How to Choose the Best .308/M1A/M14 Magazine Pouch

.308‑caliber magazines power a range of rifles, from AR‑10s and DPMS‑pattern carbines to Springfield M1A and classic M14 battle rifles. While the rifles differ, they all share one thing: magazines that are wider, taller, and heavier than the ubiquitous AR‑15 magazine. 

Choosing the right pouch ensures quick reloads on the range and secure retention in the field. In this guide, we examine magazine dimensions, retention options, materials, and configuration tips so you can choose a pouch that fits your needs.

Before we dive in, you may want to review our .308 mag pouch comparison article to understand why these carriers differ from their 5.56 counterparts and AR10 mag pouches. Here, we focus on making an informed choice for your .308, M1A or M14 rifle. Later, we’ll highlight the top magazine pouches that have proven themselves in the field.

Know Your Magazine

AR‑10s and similar rifles typically use twenty‑round box magazines for the 7.62 x 51-millimeter cartridge. These magazines are longer and wider than 30‑round AR‑15 mags, and they weigh about 1.1 pounds when loaded. 

Understanding the size helps narrow down which pouch will fit comfortably on your gear. M1A and M14 rifles also use 7.62 magazines, but older ArmaLite AR‑10Bs use an M14‑derived magazine. 

If your rifle uses the SR‑25/DPMS pattern, you can select from a wide range of .308 pouches; if it uses an M14 pattern, choose a pouch advertised for M1A magazines. Our .308 mag pouches fit M1A magazines. Twenty-round .308 mags are not as long as AR15 thirty-round magazines, but they are .25 inches wider.

Retention Options

Retention determines how securely a magazine stays in its pouch and how quickly you can draw it. The Boreal Defence guide provides a useful breakdown of retention types:

• Elastic/open‑top: Elastic pouches hug the magazine tightly and allow very fast draws. They are common for 5.56 mags but may provide insufficient retention for heavier .308 mags. We do not make elastic mag pouches for a variety of reasons, mostly because they tend to stretch out over time and are sloppy. Elastic is not as durable as 1000d. Reindexing in elastic pouches is extremely difficult.
• Bungee cord: An open‑top pouch with an adjustable bungee over the top offers a balance of speed and security. It’s popular for .308 mags because the bungee keeps the heavier magazine from bouncing. This is how we make them and feel is the best solution.

Our .308 Mag Pouch Materials and Durability

Durability matters when carrying heavy .308 magazines. Quality pouches are built from 500 D or 1000 D Cordura nylon, which resists abrasion and tearing. Hybrid pouches use rigid polymer to provide structure and allow one‑handed re‑indexing. 

Capacity and Configuration

• Single versus double versus triple pouches: A single .308 pouch holds one twenty‑round magazine. Double pouches carry two mags side by side and are the most common arrangement; they balance capacity with manageable width. Triple .308 pouches exist, but become quite heavy.
• MOLLE compatibility: Most modern pouches use MOLLE or PALS webbing for attachment. Ensure your chest rig or belt has enough columns to accommodate the width of a .308 pouch. Some pouches also feature webbing on the front for stacking smaller accessory pouches (e.g., pistol mags or utility pouches).
• Orientation and ride height: Magazines can be oriented 'bullets forward' or 'bullets rearward.' Choose the orientation that facilitates your reload technique. Some pouches mount higher on a belt to clear body armor, while others ride low for easier access; choose based on your gear setup and body shape.

Summary and Next Steps

Selecting the best .308/M1A/M14 magazine pouch requires balancing retention, speed, durability, and comfort. Know your rifle’s magazine pattern and choose a pouch sized accordingly. Decide how much retention you need; bungee cords provide security while open‑top designs maximize speed. 

Finally, consider materials, capacity, and how the pouch integrates with your gear. Curious about the best AR10 mag pouches out there? Don’t miss our latest post!

Browse our selection of .308/M1A/M14 magazine pouches below:

.308/M1A/M14 Magazine Pouch - 20 Round Magazine Capacity

.308/M1A/M14 Magazine Pouch - 10 Round Magazine Capacity