Best AR-10 Magazines (2021): An Overview

Best AR 10 Magazines

Are you looking for the best AR 10 magazine that is currently on the market? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place. Finding the best AR 10 magazine to fit your AR 10 rifle precisely is what you need no matter if you’re using it for hunting, target practice, home defense, or anything else that can require you to use a rifle.

 To give you a good starting point on where to look for a solid AR 10 magazine, we’ve decided to give you several different choices to start looking into and considering. We handpicked these options knowing that they are currently the best on the market for certain categories accordingly.

 Before we get into the mini guide itself, let’s quickly delve into why you’ll need some spares that can come in handy for your AR-10 and a quick guide on how to tell the difference between a great AR-10 magazine from those that are really low in quality. If you want a quick guide on other accessories, have a look here.

MagazinesNameEditor’s CommentRatingGet The Deal
Lancer L7 AR-10 .308/7.62x51mm 5-Round Advanced Warfighter Magazine

Most Recommended Option

1. Lightweight, tough and durable 
2. Steel feed lips; wrap completely around the mag
3. Has a switchable drain lock in the floor plate 

10/10SHOP NOW
Hexmag AR-10 20 Round Magazine

1. Constructed from PolyHex2 Advanced Composite material with the HEXTURE pattern 
2. Durable and easy to grip.
3. Features the True Riser system

9.5/10SHOP NOW
ProMag DPMS LR-308 Magazine 30 Rounds1. Reliable reloads
2. Feature a precision molded polymer follower
3. Has a chrome-silicon wire spring
9.5/10SHOP NOW
D&H Industries AR 308 Magazine1. 17-7PH stainless spring pre-compressed
2. Passivated for consistent performance and Long Service Life 
3. Proprietary design; tilt resistant follower
8.5/10Currently unavailable
Magpul PMAG D-50 AR 10 7.62×51 50 Round Drum Magazine1. Combining rugged
2. Lightweight polymer 
3. Corrosion-resistant steel springs
7.0/10Currently unavailable
​​Magpul PMAG 20 LR/SR Gen M3 7.62×51 Magazine1. Highly reliable
2. Features a long-life stainless steel spring
3. Four-way anti-tilt follower
7.0/10Currently unavailable

Why Would Anyone Need a Spare AR 10 Magazine?

If you’re looking to buy a new AR 10 magazine for your AR-10, then it may be sensible to purchase extra if need be. There are a few benefits and advantages as to why you’ll want to get spare magazines for yourself. Here are some reasons why it’s not as smart to look away from the idea: 

Malfunctioned Firearms and Other Similar Issues

There will be a time when you are out in the shooting range or in a competition and your rifle will somehow bottleneck up on you. More precisely, the rounds inside your AR 10 magazine may have a difficult time being fed. This can pose a potential threat and a hazard that can cause serious damages to your gun and may cause injury towards you. 

That’s why you’ll need spare magazines in order to alleviate this crisis as soon as possible. Most magazines will be easy to release when malfunctioned. As soon as it is removed, you can safely replace it with a spare one. 

More Ammo On Hand 

For obvious reasons, your magazines will have a certain limit. There will be a time when you’ll need more than eight to ten rounds on hand. This could come in handy once again in circumstances like target practice or shooting competitions. 

In these situations, you can’t rely entirely on just one or the classic “empty and reload” method. Not only will you have more ammo on hand, but you’ll also spend less time trying to reload a singular magazine. 

Testing Out Different Capacities 

What if you’re not a big fan of having spare magazines of the same capacity? You can probably blend it up a bit. So if you have a magazine or two that has 10 round apiece, try getting spares that either have a lesser count or one that is just slightly above normal (like 12 round). You may find that you want to be more comfortable with one or the other depending on the application. 

Criteria: What You Should Be Looking For In An AR 10 Magazine 

If you wish to buy a great AR-10 magazine, you will have to know some of the major distinctions between a great magazine and the ones that are seen as low-quality, crappy, and have poor performance. If you’re a first-time buyer, you may be stuck with having no idea of what to look out for. 

However, we have put together this quick guide on how to choose a great one without having to sacrifice quality or anything else. Here’s what we suggest that you should look for: 

Reliability 

One of the top qualities of a super magazine is the level of reliability it has. How good is it when it comes to feeding your rifle? Will the rounds stay straight? Do they move on smoothly? A good, reliable magazine will have features such as a self-lubricating system that makes sure of a reliable feeding and jam-free functioning. 

However, some of them will not have this type of luxury. So it will be smart to get a magazine lubricant that can keep the reliability of your magazine at its best tip-top performance. 

The Number of Magazines You Need 

Not all magazines are made equally. You’ll come across sizes ranging from 8 to as high as 20 or more. The envisioned purpose of how you use your AR-10 rifle will most likely be the deciding factor in how many rounds you’ll need in one magazine. 

For instance, if you’re hunting, you should consider finding a magazine with a capacity on the lower end. If you’re a competition shooter, you’ll be more appropriate to find a magazine with a higher count. 

Ease of Use 

Ease of use is very essential. You’ll want a magazine that will be convenient to attach so you’re ready to go in a few seconds. At the same time, you’ll want one that can be easy to release and is able to fall freely to the ground without getting many damages. This quick release feature will also come in useful in the event of the magazine malfunctioning. 

The Best AR 10 Magazines Reviewed 

The following is a list of some of the best AR-10 magazines that currently on the markets (as of this writing). To the best of our awareness, these are considered as some of the best available. While the list may be subject to review (and possible alterations) at any given time, this will give you an opening to get you a closer look at each to see which one will fit your personal needs or preferences. 

Whether you’re on a tight budget or have some money to spend, there is a magazine that is bound to fit you really well. With that being said, let’s get right to our list:

1. D&H Industries AR 308 Magazines

D&H Industries, Inc. - AR 308 MagazinesFirst, we’ll be looking into the D&H Industries AR .308 magazine body. This is what we saw as the best 10-round magazine that is currently on the market right now. Its body is made from high-quality steel, making it a hard-hitting little unit. For obvious reasons, this will hold up to 10 rounds of your favorite AR-10 rounds. If 5 rounds are too little and 20 rounds are too much, then for obvious reasons, a ten-round magazine is a happy medium, isn’t that right? 

This has an orange follower made to make the loading process a lot easier for you. If you go for the 20-round magazine, then this will have a green follower (not that it matters, since you’re getting the 10-round). 

All and all, you’re getting a pretty robust, damage-resistant magazine that is made to be your best friend out in the field or at the shooting range. Either way, you will love to fire off 10-rounds with this magazine. That is if you decide to choose this magazine in particular. 

The D&H magazine is definitely your dream magazine if you’re a fan of the 10 count capacity. Aside from all of that, it’s pretty hard-wearing and will do quite well in the longevity section. If you’re in search of something that can last you many years or even decades, you’ll probably be quite happy with a magazine like this one. 

This may also be a good starter magazine for those who are new AR-10 users. The reason being is that 10 rounds may be a good starting point that can help them make the resolve of either preferring fewer rounds or more rounds. 

2. Magpul PMAG D-50 AR 10 7.62×51 50 Round Drum Magazines

Magpul PMAG D-50 AR-10 7.62x51 50-Round Drum MagazineMaybe having 10, 20, or even 30 rounds aren’t enough for you. If that’s the case, you’re going to love the best drum magazine that’s available on the market right now. This Magpul PMAG magazine holds up to 50 rounds. Yes, you read that right. 

If you like the drum shape and think that it can look absolutely intimidating on your AR-10, then you’re going to love this magazine to bits. This is one rugged and lightweight magazine that is made to get you through a long day at the shooting range or throughout a shooting competition. 

Not forgetting to mention, the cycling and feeding reliability will be top-grade as you’re using this. This has a polymer body made to be durable and impervious to all kinds of mishandling. In other words, this drum magazine is made really tough like a tank. 

As soon as it is attached, you’ll feel like you’re firing from a tank instead of an AR-10 rifle. If you’re looking for a magazine that can get you through the day at the shooting range, then consider the Magpul PMAG drum magazine as your best possible choice. 

Maybe you’re happy about the idea of having 50 rounds or just want to fill it up to about 25. Either way, this drum shape is probably the perfect design to have if you want to make your AR-10 look a little brawnier than normal. And there’s definitely no shame in having that. 

But regardless of if you want it for the round count or just for the look, this magazine may be your best bet if you don’t like the usual slide-on magazine scheme. 

3. Hexmag AR 10 20 Round Magazine

Hexmag AR-10 20 Round Magazine

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Next on this list, we’ll be taking a look at the Hexmag AR-10 20-Round magazine. Upon its first look, you’ll notice how the polymer material used for manufacturing this durable and tough magazine is known as PolyHex2 Advanced Composite. This is a polymer style material is made to make sure that the magazine itself is not damaged in the least, especially when it hits hard surfaces. On top of that, this is sure-fire to give you the best grip. 

However, the polymer material does pull the double duty of being hard and very easy to grip. This comes in useful when you want to change out magazines in severe weather conditions. If you want to repair the magazine, you can easily remove the floorplate without having to rely on any single tool. 

If you’re looking for something that can withstand unforgiving conditions and will be impervious to damage, then this Hexmag may be the best option for you. This is a magazine that you can use for a day out on the shooting range or a day out in the field when there is a big game out and about. 

The Hexmag, by its looks, is designed to take on anything that stands in its way. If you are looking for something tough, get this and you likely will not regret making the decision. This magazine has proven that it can hang with the best of its peers. Not only is it a great choice for your AR-10, but if you own any other rifles, like the 6.5 Creedmoor, then you may need a magazine for that as well. 

For obvious reasons, you may want to give this a try-out first to see if it’s worth the investment to get another one. It’s entirely tough, can be used in most applications, and is pretty reliable. If this doesn’t get you to agree, we’re not sure what else will.

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4. Lancer L7 AR 10 .308/7.62x51mm 5-Round Advanced Warfighter Magazine

Lancer L7 AR-10 .308 7.62x51mm 5-Round Advanced Warfighter Magazine

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Perhaps the idea of having a 20-round magazine is too much for you. And don’t worry as we won’t judge if you’re among the handful of people who think that way. Thankfully for you, we’ve chosen one of the best five-round magazines for your AR-10. 

The Lancer L7 AR-10 5-Round Advanced Warfighter is not only a good 5-rounder choice to have in your own hands, but it’s a tough-as-nails magazine that you’ll want to last you quite a long time. The polymer material made for the exterior is polymer, which makes it quite durable and resistant to any hard surface damage or weather conditions. 

Inside this magazine is where it makes the big money (figuratively and literally if you’re out hunting). The stainless steel back end feeding lip is made to give this a very reliable, jam-free feed lips so your rounds are brought into line correctly and are ready to go. 

If you’re looking for a magazine that will not give you many issues and is perfect for some good big game hunting, then the Lancer magazine can be yours for the taking if the features and low round capacity are more of your speed. 

If you fancy yourself a fan of the 5-round magazines, then you may have found one in the Lancer. The body of this magazine is very durable and will not easily damage in most situations. Furthermore, you can easily clean it and using oils and solvents won’t cause much damage. 

The reliability is very good and maybe it will rival all the others on this guide. If you hold reliability to a high standard, then you’ll want to opt for the Lancer as your next possible AR-10 magazine.

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5. ProMag DPMS LR-308 Magazine 30 Rounds

ProMag DPMS LR-308 Magazine, 30 Rounds

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If you are more of the 30-round type of AR 10 shooter, then you’re in luck. We have a magazine that will best fit your gigantesque needs. Have a look at the ProMag DPMS LR-308 magazine. 

This carries up to 30 rounds. It is great for when you want to spend an extended day out on the range or if you’re in the heat of competition. The main reason you may need 30 rounds is pretty obvious: you want to save more time and not waste a lot of it on reloading every few rounds. We totally get it. 

Timing is everything, no matter what intentions you use your AR-10 rifle for. This magazine is made from polymer, is designed to be resistant to all kinds of damages, and will hold up very well in severe weather conditions. 

If you’re out and about hunting and it’s starting to rain like crazy, then you can feel confident in knowing that the amount of rain will not damage your magazine. Inside the magazine is a spring, which is heat-treated for extra durability. 

In layman’s term, you’re getting a magazine that’s pretty tough from the inside out. So the likelihood of this AR 10 magazines lasting you a very long time is pretty solid. 

If you’re looking for an AR10 magazine that can last you many years and will want nothing more than a magazine that can hold a ton of rounds, then you’re going to love this ProMag so much that you’ll be happy to call it your own. 

Like those who want as little as 5 rounds, and there are those who want 30. Either way, we always have a magazine that is useful for each. If you’re among the latter who are looking for a reliable, jam-free magazine for their AR 10 magazines with up to 30 rounds, then why settle for anything other than this ProMag? 

The impressive thing that sticks out about this AR10 mag is that it is also a very inexpensive magazine that can fit most budgets. Even if you’re not in love with the 30-round capacity, you can always fill it up halfway, and still get you the same reliability. 

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6. Magpul PMAG 20 LR/SR Gen M3 7.62×51 Magazine 

Last on this mini-list, we’ll be taking a look at another great AR 10 magazines. This Magpul PMAG 7.62×51 Magazine can hold its own up to 20 rounds. 

So idyllically, this can be useful for situations like target practice or competitive shooting. But try not to write off any of this AR 10 magazines and its other purposes either. We’re just giving you an idea of what this Magpul magazine can be best used for. Initially, this was made to be an upgrade from a previous model’s magazine. So if you have something older than this one, then this will be a good choice for an upgrade. 

The magazine itself is made from high-quality materials that will warrant that it is durable and won’t easily become damaged if you happen to rapidly release it and it hits a hard surface. You want a magazine that’s built to last from its inside out. If any of these characteristics and features check off the wish list of your model product, then you may like the Magpul PMAG AR 10 magazines. 

The Magpul has established itself to be a very reliable 20-count magazine that can be used for just about any tenacity. 

Despite claims of it not being a drop-free AR 10 magazine, this has highly durable materials that can easily resist any damage, should you happen to unintentionally drop it on the floor or some other hard surfaces. If you are looking for something that’s tough and can hold a good deal of AR-10 ammo, then this may be worth the investment. 

Conclusion 

Finding the best AR 10 magazine is definitely a challenging task. If you know what to look for and have some personal favorites in the best AR 10 magazines, then the search may not be so tough. No matter how many rounds you need, it’s important to find a AR 10 magazine that can last you a long time and will be dependable for as long as you use it. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) some people may have about the best AR 10 magazines. 

Q: Are AR-10 magazines universal? 

Today the AR-10, 308 AR scene has changed tremendously. Armalite now offers the AR-10 in its pre-ban configuration that is compatible with DPMS LR pattern magazines or more importantly Magpul LR magazines. DPMS has adapted the LR-308 several times over. DPMS recently released the ground-breaking DPMS GII which downsizes the LR-308 and brings it nearer to the AR-15 in size and compatibility. Not to be outdone, Mega Arms also has its own form of the G2. 

The big change as veteran gun owners predicted back in 2006, shooters will seek out a rifle more powerful than the .223/5.56 AR-15 and what better choice than the father of the AR-15, the AR-10 (308 AR, AR308). In the present day, nearly every AR-15 manufacturer now provides a .308 Winchester offering with many also including other short-action calibers such as the 6.5 Creedmoor in their product mix. We had hoped that by now, 308 AR/AR 308 designs will have standardized. This is simply not the case. 

Unfortunately, the opposite is true.  The AR-10/.308 AR market is now saturated with hardware. In an effort to differentiate themselves rifle manufacturers are taking substantial creative and artistic liberties in their designs. 

All these changes made us realize a reboot of sorts was in order. There are simply too many .308 AR/AR-10 brands and model variations for us to know every detail. We will now publish what we know as we learn it in a dynamic fashion. This page will grow to a series of pages. We encourage visitors to share what they learn as well as ask questions. Be patient with the questions as we are a small staff. If your need is urgent and you do not get a prompt response please ask on the forum and share the results back here on the main site.

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