Steyr rotary mag - feeding issues

[Farmer Rick]

Hi all, I have acquired a 1990 steyr in 222 and I’m having feed issues with both magazines it came with. I think I know what the problem is, in as much as it’s a bit of wear on the lips that retain the round and having looked at it I’m guessing the rounds shave a little of the edges each time, meaning that the middle rounds pop up before they hit the lifting ramps on the magazine. So my question is, has anyone got tips or suggestion on what could be done to modify the magazines... or is it a case of buying new?

 

[BLUEROLL]

New mag I would say. New Lapua 308 brass does it on my SSG69 magazine cos the inside of the rim is like a razor and the only way to dull that edge is to stainless tumble.

 

[Farmer Rick]

Thanks for the reply, my guess was new, the rifle came with 2 mags...
Which leads me to believe the replacement was purchased because the first had been “worn” out. Just wondered if anyone had clever tricks to modify them.

 

[Dickie]

When I got my steyr it came with 2 mags I’m pretty sure.

 

[Farmer Rick]

When I got my steyr it came with 2 mags I’m pretty sure.

Good to know. I’ve been playing with the mags using empty cases, it’s interesting as it seems partly down to spring tension too/ position rounds in the mag, as they pop out (before the ramps) at different points depending on where they are in the rotation, it’s definitely wear on the retaining lips. Wondering it it’s possible to “bend” the retaining lips in a little and get a bit more life out of the magazines.

 

[Jonas6x62]

You should get new ones.
The Steyr rotary magazines are very good but the material is not, so it gets broken by the time, even if you dont use it.
This can also happen to the bedding of the gun.
Dont worry, it can be fixed.

 

[Farmer Rick]

I’ve done some modification and will be trying them out this weekend. Will report back on how / if they have worked.

 

[Ade8mm]

Try here;

Steyr Magazines - RifleMags.co.uk

A comprehensive range of magazines for Steyr Mannlicher rifles. Free delivery available.

riflemags.co.uk

 

[Farmer Rick]

Hey all, thanks for the replies. Had the rifle out today to test the modifications and they both work perfectly!!!
I did the following:
Clamped the retaining edges and poured boiling water on them to try and pull them in a little, then quenched to Kew the shape.

i fully stripped the mags, and accidentally took the roatary system to prices, reassembled on noted that there was “2 turns” that could be put on the spring, so I reassembled with only 1 turn, and tried some empty cases to see if it had enough force to lift the rounds, and it did!

so I striped the 2nd and did the same, and bingo they feed perfectly!

I cant be sure if this was factory settings at 2 turns, or previous owner or that the spring “wound” itself up over time... but they are for now fixed, and with less force on the retianing edges I hope it will reduce any potential wear on the edges too.

thought it might be useful for anyone else who has experiences similar issues.

 

[enfieldspares]

I had a Mannlicher 1905 stalking rifle way back in the 1980s. Had previously belonged to one of the Orr-Ewing family. The design of the magazine when it works is great. But when it doesn't is abysmal.

 

[Farmer Rick]

I hear that!