Chrome-Si or SS springs in AR?

[Timradcliffe345]

What are the pros and cons with either SS or Chrom-Si springs in AR15 mags? Im considering purchasing a large quantity of mags and would like some information about the two. Also, if there is any manufacturer that you would recommend whole heartedly, don't hesitate to mention it. Like always, thank you.

 

[DMK]

I may be off, but my understanding is this:

Chrome Silicon springs are resistant to taking set when used heavily

Stainless Steel springs are resistant to rust

 

[Onmilo]

The new deal is having chrome silicone springs ceramic dip coated now and the rust issue is no longer an issue.
The Military specification still calls out for stainless steel only because it generally requires an act of God to alter or change an already decided Military specification.

Soldiers who take their own magazines over to the sandbox report no real major differences in performance between the two but most new magazines that are not being built specifically to Mil-Spec requirements will feature chrome silicone springs.

Magazines that are intended to fill specific military orders will feature stainless steel springs because that is the military specified spring material.

 

[Black Snowman]

Everyone is right on the money. SS will hold up better to long term storage in poor conditions but CS will hold up better to long term use. I went with CS for my bulk purchase because I store my magazines in sealed containers in low humidity environments so the corrosion was not an issue.

 

[LeibstandarteAdH]

The Wolff CS springs i have in various places have not shown any rust, but then again i usually dont leave them exposed to things that cause rust without oil/greace/ptfe on them. The CS springs hold up better and should not need to be streatched back out as soon.

 

[Onmilo]

If at any point you have a spring you feel compelled to stretch to make things right, pitch it and replace that spring.
Once a spring takes a set you will do it no good by stretching it back out to its original length.
Most of the time stretching a spring only makes any problems even worse.

 

[Gary G23]

All 80 of my AR mags have stainless steel springs.

 

[Slugless]

Onmilo, I hear you but talked to a Marine who fought in Fallujah and more importantly was on a Weapons Super Squad that you stretch the springs out to 2ft long.

I have no strong opinion on the matter, my engineering background agrees with you. But it is apparently a field expedient method to deal with it.