Accurate Mag Scratching Brass

[fullbore]

Evening Gents

Any of you on here who use the AICS Accurate Mags notice it scratches the absolute hell out of your brass?
Im using Lapua 260 brass in my 260 AI and just wondering if anyone out there knows of a remedy to stop them big nasty scratches.

Thanks for your time

 

[308pirate]

Metal working 101: deburr all edges of a finished product. In this case the edges of the feed lips.

 

[fullbore]

Would you use a fine file or something?
Ive also got 120 and 240 Grit sandpaper too.

 

[308pirate]

I would do a series of light, lengthwise passes with a Dremel sanding drum until the sharp edge is gone then round it off by doing perpendicular passes with a fine file.

 

[fullbore]

I would do a series of light, lengthwise passes with a Dremel sanding drum until the sharp edge is gone then round it off by doing perpendicular passes with a fine file.

Sounds good, picked up a new Dremel yesterday actually so a good first project for it.
Have you used a Accurate Mag before? Is it possible to get it to a stage where it will leave zero marks on brass?

 

[DangerRanger]

If you’ve never used a dremel before I would use the paper.

I used paper on mine and it worked fine

 

[fullbore]

If you’ve never used a dremel before I would use the paper.

I used paper on mine and it worked fine

Could you get it to a stage where it would no longer mark the brass?

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

PHYHOO Fine Abrasive Wheels Brushes Kit Polishing Buffing Wheel Rotary Tools Accessories Polishers Buffers Mandrel Diameter 2.35 mm 20 Pieces - - Amazon.com

PHYHOO Fine Abrasive Wheels Brushes Kit Polishing Buffing Wheel Rotary Tools Accessories Polishers Buffers Mandrel Diameter 2.35 mm 20 Pieces - - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

Pick up one or 2 of these and go after the inside of the lips and the edges. Polishes and deburs the edges, got mine to a mirror finish and ease of feeding improved a lot also. Very hard to mess up the metal this way too.

 

[308pirate]

Could you get it to a stage where it would no longer mark the brass?

Scratches don't matter as long as they're shallow enough that you can't really feel them with a fingernail

 

[DangerRanger]

Could you get it to a stage where it would no longer mark the brass?

Very little/No markings. I saw no reason to break out anything heavier.

Then again I sharpen lawn mower blades by hand with a file, so I just prefer hand work over power grinding. A lot easier to stop before you ruin things

 

[peteyen86]

My accurate mag that came with my Manners stock fed like crap. It scratched the hell out of the brass, which I improved by polishing the feed lips. The spring in the 5 rounder also felt way too hard. I had to bend the spring so it didn't apply as much pressure to the rounds. Still didn't feel great to feed. The follower was too short and would move around also.

Bought a MDT 10 rounder, fed beautifully and no scratches straight out of the packaging. Way better mag in this case, but maybe i got lucky or was unlucky with the Accurate mag.

 

[DownhillFromHere]

While a Dremel tool could do the polishing, to me that's like doing surgery with a meat cleaver. I use 400-grit automotive wet-lap sandpaper for the really rough spots and finish with at least 1000 grit - preferably 1200-1500 - for a polished shine. For a mirror shine, 2000 grit. Depends on your OCD level.

 

[308pirate]

I had a terrible experience with MDT steel magazines. Their feed lips were a mess.

Now I just use Magpul magazines and don't screw with any of this.

 

[atomic41]

Now I just use Magpul magazines and don't screw with any of this.

I did this too and haven't looked back at steel mags since. They feed smooth as butter!

 

[308pirate]

I did this too and haven't looked back at steel mags since. They feed smooth as butter!

Somehow Magpul mags seem to not be what the cool kids use. I've heard all kinds of bullshit as to why not.

I've rested the rifle on them, pushed them into barricades, pulled back on them, rifle still feeds just fine. They work in ARs and Glocks but not in AICS-pattern chassis? GTFO.

 

[Dendro]

Load your mags and leave them like that for a few days, helps tremendously with feeding and scratching. Worked for me and may help you out...

 

[Banango]

Somehow Magpul mags seem to not be what the cool kids use. I've heard all kinds of bullshit as to why not.

I've rested the rifle on them, pushed them into barricades, pulled back on them, rifle still feeds just fine. They work in ARs and Glocks but not in AICS-pattern chassis? GTFO.

Its because you can seat ammo super long in them. My 25 creed is at 2.91 oal

 

[atomic41]

Somehow Magpul mags seem to not be what the cool kids use. I've heard all kinds of bullshit as to why not.

I've rested the rifle on them, pushed them into barricades, pulled back on them, rifle still feeds just fine. They work in ARs and Glocks but not in AICS-pattern chassis? GTFO.

Same here and they don't require sanding, grinding, bending, after spending way too much $$. Overheard at a match this year, (and around here) "magpul mags fail and fall apart in a short amount of time". Yeah ok buddy, I must have bought up all the unicorns that work flawlessly...lucky me I guess.

 

[hlee]

I've got 2 magpul AICS mags for my RPR. Seating one before a stage- swift rap on the bottom to insure it was seated- and it barfed 3 rounds into the action. Stripped the mag and dropped it and the loose rounds into the dirt, disgusted. Pulled a 10 round pmag (with Taran tactical 5 round extesion) from my pocket and shot the stage. I own a lot of Magpul stuff- AR stocks, mags, slings, etc- and have always been happy, but the 10 round aics pattern mags that I have are disappointing. The AICS follower design, compared to the pmag follower, is a JOKE. I've got 2 AI brand AICS mags and neither of them are super impressive. Steel box, spring, shitty follower. Maybe I'm a Neanderthal, but I load to 2.800 and run pmags.

 

[ToddKS]

I would not try to sand feedlips with a dremel. Too easy to slip and cause an issue. I break the edge with a fine file and then use wet/dry sandpaper to 600 or 800 grit.

I have tried the Magpul mags. I had to do a fair bit of file work and add some material to the rear to get them to feed reliably (I did get them to work, however). Feed lip tuning is a thing on metal AICS pattern mags but once tuned mine run great (both AICS and MDT).

 

[308pirate]

I've got 2 magpul AICS mags for my RPR. Seating one before a stage- swift rap on the bottom to insure it was seated- and it barfed 3 rounds into the action. Stripped the mag and dropped it and the loose rounds into the dirt, disgusted. Pulled a 10 round pmag (with Taran tactical 5 round extesion) from my pocket and shot the stage. I own a lot of Magpul stuff- AR stocks, mags, slings, etc- and have always been happy, but the 10 round aics pattern mags that I have are disappointing. The AICS follower design, compared to the pmag follower, is a JOKE. I've got 2 AI brand AICS mags and neither of them are super impressive. Steel box, spring, shitty follower. Maybe I'm a Neanderthal, but I load to 2.800 and run pmags.

What exactly is the difference between a Magpul "AICS mag" and a "pmag"

Just so I make sure we're talking apples to apples

 

[308pirate]

I have tried the Magpul mags. I had to do a fair bit of file work and add some material to the rear to get them to feed reliably (I did get them to work, however).

Magpul Pmags are injection molded plastic. Once the process specifics are nailed down (and they have been) each magazine will be pretty much identical one to the next.

I don't think there is an AICS magazine well drawing that is standard for everyone to use. So every AICS magwell is probably slightly different from brand to brand. That probably explains why you needed to modify your Pmags to make them work in your rifle while I haven't needed to do anything to them other than to fill them up with ammo and shoot.

 

[spife7980]

What exactly is the difference between a Magpul "AICS mag" and a "pmag"

Just so I make sure we're talking apples to apples

He means the LR/SR pmag that existed first for ARs. The RPR can use them in addition to the aics model, they just have a shorter max length suited for factory ammo.

PMAG® 20 LR/SR GEN M3™

The 7.62x51 NATO (.308 Winchester) PMAG 20 LR/SR GEN M3 is a lightweight, cost effective, high reliability magazine for SR25/M110 pattern rifles featuring true 20-round capacity, constant-curve body, anti-tilt follower, and snap on Impact/Dust Cover.

www.magpul.com

 

[308pirate]

He means the LR/SR pmag that existed first for ARs. The RPR can use them in addition to the aics model, they just have a shorter max length suited for factory ammo.

PMAG® 20 LR/SR GEN M3™

The 7.62x51 NATO (.308 Winchester) PMAG 20 LR/SR GEN M3 is a lightweight, cost effective, high reliability magazine for SR25/M110 pattern rifles featuring true 20-round capacity, constant-curve body, anti-tilt follower, and snap on Impact/Dust Cover.

www.magpul.com

View attachment 7152064

Gotcha, thanks

 

[RmeJu]

Its because you can seat ammo super long in them. My 25 creed is at 2.91 oal

This

 

[cattleman99]

I’ve used Accurate mags, AICS, MDT, ARC mags, magpul, and Ruger. When it comes down to smoothness of feeding, the cheaper Ruger AICS pattern plastic mags have been the best for me. Never had a hiccup with them, and no alterations needed

 

[MarinePMI]

I’ve used Accurate mags, AICS, MDT, ARC mags, magpul, and Ruger. When it comes down to smoothness of feeding, the cheaper Ruger AICS pattern plastic mags have been the best for me. Never had a hiccup with them, and no alterations needed

Which are/were made by Accurate Mag.

 

[spife7980]

Which are/were made by Accurate Mag.

Not the cheap ones I dont think.

 

[MarinePMI]

Not the cheap ones I dont think.
View attachment 7152267

Correct, I was referring to the metal mags.

 

[Backcountryguy]

I guess I’m a unicorn that had shit for luck trying to get Magpul AICS magazines to feed in my rifle. Tried 2 different 10 round magazines...and one 5 round magazine

I got the 5 round to feed “ok”...but both 10 round magazines were an absolute shit show. I think it was a lack of spring tension causing my issues...just flinging rounds out by hand, I had horribly inconsistent cartridge “seating angles” with the top round in the magazine. Some would be level, some nose down, some nose up...all depended on how many rounds were in the magazine

I finally gave up on them. I use the Ruger branded steel Accurate Mag and ARC magazine now. Once I tuned and polished the feed lips I haven’t had any issues.

The Magpul AICS mags put a really bad taste in my mouth to the point I avoid polymer AICS magazines at all costs now

 

[wade2big]

Somehow Magpul mags seem to not be what the cool kids use. I've heard all kinds of bullshit as to why not.

I've rested the rifle on them, pushed them into barricades, pulled back on them, rifle still feeds just fine. They work in ARs and Glocks but not in AICS-pattern chassis? GTFO.

They are shitty magazines for AK pattern rifles too.

 

[wade2big]

Could you get it to a stage where it would no longer mark the brass?

Yes you can. Fold a small peice of sandpaper up and you can polish by hand at about 30 seconds per side. Zero marks.

 

[308pirate]

They are shitty magazines for AK pattern rifles too.

I wouldn't know. I don't shoot commie crap.

Magpuls work awesome in my AR and in my KRG chassis

 

[wade2big]

I wouldn't know. I don't shoot commie crap.

Magpuls work awesome in my AR and in my KRG chassis

They do work well in ARs and with some actions. When they work they work well.

Don’t bag on the AK too much. You would be surprised how capable the rifle is with nothing more than a red dot on top. Especially the 5.45 rifles. They will rival any rack grade AR. But we aren’t debating that here. ?

 

[308pirate]

They do work well in ARs and with some actions. When they work they work well.

Don’t bag on the AK too much. You would be surprised how capable the rifle is with nothing more than a red dot on top. Especially the 5.45 rifles. They will rival any rack grade AR. But we aren’t debating that here. ?

There isn't a single brand of AICS pattern steel magazine that someone here hasn't had a problem with.

The problem aren't the magazines (Magpul's or anyone else's). It's the fact that Accuracy International's design for the AICS magazine well and catch is not in the public domain. Every fucking bottom metal out there is reverse engineered and everyone guesses at what both nominal dimensions are supposed to be and what the tolerance range of each one is.

Add to that the fad of build your own precision rifle, and you have a complete shitshow. It's a miracle any of it works.

 

[wade2big]

There isn't a single brand of AICS pattern steel magazine that someone here hasn't had a problem with.

The problem aren't the magazines (Magpul's or anyone else's). It's the fact that Accuracy International's design for the AICS magazine well and catch is not in the public domain. Every fucking bottom metal out there is reverse engineered and everyone guesses at what both nominal dimensions are supposed to be and what the tolerance range of each one is.

Add to that the fad of build your own precision rifle, and you have a complete shitshow. It's a miracle any of it works.

The problems i have had with mags hasn’t been the bottom metal at all. The magazines sit at the perfect height to function. The problems I have had are because the mags can be pushed upwards into the action too far. The bottom metal only holds magazines up. It won’t hold them down. The action does this. Metal mags can be bent and adjusted to fit. Plastic magazines can only be filed. If filing and sanding won’t solve the feed issue then you are screwed.

If the mags work with your action then they do feed nice and smooth. Much nicer feel than most metal AI mags. I agree that fitting is part of the game sometimes.

 

[Lionsbreath]

Evening Gents

Any of you on here who use the AICS Accurate Mags notice it scratches the absolute hell out of your brass?
Im using Lapua 260 brass in my 260 AI and just wondering if anyone out there knows of a remedy to stop them big nasty scratches.

Thanks for your time

Have you opened up your feedlips at all? I’ve found that if you open the feed lips up too much, ( in the wrong places ) the case can get to high and the feed lips will dig into the sides of it- I file, sand, polish as well..

 

[peteyen86]

I got a pmag to work in my Tikka. I used a mill to machine down the plastic. Worked perfect and fed really good. Problem was the round sat up a tad to high. The bolt was rubbing on the next rounds brass. Rubbing a little to much for my liking. I need to buy another 5 rounder mag, going to go with an AI mag and remove the binder plate myself if needed.

 

[fullbore]

Have you opened up your feedlips at all? I’ve found that if you open the feed lips up too much, ( in the wrong places ) the case can get to high and the feed lips will dig into the sides of it- I file, sand, polish as well..

No I havent touched the feed lips at all apart from some sanding today.
Using 240 Grit paper at the moment, will try and get ahold of some finer grit/emery paper tomorrow and try and get it really smooth and hopefully no more nasty scratches on my brass.

Thanks to everyone who has posted, have learned quite abit about the world of magazines! Been a great read

 

[fullbore]

Just a quick update on this, Have any of you here adjusted the feed lips much to help with how smooth it cycles rounds?

Because Im running a 260 AI that has minimal case taper would It be a good idea for me move the forward section of feed lips out abit so the forward section of the round isnt dragging on the front corner of the magazine? Hope that makes sense.

The rifle feeds well but it just has a bit more resistance when cycling the bolt compared to my Tikka factory mag in my 223 for instance.

 

[Forrest84]

My accurate mags gouged the shit out of my cases when I got them. Took sandpaper and small file to them and they’re smooth as can be now

 

[BlkZ06]

Just received three .308 Accurate mags, all of them had sharp edges. Took 800 grit sandpaper and smoothed them down. Seems to be ok now.

 

[fullbore]

Thanks again everyone for the replies.

I ended up getting some polishing wheels on my dremel and polished up the lips after the initial sanding.


Now all I get on the brass are surface scratches that if you twist the case in some fine steel wool dissapear so im guessing it shouldn't cause any damage to the case? Have attached picture of magazine lips, brass case after being fed and brass case after being touched with the steel wool.