Keeping mags loaded - spring fatigue

[Latebraker]

Is spring fatigue a factor when keeping magazines full and stored for long periods of time?

[instaramen]

No, that's a common myth. The spring loses it tension from constant usage.

[mofo1111]

^^^He is correct.

[HecklerNKoch]

Not trying to make it any more difficult but even I have tons of firearm questions 20 years later.

Your question -- if you Google that exact question, you'll probably crack the search engine with the number of symmetrical results you'll get.

It never ends and it shouldn't.

[Latebraker]

Calguns is a great resource. I have no problem asking questions.

[sonofeugene]

No, it doesn't. Even 100 years won't bother them.

[ohsmily]

Is spring fatigue a factor when keeping magazines full and stored for long periods of time?

Is it that time of the month for this topic?

[Uncivil Engineer]

No, that's a common myth. The spring loses it tension from constant usage.

This is right. Compressed or not springs is fine for springs. It's the act of compression and release the puts wear on springs.

I suspect this myth comes from the rounds left in magazines that might get dirt and debris in the magazine. That debris could increasing static friction between the rounds and magazine body leading some to believe the springs have loss tension. So store as you like it doesn't matter. Maybe don't store them with your pocket sand reserves.

[omega]

if you use bargain non factory magazines they might not hold up to long term storage

only use high quality magazines

[The War Wagon]

Is spring fatigue a factor when keeping magazines full and stored for long periods of time?

NO.

Loading & UN-loading them, wears them out. SOLDIERS, wear them out... because they're constantly UNLOADING them into hajji.

YOUR stored mags - that you've have stored and loaded for 12+ years... like me... will be just fine.

1911 mags, loaded for use in WWI, were discovered in the 1990's. They all fired just fine. MODERN rifle & pistol mag springs, are made with better quality materials. Left loaded, they'll work, long AFTER you cease "working."

[gumby]

NO.

Loading & UN-loading them, wears them out. SOLDIERS, wear them out... because they're constantly UNLOADING them into hajji.

YOUR stored mags - that you've have stored and loaded for 12+ years... like me... will be just fine.

1911 mags, loaded for use in WWI, were discovered in the 1990's. They all fired just fine. MODERN rifle & pistol mag springs, are made with better quality materials. Left loaded, they'll work, long AFTER you cease "working."

All true!!!

[Skip_Dog]

Some say yes, some say no. I keep half of my mags loaded, half empty.

I do not think I will ever have time to use half of the mags I own in a shtf situation.

[slayer61]

Is spring fatigue a factor when keeping magazines full and stored for long periods of time?

Do you keep a spare motor for that racebike? It has compressed valve springs the whole time it sits on the shelf. No worries.

[ScottsBad]

I keep many of my mags loaded. It won't hurt the springs. But because I like to have fresh backup equipment, I keep most unloaded.

[Latebraker]

Thanks for all the replies.
Having worked in machine shops for many years and continually working with metals to this very day, I am always interested in their strengths and weaknesses.
This spring manufacturer has a different take on the subject. They do agree however, cycling is an important factor in spring fatigue.

https://idcspring.com/spring-lose-tension-when-compressed/#:~:text=A%20spring%20under%20tension%20for,when%20they%20release%20that%20energy.