ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 40 Round Rifle Magazine Review

First Impressions of ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 40 Round Rifle Magazine

The ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 40 Round Rifle Magazine promises increased firepower for AR-308 platform rifles, utilizing the popular and readily available .308 Winchester cartridge. ProMag is known for offering budget-friendly alternatives to factory magazines, and this 40-round magazine aims to provide high capacity without breaking the bank. Its construction from DuPont Zytel polymer and a chrome silicone wire spring suggest a focus on durability and reliability, but does it live up to the hype?

I’ve been searching for a cost-effective way to increase the capacity of my AR-308 for hog hunting. The standard 20-round magazines are fine, but in a sounder of hogs, extra rounds mean more opportunity. I was hoping this magazine would give me that extra edge without sacrificing reliability.

Upon receiving the ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 40 Round Rifle Magazine, my initial impression was…mixed. The polymer felt lighter than my standard metal magazines, which raised concerns about long-term durability. The molding appeared clean, but there was a slight give to the polymer when squeezed.

Compared to Magpul’s SR-25 pattern magazines, which are my go-to, the ProMag felt less robust. However, the price difference is significant, making it a worthwhile gamble if it performs well. Compared to a no-name brand AR-308 magazine I once bought, the ProMag felt immediately superior.

Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic. The promise of 40 rounds of .308 is enticing, but ProMag’s reputation for hit-or-miss reliability left me with some reservations. I was eager to hit the range and see if it lived up to its potential, or if it would become another range toy.

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Real-World Testing: Putting ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 40 Round Rifle Magazine to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 40 Round Rifle Magazine to my local outdoor range to test its functionality. I loaded it with a mix of Federal and Winchester .308 ammunition, mimicking what I would use during a hunt. The range offered diverse shooting positions, allowing for testing from prone, standing, and supported positions.

In dry conditions, the magazine seated easily and locked into place with a positive click. The first few rounds cycled without issue, but by the tenth round, I experienced a failure to feed. Clearing the malfunction, I continued shooting, encountering two more failures within the first 20 rounds.

The magazine felt slightly gritty during loading and unloading, unlike the smooth action of my Magpul magazines. This suggested the ProMag might require a break-in period, or perhaps the polymer follower wasn’t perfectly smooth. Despite the initial hiccups, I was determined to give it a fair chance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range trips spanning a few months, the ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 40 Round Rifle Magazine has shown a slight improvement in reliability. I still experience occasional failures to feed, typically one or two per full magazine. These malfunctions seem to occur more frequently when the magazine is fully loaded, suggesting spring tension might be a factor.

The polymer construction has held up surprisingly well, showing no signs of cracking or significant wear. The magazine body has a few scuff marks from being dropped on gravel, but nothing that impacts its functionality. Cleaning the magazine is straightforward; a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth is usually sufficient.

Compared to my experience with metal AR-308 magazines, the ProMag requires more frequent attention to ensure reliable feeding. While the metal magazines can handle a bit of dirt and grime, the ProMag seems more sensitive to debris. Overall, while the ProMag provides increased capacity, it falls short of the reliability of my standard metal and Magpul magazines.

Breaking Down the Features of ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 40 Round Rifle Magazine

Specifications

The ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 40 Round Rifle Magazine is designed for AR-308/308 Cal AR style rifles using LR-308 (DPMS) or SR-25 pattern magazines. Its magazine capacity is 40 rounds, offering a significant increase over standard 20-round magazines. It is chambered for the .308 Winchester caliber, a popular and versatile round for hunting and target shooting.

The magazine is constructed from DuPont Zytel polymer, chosen for its lightweight and durable properties. An injection-molded mag follower and a mag spring formed from chrome silicone wire contribute to reliable feeding. It’s important to note this magazine is not compatible with rifles using Armalite pattern magazines. The rifle platform it is compatible with is AR Platform and AR-10 gun model.

These specifications matter because they dictate the magazine’s compatibility, capacity, and potential durability. The polymer construction keeps the weight down, which is beneficial for carrying extra ammunition. The high capacity allows for extended shooting sessions without reloading, which can be crucial in hunting or competitive scenarios. The compatibility with specific AR-308 patterns is essential for proper fit and function.

Performance & Functionality

The ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 40 Round Rifle Magazine aims to provide increased firepower and extended shooting sessions. However, its performance is somewhat inconsistent. As mentioned earlier, I experienced failures to feed, especially when the magazine is fully loaded.

The magazine’s strengths lie in its high capacity and lightweight construction. The weaknesses stem from its occasional reliability issues and a slightly gritty loading/unloading action. While it meets the basic expectation of holding and feeding ammunition, it falls short of the consistent performance of higher-end magazines.

I’d say it partially meets expectations. The increased capacity is definitely a plus. However, the unreliability issues make it difficult to fully trust in critical situations.

Design & Ergonomics

The ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 40 Round Rifle Magazine’s build quality is acceptable for its price point. The DuPont Zytel polymer is lightweight, but it lacks the robust feel of metal magazines. It weighs slightly more than a standard 20-round magazine, but the difference is hardly noticeable.

The magazine is relatively user-friendly, seating and locking into place easily. The loading process is a bit stiff, requiring more force than some other magazines. There isn’t a significant learning curve, but familiarizing oneself with its quirks and potential malfunctions is advisable.

Durability & Maintenance

The ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 40 Round Rifle Magazine appears reasonably durable, with the polymer body withstanding minor impacts and abrasions. Long-term durability remains a question mark, as polymer magazines typically don’t last as long as metal ones under heavy use. With that said, I have not observed any critical degradation.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring minimal effort. A simple wipe-down after use is usually sufficient to remove dirt and debris. Disassembly for thorough cleaning is possible, but not generally necessary.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 40 Round Rifle Magazine does not come with any accessories. It is compatible with standard AR-308 magazine pouches and loading tools.

There are no specific customization options for the magazine itself. However, it works with any AR-308 rifle designed to accept LR-308 (DPMS) or SR-25 pattern magazines. Its functionality remains tied to the rifle’s configuration and any modifications made to the firearm itself.

Pros and Cons of ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 40 Round Rifle Magazine

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Who Should Buy ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 40 Round Rifle Magazine?

The ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 40 Round Rifle Magazine is perfect for budget-conscious shooters looking to increase their AR-308’s capacity for range use or hog hunting in situations where absolute reliability is not paramount. It’s suitable for recreational shooters who want to spend more time shooting and less time reloading.

Those who demand absolute reliability from their magazines, such as law enforcement or tactical shooters, should skip this product and invest in higher-quality options like Magpul or Lancer magazines. Shooters prioritizing durability above all else may also prefer metal magazines.

A must-have accessory is a reliable magazine loader to ease the loading process, especially when filling the magazine to its full 40-round capacity. Regular cleaning and inspection are also recommended to minimize potential malfunctions.

Conclusion on ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 40 Round Rifle Magazine

The ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 40 Round Rifle Magazine offers a compelling proposition: high capacity at an affordable price. However, its inconsistent reliability is a significant drawback that cannot be ignored. While it provides a noticeable increase in firepower, the occasional failures to feed make it unsuitable for critical applications.

The price is certainly justified if you’re willing to accept the trade-off in reliability. It is a decent range magazine that’s good for practice and can add some fun to your shooting sessions.

I would cautiously recommend it to recreational shooters on a budget who understand its limitations. It would be best to thoroughly test it before relying on it for hunting or self-defense. Ultimately, the ProMag AR-308 .308 Winchester 40 Round Rifle Magazine is a compromise between capacity and reliability; carefully consider your priorities before making a purchase.