stainless Steel 5 Round Rifle Magazine