Quoted:
An aluminium mag body too ?????
(I Know,I know we just don't quit do we )
No, you really don't want that. Blackdog Machine had the solid billet aluminum mags for $60. They are functionally great but heavy as snot. They are heavier than a fully loaded 5.56mm mag. I have a few. They seem to make the AR15 conversion kit just as reliable as a 10/22 with an OEM mag. I still get jams with remington bulk but federal and winchester never miss a beat. The first company to get out the gate with a lightweight nylon 6,6 body mag with a steel or aluminum feedlip tower and price it for under $35 will have won the mag race.
This may be one of those time when MIM parts will be a good thing. I have held off on buying any more polycarbonate feedlip mags because I know the metal feedlip versions will eventually come.
CMMG, If you use metal feedlips would switching to a Nylon material like a Glock for the mag body be more feasible than the current polycarbonate? Wouldn't the nylon be softer but more resistant to cracking during mag drops? Isn't the polycarbonate harder but also more brittle than nylon? Wouldn't the elimination of the polycarbonate feedlips eliminate the need for the polycarbonate altogether? I only ask because solvents seem to attack the polycarbonate if not cleaned immediately but I have never seen them harm a Glock, HK, etc. If you make some, YES, I would like to be a tester.