AR‑10 vs. AR‑15 Magazine Pouches: What’s the Difference?

Why AR‑10 And AR‑15 Pouches Differ

At first glance, magazine pouches for the AR‑10 and AR‑15 seem interchangeable. Both rifles share the familiar AR silhouette and often appear side‑by‑side on the range. Beneath the surface, however, the cartridges and magazines they feed are dramatically different. The AR‑15 fires the 5.56×45 mm NATO cartridge from lightweight 30‑round magazines, while the AR‑10 fires the larger 7.62×51 mm NATO cartridge from 20‑round magazines. The difference in cartridge length, weight, and capacity makes the two rifles’ magazines—and the pouches that hold them—distinct.

This article compares AR‑10 and AR‑15 magazines and pouches. It explains why you can’t simply swap pouches between platforms, highlights which universal pouches bridge the gap and guides on choosing the right gear. Later, we’ll explore how to choose the best 308 mag pouch, but first, let’s understand why the differences matter.

Cartridge And Magazine Differences

The 5.56 mm cartridge used in the AR‑15 is significantly shorter and lighter than the 7.62 mm cartridge used in the AR‑10. The .308/7.62 cartridge is too long to fit in standard AR‑15 magazines. As a result, AR‑10 magazines are taller, wider and heavier. A fully loaded 30‑round AR‑15 magazine weighs about 16 ounces, whereas a fully loaded 20‑round 7.62 magazine weighs around 17.6 ounces, and that’s with ten fewer rounds. The extra length and width make .308 magazines more awkward to carry, and their additional weight adds up quickly when several are worn on a chest rig or belt.

AR‑10 magazines themselves come in two patterns. The AR‑10A uses the SR‑25/DPMS‑pattern magazine (including Magpul LR 308 PMAGs), while the AR‑10B uses a magazine based on the M14. The SR‑25/DPMS pattern has become the de facto standard for most modern .308 AR rifles, but legacy ArmaLite AR‑10Bs still use the M14‑derived magazine. Because of these differences, a pouch that secures an AR‑15 magazine may not fit an AR‑10 magazine at all, and a pouch sized for AR‑10A/SR‑25 magazines could be loose when used with an M14‑pattern AR‑10B magazine.

Why AR‑15 Pouches Don’t Work For AR‑10 Magazines

Most AR‑15 pouches are designed for the slimmer 5.56 magazine.  A .308 magazine is roughly 0.25 inches wider than a 5.56 mag, so it doesn’t fit in a tight AR‑15 pouch. The 7.62 magazine also weighs more, so the pouch must provide more support to prevent bounce or failure under recoil. 

From a capacity standpoint, AR‑10 pouches typically hold between one and three 20‑round magazines, whereas AR‑15 pouches often hold two or three, four or six 30‑round magazines. Packing six full .308 magazines side by side is doable, but results in a heavy, bulky pouch, so most .308 carriers are max out at three .308 pouches.  Four and six .308 magazine pouches are available but the user needs to plan for the additional bulk and weight.

Universal Pouches And Cross‑Compatibility

A few pouches are designed to handle both 5.56 and 7.62 magazines. Due the size and weight differences previously mentioned, a dedicated pouch is your best option for best performance. 

Selecting The Right Pouch For Your Rifle

When choosing magazine pouches for your AR‑10 or AR‑15, consider the following factors:

1. Magazine pattern – Use SR‑25/DPMS‑pattern pouches for most modern AR‑10s. If you have an AR‑10B with an M14‑pattern magazine, select a pouch made for M1A/M14 magazines.  These typically have slightly different dimensions and retention straps. AR‑15 pouches won’t fit .308 magazines.
   
   
2. Retention style – Decide between an open‑top design for speed or a flap/bungee for security. Open‑top 5.56 and .308 pouches provide rapid access while shock cord/bungee retains the pouches.  Flaps can get in the way and can slow or impede access.  
   
   
3. Material – Durable materials like 1000 D Cordura nylon provide longevity.  
   
   
4. Mounting platform – Most modern pouches use MOLLE or PALS webbing, allowing you to attach them to chest rigs, battle belts or plate carriers. Ensure the pouch has enough columns for the wider .308 mag.
   
   

Key Takeaways For Pouch Selection

Because the AR‑10 and AR‑15 fire cartridges of different lengths and weights, their magazines and pouches are not interchangeable. The .308 magazine’s extra length and width, along with the existence of AR‑10A/SR‑25 and AR‑10B/M14 magazine patterns, mean you need pouches built for the larger magazine. Universal pouches like the High Speed Gear TACO or Blue Force Gear Ten‑Speed offer flexibility, but purpose‑built AR‑10 pouches provide the most secure fit. When you upgrade to a .308 rifle, invest in a dedicated 308 mag pouch to ensure your magazines are carried safely and ready for action. A follow‑on guide will discuss the materials, retention styles, and practical tips for selecting the best .308 pouch.