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I keep a few magazines permanently loaded with hollow points for self defense. Since I'm (hopefully) never going to fire these, do I need to concern myself with the springs wearing out from being perpetually under tension? Along that line, should I cycle out ammunition after a certain period of time if it isn't dirty? e.g. carry weapons can accumulate lint and whatnot, but nightstand or desk guns should stay pristine indefinitely.

I keep a few magazines permanently loaded with hollow points for self defense. Since I'm (hopefully) never going to fire these, do I need to concern myself with the springs wearing out from being perpetually under tension? Along that line, should I cycle out ammunition after a certain period of time if it isn't dirty? e.g. carry weapons can accumulate lint and whatnot, but nightstand or desk guns should stay pristine indefinitely.

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[–] • 1 pt

Cycling is the biggest issue. But you can also over compress or over extend springs. For this reason some load one less round to prevent maximum compression. I personally don't but also believe the position reasonable.

Regardless, you should be practicing with your self defense rounds at least once per year. The ammo currently loaded should never be older than a year. As you should be firing what's currently loaded, it makes sense.

In doing so you'll ensure your weapon is maintained, springs are good, and ammo is never too old. Not to mention, you'll be prepared for your round's recoil.

[–] • 1 pt

Good point about recoil. My hollowpoints are higher grain, so I'd expect more recoil than the FMJ rounds I'd use for normal practice.

[–] • 1 pt (edited )

Yes. Follow up shot accuracy is important.

The human body sweats. Most humans live near water. Meaning humidity. If you conceal, your ammo and weapon is constantly exposed to humidity higher than is generally within the environment outside your clothing.

By cycling your ammo you avoid numerous issues. First and foremost, ammo exposed to high humidity isn't around longer than a year. Powder inside casings maintained within humid environments can have unexpected and unreliable performance.

Feed lips on the mag can wear grooves into the brass if constantly recycled back into the weapon. Brass casings are soft. This can create feed problems if over a long enough time period.

Finger oils, gun oil, and oxidation can create a gummy build up on casing. This can create feed problems.

Aside from cost, there is only a good side to using your ammo annually.

[–] • 1 pt

Its my understanding that cycling a mag is what wears the spring. keeping them loaded should be good. I think ammo is good for years too.

[–] [deleted] • 2 pts

I think this is true. I've never had a single issue with AR mags sitting around loaded for ages. The only spring problems I've had are in competition mags that are constantly loaded and shot. I keep my carry loaded always and haven't had any problems.

[–] • 1 pt

This has bothered me at some point as well, but i think that just about everyone keeps them permanently loaded up; what good do they do empty? I think that as long as the spring isn't close to the point of deforming then there is little/no risk.

As far as ammo going bad i'd say keep the humidity under control and it should be fine.

[–] • 1 pt

Depends on the gun. If it’s not for self defense i’ve seen most people unload them before storage.

[–] • 0 pt

Ammo is good for a very long time. The spring thing is a big debate

[–] • 0 pt

old wives tale. the springs will last at least 20 years if not forever. about the same as leaf springs in your truck

[–] • -1 pt

Is that why I had to reforge my springs after 15 years of actual use? Driving on the street sure they last a long time. Drive off road with regularity and they don't last for shit.

Luckily a local blacksmith was able to reforge for cheaper than buying new, and it supported a local business.

[–] • 0 pt

no , its because you are massively overweight

[–] • 0 pt

The ammo is good long term. The springs will fade over time. Cycle through your self defense mags with spares every few months and you'll be fine.

As for cycling mags causing wear, yeah probably. But shooting through the same mag 10 times at a range is a few years worth of cycles in a single day compared to the number of times you cycle them out.

I have a pile of mags for the range, I shift my self defense mags through this pile whenever I think about it (a few times a year).

Also, shoot your SD ammo, so you know how it handles, that you gun cycles it, etc. Using RIP/Trident ammo can have feeding problems that could be deadly to you if you can't cycle your gun. Know what your gun will do and stay safe.