How to load an AR15/M16 magazine using Stripper Clips

How to load an AR15/M16 magazine using Stripper Clips
This instructable will demonstrate how to load an AR15/M16 magazine using the GI issued (formerly GI issued) stripper clips and the filler/guide tool.

I used a 20 round magazine because its easier to take pictures of with everything attached to it, but the process is the same for 30 round magazines.

I can't stress enough firearm safety, and because of that you will notice there are no firearms present in any of my photos. If you play with firearms or ammunition your playing with your life.
 
Remove these adsRemove these ads by Signing Up
 

Step 1What your going to need

What your going to need
Gather everything you going to need for the reload. Most of these stripper clip kits come with a GI issue style bandolier to keep everything in, but below are all of the major components your going to need to load your magazine using the stripper clip.
« Previous StepDownload PDFView All StepsNext Step »
46 comments
1-40 of 46next »
Jul 14, 2011. 6:43 PMmr. grim says:
where did you get the tracers at?
Dec 2, 2010. 7:31 PMdaelans says:
naw jk. i was actually trying to see if i could find something on a marine kit, cause im trying to get, or at least look like, the marine loadout for my airsoft.
Dec 2, 2010. 7:30 PMdaelans says:
aw thats boring, i thought for sure a stripper clip had something to do with a ... y'know...
Aug 13, 2010. 1:55 PMpenguin27388 says:
Don't use wolf. if you are shooting a lot or fast (dumping out a 30 rounder) the casing will melt to the breech.... now i use federal after that happen twice. also do NOT buy POF (patriot ordinance factory). there gun are terrible.
Nov 15, 2010. 10:07 PMmr.smashy says:
LOL "JV firearms".
Nov 14, 2010. 7:22 AMbellwolf says:
FYI...some rifle companies will void the warranty if you use cheap ammo like wolf. The case has a coating on it that will coat the chamber and is next to impossible to clean once it is in there.
Nov 15, 2010. 5:08 AMbellwolf says:
I agree nothing is impossible to clean given the right cleaning gear, cleaning solutions, etc. However, the owners manual for my particuliar AR15 does specifically mention ammo such as "wolf" and several other cheap brands of ammo will void the warrenty. People just need to be careful, be informed, and then do what they want.
Jul 6, 2008. 10:24 AMrdl says:
Great post (I guess I'm used to 5.56mm coming on stripper clips already, with point protectors, level A pack...). The 550 cord is great. Maybe I should make a post about my personal M1 Garand (.308) and the en-bloc clips, and "avoiding m1 thumb"
Sep 1, 2008. 6:03 PMbrandon borick says:
how did you get it in 308 iv only ever seen 30-06 or is it costume
Oct 10, 2008. 2:11 PMbrandon borick says:
your talking about an m1grat right???
Oct 10, 2008. 2:12 PMbrandon borick says:
grant sorry
Dec 26, 2009. 3:20 PMvestie says:
Whoops. It's garand not grat or grant. While originaly issued in .30-06 most new m1's are in .308 although it is not unheard of to have an m1 in .30-06.
Sep 1, 2008. 6:39 PMrdl says:
italian army "tipo 2" conversion, they also shortened it by 1".
Jun 4, 2009. 7:34 PMCerberus says:
Great first! In the USMC we called those loaders "spoons"... Here is an extra tip: tie (dummy cord) your "loader/spoon" to your assualt vest or tac-rig so that you will never lose it, but leave enough slack to do the job. If you ever find yourself actually needing to load mags to keep you and yours safe, this is a piece of gear you DONT want to lose...
Jun 7, 2009. 5:31 PMILIKEPIE333 says:
You use AR15s in the Marines? I thought you guys use M16A2s, A4s, and M4s, M16/AR15s are Vietnam Era buddy. (plus AR15s are civilian models)
Jun 7, 2009. 6:21 PMCerberus says:
AR 15 is a civilian rifle if using common and contemporary nomenclature, not a military issued rifle as of now. But whats the difference for sake of this instructable? They all use the same magazines, except for a few quirks here and there.
Jun 8, 2009. 5:45 PMILIKEPIE333 says:
Isnt AR15/ M16s 7.62, because I thought I heard that somewhere? But I guess it depends, you, unlike me were (are?) in the Marine Corps, so you probably know more about it...
Jun 8, 2009. 6:33 PMCerberus says:
Former Marine, but now Im just a civy. The 7.62 NATO caliber is aka the .308, but it isnt shot from an AR 15, it is shot from an AR 10, (within the AR family, plus a whole mess of other rifles too ) The caliber you are thinking of for the M16s/M4 and even SAW is 5.56 NATO, aka the .223 Rem (similar but not the same). A great place to learn more about the "Black Rifle" is: ar15.com.
Jun 9, 2009. 11:44 AMILIKEPIE333 says:
Thanks for the info, I knew that it was a gun in the AR family
Mar 30, 2009. 3:42 PMZombiehuntereky says:
Never did think of keeping the guide on a piece of 550.
Nov 27, 2008. 7:05 PMZack Paetzold says:
Good job on your first how to. Very good photos and all.
Jun 14, 2008. 10:32 AMVertigo666 says:
Very nice.
Jun 20, 2008. 5:39 PMchalky says:
man your nails are clean are you a medic by any chance?? ps/nice rolex too:)
Jun 15, 2008. 8:44 AMgunslinger10mm says:
I'm pretty well versed in AR's but I've never heard of this. Good job. Thanks
Jun 12, 2008. 11:49 PMthematthatter says:
our rounds come already on stripper clips but no tool to take them off with. they sell a little black highspeed piece of plastic at clothing sales that can unload and load m16 magazines. its 15 bucks but worth it if your frequently loading a combat load of magazines.
Jun 13, 2008. 1:43 PMmr.smashy says:
Did your spoon have any sand on it?
Jun 16, 2008. 3:54 PMmr.smashy says:
It was a 50/50 chance. I tried to put together a good kit, I know all the clips aren't. Once they get too sandy, they're done.
Jun 16, 2008. 3:51 PMMD_Willington says:
Cool, now if I could only get one of those for loading my Galil magazines... Loading 35 rounds by hand gets hard on the thumbs.
Jun 11, 2008. 6:31 PMmr.smashy says:
You can get stripper clip guides and kits on eBay. I like US Armory, they're prices are decent. You can pick up a "spoon" for $2.00. Best price is free. Get a couple of extras and keep them with your rifles.

I like the loop of stripped paracord through the spoon. Trying to use strippers without a guide is really hard.
1-40 of 46next »

Pro

Get More Out of Instructables

Already have an Account?

close

All Steps Viewing
View all steps of an Instructable on the same page when you're a Pro Member.

Upgrade to Pro today!
0
Followers
1
Author:oakleygear