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Simple BX-25 Feed Issue Fix

111305 Views 93 Replies 54 Participants Last post by  C.C.
Hey guys, I just thought I'd try to get this simple and easy fix for the BX-25 magazines out there.

Please note that this only applies to the magazines that suffer the issue - I believe Ruger actually did improve the design after a while since only SOME of the magazines have the issue. If you have no issue...there's no reason to do this.

I've been reading around and it appears I'm not the only one with this issue. The issue is as follows:

Magazine will occasionally cause jams due to the bullets being at too little of an upward angle. This issue is more noticeable when the magazine is filled to capacity.

If you're like me...you want to know "why?" and I think I've figured it out.

While loading and unloading my magazine trying to see if the seemingly BS "oil in the magazine fix" would fix it - I realized what was actually happening. As more and more rounds are loaded, there is more and more lateral pressure being exerted on the follower. One of two things or both is happening...either the rounds are allowed to slip into the space between the follower and the side of the magazine and/or the follower is binding against the inside of the magazine which results in lack of tension. The reason this is happening is because there is an excessive amount of slop in the spindle/spool pieces. The little 'axle' on the follower is about 50% smaller than the inside diameter of the spool the spring is attached to.

Ironically enough, the fix involves using a spent .22 casing. Simply disassemble your BX-25 magazine, trim down your SPENT .22LR casing, slip it into the space pictured below, reassemble, then you're done! Life will be even easier if you have a .22 SHORT used casing laying around, but a .22LR will work, you'll just need to trim it down to make it fit.

It's not rocket science. Just make sure you trim it short enough to allow it to sit flush against the spool. It is IMPORTANT that it is flush against the spring spool, otherwise it will bind when the magazine is reassembled.

I used a set of toenail clippers to trim mine. Also, I'll add that it does help to put a little oil on the casing and in/around the spool to facilitate better function.





Hope this helps somebody out there. :)

-Buck
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that`s a very interesting idea......I`m filing this is my fixit folder

Thanks Buck
Little update on this project.

I went to the range today and shot an entire box of Federal 36gr HP's - the blue 525rd box - using the repaired magazine. That's 21 mags worth. Not a SINGLE issue other than a singular stovepipe but that's not a mag issue.

I intentionally loaded the magazine haphazardly and quickly, seeing if I could induce the problem - nope. Flawless function.

Enjoy guys! :)
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Here's some pics. This is after the 21 mag cycle (FYI the grayish junk on the axle is powder residue):




As you can see, there is some VERY light and superficial wearing on the spool and the face of the follower. Does not appear significant. Also, remember this was after 525rds.

Here's the improved version:



The bottom line is it would behoove one to clean up the edges of the casing before installing...but you don't have to. To put it in perspective, I couldn't even see the wear with my eyes, it wasn't until I looked at the pictures that I saw it.
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Could just sacrifice a few rounds of unfired crap ammo just for the cases. Just swab the cases out with oil, and the primer charge is dead. :)
Here's some pics. This is after the 21 mag cycle (FYI the grayish junk on the axle is powder residue):

Here's the improved version:


The bottom line is it would behoove one to clean up the edges of the casing before installing...but you don't have to. To put it in perspective, I couldn't even see the wear with my eyes, it wasn't until I looked at the pictures that I saw it.
Nice pics - what camera are you using ??? Still looking to compete with this detail photo TIA

That looks like the fiber/trace evidence CSI would find at a CS...
Little update on this project.

I went to the range today and shot an entire box of Federal 36gr HP's - the blue 525rd box - using the repaired magazine. That's 21 mags worth. Not a SINGLE issue other than a singular stovepipe but that's not a mag issue.

I intentionally loaded the magazine haphazardly and quickly, seeing if I could induce the problem - nope. Flawless function.

Enjoy guys! :)
Would you be willing to try it with some CCI Velocitors? They are the only rounds that jam up my Bx-25s...or I suppose I could just do it myself, what was I thinking:confused::eek:
Thanks for posting. I just got one of the BX-25 mags and haven't taken it to the range yet. I do know it rattles like I'm thinking none of my other mags rattle. It is what it is. I may end up reworking mine.
Could just sacrifice a few rounds of unfired crap ammo just for the cases. Just swab the cases out with oil, and the primer charge is dead. :)
I wouldn't trust that. Consider what would happen if somehow the primer went off. It would blow the side of the magazine out or send the casing flying out somewhere...OR both.

It's not hard to just save a handful of spent casings to use for this. You'll probably need more than one - you know, in case you make a mistake. I cut my first one too short.
Nice pics - what camera are you using ??? Still looking to compete with this detail photo TIA

That looks like the fiber/trace evidence CSI would find at a CS...
Thanks!!

It's a Canon Rebel XTi DSLR with a 18-55mm plastic 'kit' lens. Believe me, there's a marked difference between this piece of crap lens and the lens I used to have - a Sigma f/1.4 50mm.

I wish I still had it...cost me $500 and I sold it for $350...lost money big time on that. However, I did get almost two years worth of use out of it.

What is "TIA"?
Would you be willing to try it with some CCI Velocitors? They are the only rounds that jam up my Bx-25s...or I suppose I could just do it myself, what was I thinking:confused::eek:
LOL...

Is it even okay to shoot those things out of a stock 10/22? I've got some CCI Stingers I could try but...I don't really want to shoot them out of my 10/22 for a variety of reasons. I save them for my 'better' gun - a S&W 22A-1 "Talo" edition with 7" fluted stainless barrel.

Seriously though, uh... I would be willing to guess that, judging by the nature of the flaw and subsequent fix, your issue won't be solved by this mod - but it couldn't hurt to try.
Thanks for posting. I just got one of the BX-25 mags and haven't taken it to the range yet. I do know it rattles like I'm thinking none of my other mags rattle. It is what it is. I may end up reworking mine.
Strangely enough...mine didn't rattle at all.

Try it. If it starts locking up, go ahead and try my fix!

You'll know if it's going to jam or not. You can look at the bullet in the lip of the magazine - if it looks flat and not tilted upwards, it will NOT feed. Period. And when they get like that it's nearly impossible to get them out. HIGHLY aggravating.
Thanks!!

It's a Canon Rebel XTi DSLR with a 18-55mm plastic 'kit' lens. Believe me, there's a marked difference between this piece of crap lens and the lens I used to have - a Sigma f/1.4 50mm.

I wish I still had it...cost me $500 and I sold it for $350...lost money big time on that. However, I did get almost two years worth of use out of it.

What is "TIA"?
"Thanks In Advance"
All three of my other BX-25 mags rattle - until 1 round is inserted

Here is a BX-25 that does not rattle



It had a round jammed and I thought I would unscrew the parts - NOT a good idea, that spring does not look that mean but I am glad the mag was not full.. or the cut on my finger would have been worse Now I have to get the spring back on the red thinggy...

I am sure that the round that was jammed was rubbing on the inside lips of the mag
I will polish that part up and give it a try - I will also keep this fix in mind

Another thread on this subject is http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=406160

This where Jim_Wy had pictures of the round pressed against the inside

I also had a real problem with Federal Lightning (Lot Number -196241 H 7023
jamming in the first two mags I had..

When they are jammed it is not easy to get them out I now will carry a very small screw driver - JIC (Just in case)
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A tip for not losing your nuts when you disassemble, a drop of superglue will keep 'em in for good. :)
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LOL...

Is it even okay to shoot those things out of a stock 10/22? I've got some CCI Stingers I could try but...I don't really want to shoot them out of my 10/22 for a variety of reasons. I save them for my 'better' gun - a S&W 22A-1 "Talo" edition with 7" fluted stainless barrel.

Seriously though, uh... I would be willing to guess that, judging by the nature of the flaw and subsequent fix, your issue won't be solved by this mod - but it couldn't hurt to try.
There's no problems with any .22 ammo out of any stock 10/22...it's when you swap barrels for a tighter chambered aftermarket model, the case length on Stingers is too long to properly seat and can cause issues...Velocitors are of standard length, just a little more bang for the critters...It can't hurt to try your method for the helluvit though!
After doing this mod, now my Federal bulk 550 ammo will feed right! THANKS BUCK!!!!!!!!!
My BX-25 had the round below the lips from the start. Now the top round sticks up like it should!!! Love the idea of using a spent case!!! I'll be sure to pass this on to any others using BX-25s!
Thanks for the tip. Been having the exact same problem with my only BX-25. Been searching for a fix or a post with the problem. I'll need to try it.
I finally bought a box of 22 shorts just to try this fix. And it worked!!! Now the first rounds stick up like they should. Thanks Buck22 for this idea.
Will doing this to a bx-25 that doesn't jam do any good? Just like buying insurance? :D
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