What You Can Do With a Ruger American Magazine Upgrade

The Ruger American comes standard with a 10-round magazine, but you can swap it for higher-capacity magazines from the factory or third-party makers. A magazine upgrade means buying and installing a different magazine — usually one that holds 15, 17, or 20 rounds depending on caliber — and using it in place of your original. The magazine slides into the same well, so installation takes seconds and requires no gunsmithing.

Before you buy, you need to know your rifle's caliber and whether your state or local laws restrict magazine capacity. Some jurisdictions cap magazines at 10 rounds regardless of what the rifle can physically accept. Ruger American magazines are also caliber-specific: a .308 magazine will not work in a .223 rifle, and vice versa.

Key Takeaways

  • Ruger American magazines are caliber-specific, so a .308 magazine will not fit or function in a .223 rifle.
  • Factory Ruger magazines in higher capacities (15, 17, or 20 rounds) are the most reliable option and cost between $25 and $50 each.
  • Third-party magazines from makers like Magpul and ASC are cheaper and widely available, but you should test them in your rifle before relying on them.
  • Check your state and local laws before purchasing, because many jurisdictions restrict magazine capacity to 10 rounds regardless of what the rifle accepts.
  • Magazine installation is a one-second swap — push the magazine catch button and slide the new magazine in until it locks.

Identifying Your Rifle's Caliber and Magazine Type

Your Ruger American's caliber is stamped on the barrel and printed on the box it came in. Common calibers are .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .300 Blackout. Each caliber uses a different magazine, so buying a magazine for the wrong caliber will not work.

The magazine well itself looks the same across calibers, which is why it is straightforward to grab the wrong magazine. Before you order, write down your exact caliber and double-check it against the product listing. Ruger's website lists compatible magazines for each rifle model, organized by caliber.

Factory Ruger Magazines vs. Third-Party Options

Ruger manufactures its own magazines in 15, 17, and 20-round capacities for most calibers. These are the safest choice because they are designed and tested for your rifle. Factory magazines typically cost $30 to $50 each and are sold through gun retailers, Ruger's website, and online ammunition suppliers.

Third-party magazines from Magpul, ASC (Advanced Supply Company), and others are cheaper — often $15 to $30 — and come in the same capacities. Many shooters use them without problems, but they are not made by Ruger and may have occasional feeding or seating issues in some rifles. If you choose a third-party magazine, buy one or two first, test them at the range, and only buy more if they work reliably in your rifle.

Some shooters keep one factory magazine as a backup precisely because third-party magazines can vary. This is not a requirement, but it is a practical safeguard if you rely on your rifle.

Checking Your State and Local Magazine Capacity Laws

Before you purchase, research whether your state or locality restricts magazine capacity. States like California, New York, and Colorado limit magazines to 10 rounds, even if your rifle can physically accept 20. Some counties and cities have their own restrictions on top of state law.

The easiest way to check is to search "[your state] magazine capacity law" or contact your local police department's non-emergency line and ask. They can tell you the legal limit in your area. If you are unsure, stick with 10-round magazines until you have confirmed the law.

Installing a New Magazine

Magazine installation requires no tools and takes a few seconds. Locate the magazine catch button on the left side of the rifle, just behind the magazine well. Press it inward, and the current magazine will drop free. Align the new magazine with the well and push it upward until you hear and feel a click — the catch has locked it in place.

Test the magazine by gently tugging downward on it. It should not move. If it slides out, it is not seated correctly; remove it and try again. Once it is locked, you are ready to load and fire.

Common Compatibility Issues and Troubleshooting

The most common problem is buying a magazine for the wrong caliber. A .308 magazine will physically fit into a .223 rifle's magazine well, but it will not seat properly or feed rounds. If a magazine does not click into place or feels loose, remove it and check the caliber marking on the magazine base.

If you are using a third-party magazine and rounds are not feeding smoothly, try a different magazine first — the issue may be with that specific magazine, not your rifle. If the problem persists across multiple magazines, contact Ruger's customer service or a gunsmith. Feeding issues are rare with factory magazines and usually indicate a magazine problem, not a rifle problem.

Some shooters report that third-party magazines require slightly more force to seat than factory magazines. This is normal and not a sign of a problem. If a magazine is extremely difficult to insert or remove, inspect the magazine lips and the magazine well for dirt or damage.

Where to Buy Ruger American Magazines

Factory Ruger magazines are sold through major gun retailers like Brownells, MidwayUSA, and Cabela's, as well as local gun shops. Online ammunition retailers often stock them. Prices are consistent across retailers, typically $30 to $50 per magazine.

Third-party magazines are more widely available and often cheaper. Magpul magazines are sold through the same retailers and through Magpul's website. ASC magazines are less common but available through specialty retailers. Read the product description carefully to confirm the caliber and capacity before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a .308 magazine in my .223 Ruger American?

No. Although the magazine may physically fit into the well, it will not seat correctly and will not feed rounds. Magazines are caliber-specific. Always match the magazine caliber to your rifle's caliber.

Do I need to modify my rifle to use a higher-capacity magazine?

No. Higher-capacity magazines drop into the same magazine well as the factory 10-round magazine. No gunsmithing or modification is required. straightforward press the magazine catch button and swap the magazines.

Are third-party magazines as reliable as factory Ruger magazines?

Most shooters report no problems with third-party magazines, but they are not made by Ruger and may have occasional issues in some rifles. Buy one or two to test before committing to a full set. If they work reliably in your rifle, they are a cost-effective choice.

What if my state limits magazines to 10 rounds?

You can own higher-capacity magazines in most states, but you cannot load them beyond the legal limit or use them in that state. Check your state law before purchasing. If you travel between states with different limits, keep your magazines separate and follow the law in each location.

How do I know which magazine capacity is legal where I live?

Search "[your state] magazine capacity law" online or contact your local police department's non-emergency line. They can tell you the legal limit. Magazine laws vary by state and sometimes by county or city, so it is worth confirming before you buy.