223: MDT vs Accurate Mag follow-up

[Kevin1]

A while back, I posted on the previous forum seeking advice. This is a follow-up

Original post:
http://master.scout.com/military/sn...-cdi-bottom-metal-223-magazine-recommendation

I ended up going with the MDT. It works just ok. It’s not that good. If I’m not careful, I’m getting the kind of malfunction you see in the pic. I don’t know if this is representative of MDT mag or I got a lemon.
I wasn’t very happy so I ordered an Accurate Mag and it arrived today. I had to file it to be able to fit longer bullets. But it’s a much better mag. Easier to load, better feeding and doesn’t seem to cause any malfunctions.

Yeh, the MDT is lighter, a little shorter and doesn’t need any filing….But the Accurate Mag just functions better.

 

[317millhand]

I used the MDT mags exclusively in my .223 with a Manners stock. Zero issues for me despite all the horror stories I've read. May you got a lemon.

 

[Walt K]

I had bottom metal installed (CDI) in two stocks and purchased a MDT chassis (HS3) for .223. Had the same problem.
Rounds would not feed correctly at intermittent times. Same deal they would nose dive into the mag.
Changed over to Accurate mags and improved the situation.

 

[MarinePMI]

Those mags really need an anti-tilt follower. Even the AM canbe trouble some on some of the straighter walled .223 based rounds (like 20 Tactical). Still, the AM's are the best option available today...(IMHO)

 

[BoilerUP]

The Ruger 5.56 RPR mag (sku 90652) seems like another option; it is polymer but I haven't seen diving issues with it like I have my old AI poly 223 magazine.

 

[MarinePMI]

Interesting. Ruger .223 American (if I understand correctly) are coming with steel Ruger 10 rd mags, that are also marked "Accurate Mag". Looking at one on my desk right now actually...(buddy gave it to me to try out)

 

[Rob01]

I used the MDT mags exclusively in my .223 with a Manners stock. Zero issues for me despite all the horror stories I've read. May you got a lemon.

Same here in my Manners mini chassis. Feed and function perfectly.

 

[sandwarrior]

In my experience, the diving issue is one of two things: because the tips are hitting the front of the magazine or if you are running an improved case where the shoulders are blown out. It appears you are running the straight .223, so the latter shouldn't be the problem. And, the former is on a good working magazine. If this thing is catching, it might be the follower. Or, the sides are squeezing in or out. In either case, get rid of the mags if your bullets aren't too long.

 

[JMGlasgow]

I use the MDT mags in my Creedmoor. They work well for me. Only complaints I have are cartridge overall length (2.810) max), and the magazine bulges when you put more than 8 rounds in it. To the point that it won't slide into a PTG stealth bottom metal.

 

[longrange2]

I had horrible luck with the AI mags so I ordered a couple of the Accurate mags. I had to do some work on the plastic inserts because my .223AI chamber is throated long. My COAL with Hornady 75 grain ELDs is 2.55. I've got the inserts adjusted now so that I can feed those rounds no problem.

 

[Kevin1]

In my experience, the diving issue is one of two things: because the tips are hitting the front of the magazine or if you are running an improved case where the shoulders are blown out. It appears you are running the straight .223, so the latter shouldn't be the problem. And, the former is on a good working magazine. If this thing is catching, it might be the follower. Or, the sides are squeezing in or out. In either case, get rid of the mags if your bullets aren't too long.

The round is a 223 Lapua brass with Hornady 75gr ELD Match for a total length of 2.4". I took it out today and only used the AM. It worked fine.

 

[ricksmunn]

For any of you guys that are still running accurate mags, I developed a modified follower that allows you to top load. On the factory magazine if you try to toss in a single round through the ejection port and close the bolt, the round nose dives and smashes into the end of the barrel. My follower has a ramp on the nose end that guides the bullet into the chamber. However, the mag does have to be modified to fit the longer rounds, but it sounds like several of you already did this anyways. In that case, this follower would simply replace the original.

 

[308pirate]

I must be living under a lucky star. None of the magazines this place collectively loves to hate (AICS PMAGS, MDT polymer, and Alpha Mfg) give me a single lick of trouble.