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Ruger mini 14

ramrat

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Question for you guys. My dad bought a mini new in 1978 and it says 223 on the it. From what I have read on line some say you can shoot 556 and some say you cant. What do you guys think?
 

Dub11

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I wouldn't.

All I can think of is a buddy of mine trying to shoot 556 and the case getting stuck.
 

old guy

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I had on back about that time, shot a lot of 5.56 thru it.
 

srcarr52

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As long as it's not the Target rifle it's actually chambered in 5.56 even though it's stamped .223. You'll know if it's .223 only as the bolt will not close easy as the 5.56 is 0.125" longer on the necked down section of the cartridge and you won't have the head space for it.

The wiki page for the mini-14 is pretty accurate.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_Mini-14

I have a mini-14, I shoot mostly 5.56 out of it. Dang thing can practically shoot around corners, they suffer from barrel whip bad and my barrel is probably worn out.
 

Duce

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If you go by gun manufacturers. 5.56 has higher case pressure than 223 and gun chambered in 5.56 can handle either, 223 should only shoot 223. Unless it's 223 wylde. 308 can handle 308 or 7.62, 7.62 only shoot 7.62 because it has lower case pressure.
 

ucm931

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If you go by gun manufacturers. 5.56 has higher case pressure than 223 and gun chambered in 5.56 can handle either, 223 should only shoot 223. Unless it's 223 wylde. 308 can handle 308 or 7.62, 7.62 only shoot 7.62 because it has lower case pressure.
It's always been interesting to me that with the .223/5.56, the military spec cartridge is higher pressure, but in the larger .308/7.62 it is the opposite.
 

USMC615

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In this particular case given it's probably either a Mini-14 Standard or Ranch model, it'll handle 5.56 just as well.
 
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Duce

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If you read more, bolt action is not a big deal. Some cases may get stuck, because head space is shorter in 223. More of a problem in auto's. Just like saws, it's your firearms run them how you think best.
 

Stevetheboatguy

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Never had a issue with .556 in a mini. They will eat anything and throw the cases into the next county. First few rounds will be somewhat ok normally but after about 10 they will open up. Personally I don't think it matters too much. I sure wouldn't want to be on the receiving end.

Find a butler creek folding stock and they make a sweet truck gun. Wickedly fun guns those mini's.


Steven
 

srcarr52

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Never had a issue with .556 in a mini. They will eat anything and throw the cases into the next county. First few rounds will be somewhat ok normally but after about 10 they will open up. Personally I don't think it matters too much. I sure wouldn't want to be on the receiving end.

Find a butler creek folding stock and they make a sweet truck gun. Wickedly fun guns those mini's.

Steven

I have the stainless Butler Creek folding stock on my stainless standard model. It looks pretty menacing but isn't the most accurate thing. Like you said, it will eat anything you feed it. Mill surplus, cheap steel casings it doesn't care.

Ok thanks guys. I found a guy with some 556 he is looking to get rid of.

I'd split some with you if you don't want to buy the whole bunch.
 

ramrat

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I have the stainless Butler Creek folding stock on my stainless standard model. It looks pretty menacing but isn't the most accurate thing. Like you said, it will eat anything you feed it. Mill surplus, cheap steel casings it doesn't care.



I'd split some with you if you don't want to buy the whole bunch.
Not looking good after talking to him this morning. we will see
 

FergusonTO35

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May want to sign up for rugerforum.com and ask about it, there are some real Ruger experts over there.

I've always been a Mini fan, love the M14 look in a cheap and easy to shoot cartridge. Problem is, an AR or even a bolt action just works much better for me in real life. Reasons I never got a Mini, even though I love the concept:

1. The only place you can get most spare parts is Ruger.
2. Accuracy is always a problem, at least after the first couple of shots. The newer ones are alot better, but still lag behind even most cheap AR's.
3. They fling brass into the next zip code, and often dent it as well. You can spend $$ on an adjustable gas block, but that adds to an already rather high price and of course is not something Ruger wants to see if you ever send it in for service.
4. Aftermarket mags are very hit and miss in terms of function, however I understand they are alot better than they used to be. While WBR was in the picture, the company would only sell five rounders to us poor serfs. By contrast, an AR mag would have to be total junk not to at least feed rounds. The $9.95 Mission First Tactical mags at my side job shop work great, I use them for practice.

The Mini equipped with a fun switch, the AC-556, is a screaming bargain among transferable machine guns. I may ened up with a Mini someday if I stumble onto a good deal. If nothing else, as a tribute to the televised screeching tires and rapid fire (which never hit anyone) that soaked my elementary school brain!

2U8wqN1RaN8kSZ4Q_uQsJlSa-OgzX95NSDZM5LKxZMYej6kgU3Nvf-0N2XGZwuLS9KHdpuEm5zcmNW9tY89Mhc0pNCWt12hTMh6ZBit_hBvXAaBlurSZGsDRlru7SUX2EA
 
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ramrat

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Thanks for all the response’s. I think the deal with the 556 fell throw.
 
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