Loading AR magazines is something that needs to be done, moreover, it’s quite critical when using an AR and busting thumbs comes with the job. Range time is valuable, and I don’t want to spend time loading 30 rounders when I can practice, so I have a scheme that includes magazine loaders to get the work out of recharging magazines.
Before going to the range, I load all my magazines with a worktop loader, like the Magula AR15/M4 PMAG BenchLoader, suitable for heavy magazine loading. It functions for metal and polymer magazines of any parameters. The Magula BenchLoader is compact and light enough that I can bring it to the range with me. I will reload easily as long as I’ve got a flat benchtop or pickup truck.
The Magpump is a loose-moving, hopper-fed loader that removes manual fatigue and cuts magazine loading time by over 50%. Only load your ammunition in the hopper for 50 rounds and MagPump will take care of the rest. The pump-action lever automatically loads ammo, loads about 30 rounds in no more than 30 sec. Six adjustable retainers are included with the 9mm Luger to fit Glock, SIG, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, CZ, and Ruger gun designs. For further pistol versions, further single and double stack retainers can be found.
The ThunderStruck Loader helps the process go quickly and smoothly. ThunderStruck Loader loads PMag, HexMag, Troy, Sig Arms, and Lancer magazines, also standard metal mil-spec magazines, being made of hard higher intensity plastic. u Simply place the 5-, 10-, 20-, or 30-round magazine, unload the cartridges into the slot, line them up, and move them into the magazine. It’s as easy as that.
The Caldwell Mag Charger Tac30 is capable of loading 30 rounds into nearly any type of AR magazine in no more than 10 seconds, including mil-spec and polymer categories. It functions with calibers like .223 Rem., 5.56 NATO, and.204 Ruger, and lets the user move cartridges directly from a 20-round box or a stripper clip. The Mag Charger Tac 30, made of high-quality polycarbonate, is quite compact and easily fits in your range bag. The Mag Charger AR-15 is made to handle 50 rounds straight from manufacturing boxes or aftermarket plastic storage boxes that hold 50 rounds. Simply load 5 rounds per stroke by dropping a box of ammunition into the Mag Charger, putting any AR magazine into the Mag Charger.
The Caldwell Mag Charger Tac 30 can load 30 rounds into most
AR magazines, both metal and polymer, in about 10 seconds.
Test the Magula M-16/AR-15 LULA Magazine Loader and Unloader for a more compact loader. The LULA is only 2 ounces and doesn’t take up much space in my range bag. With the LULA, loading a 30-rounder lasts about 35 seconds and unloading a 30-rounder lasts about 5 seconds. Although I tend to unload 30-round magazines using the rifle’s trigger, there are cases when magazines must be unloaded.
The NCStar 7.62x51mm Magazine Loader operates well for loading.308 Win./7.62x51mm magazines such as those for the AR10, M14, H&K, M1A, and other rifles. Since it uses a stripper clip, your ammo must be loaded into the stripper clip before reloading. Although this may seem like additional work, loading the stripper clip is simpler and quicker than loading them into a magazine. The magazine is covered by plastic material, and you simply move the cartridges from the stripper clip into the magazine. It’s quick and adds to your shooting time, plus is more favorable for your thumbs.
What magazine loader do you usually choose? Let us know in the comments section and share some tips from your experience.
