HD Ammo Storage

[Press Check]

I don't know how most people store their HD ammo, but I have several magazines that are loaded and stored for HD, so do I have to worry about any feeding issues with the magazines being loaded and stored indefinitely?

[baz152]

No, not at all. Magazine springs wear out from compression and expansion cycles. Keep several mags that you know work well loaded up an only use them for HD then have some mags that you use for range work.

[Lead Waster]

I've heard (for what that's worth!) that the problem is not really with loaded magazines with their springs compressed, but when you load/unload magazines all the time that the springs might weaken (ie, if you shoot a lot). So I'd think that the constantly compressed springs in some HD-ready magazines is not a problem.

[Lead Waster]

heh, a few seconds too late with my reply!

[SA227driver]

The problem you get with magazine springs is the loading and unloading of the magazine when youre at the range or training. Modern day magazine springs are built tough and can last a long time under tension. I usually will buy 2-3 mags as my HD mags and 2-3 mags as training mags that way im not afraid to bang up and abuse mags in training.

[fifthward]

I've read somewhere? that you want to cycle thru those loaded magazines - at least once a year...just to open them up. FWIW

[Press Check]

Good information, and thanks.

All of the magazines I use for HD are brand new, never used, and are factory magazines, not aftermarket.

I have never unloaded the ammo from the magazines, and do not intend to unload them unless I decide to switch to a different HD round. When I tested HD rounds to make sure that my pistol will effectively fire and eject the rounds, I used my Range magazines, which are identical to the HD magazines.

On a side note, I use Hornady Critical Defense!

[Press Check]

I've read somewhere? that you want to cycle thru those loaded magazines - at least once a year...just to open them up. FWIW

And there's the conflict, LOL.

Some say cycle, some say do not cycle, and some say to replace the spring once a year regardless of which stance you take, but the general consensus seems to lean towards loading the magazine and simply setting it aside.

[kmca]

Good information, and thanks.

All of the magazines I use for HD are brand new, never used, and are factory magazines, not aftermarket.

I have never unloaded the ammo from the magazines, and do not intend to unload them unless I decide to switch to a different HD round. When I tested HD rounds to make sure that my pistol will effectively fire and eject the rounds, I used my Range magazines, which are identical to the HD magazines.

On a side note, I use Hornady Critical Defense!

I'd suggest using them at least once or twice. There have been times when factory magazines aren't all they're expected to be. You really should test for function

[Press Check]

I'd suggest using them at least once or twice. There have been times when factory magazines aren't all they're expected to be. You really should test for function

Even if my Range magazines are identical to my HD magazines, huh?

For the record, these are Beretta magazines, and are extremely well made. Very HQ, but a function test couldn't hurt.

[SA227driver]

I would function check any magazines and how my particular weapon would feed any particular hollow point round before i would trust my life to them.

[kmca]

Yes, I would check them. I've had brand new magazines fail to function properly. Some needed springs, some needed the follower's modified and some mag tubes aren't smooth enough on the inside.

[1nsanity]

Always function test mags regardless if bought new or used, especially if for HD. If the mags can be and will be used in two or more firearms, test them in each particular firearm as well. Some firearms can be picky, even with factory mags. Other times you may receive an out of speck mag, which does happen on occasion…

[Press Check]

Duly noted. I will test the HD magazines.

[unusedusername]

I've read somewhere? that you want to cycle thru those loaded magazines - at least once a year...just to open them up. FWIW

Regardless of if you want to cycle your loaded mags, you may want to cycle your HD ammo at least every few (3-5?) years if only to keep up with changes in bullet performance technology.

Cycling the ammo will by default cycle the mags unless you buy all new mags every few years.