Mini 14 & 5.56 Surplus Ammo

Status
Not open for further replies.
C

cottontoptexan

Member
Joined
Dec 24, 2004
Messages
85
I just acquired a MINI 14 in 223. I assume it is 223 Rem but will it also shoot the surplus ammo in 5.56 or should i avoid this ammo. It is no target gun even with good reloads but it is loads of fun.
 
Well, the safest route is to follow SAAMI recommendations.

http://www.saami.org/Unsafe_Combinations.cfm

That says don't do it.

That said I think you will hear from many Mini owners that don't think twice about it.
I personally have shot nothing but 5.56 surplus in my Mini14 since the mid 80's and never had a worry about it.

But in the end you are going against published safety recommendations if you do it so you are on your own.

Now, that's SAAMI. The owners manual I have for my series 181 Mini says that it's not a problem at all and the rounds can be used interchangeably in the Mini14.

Here is a link to the Mini14 Manual for series 181-186. On page 11 you will see the section on ammo.

The Mini-14 Rifle is designed to use either standardized U.S.
military, or factory loaded sporting .223 (5.56mm) cartridges manufactured in
accordance with U.S. industry practice.
Click to expand...

If you decide to do it you might consider a heavier recoil spring. Wolff makes them, I am sure there are others.
 
Mini 14 and 5.56

Thankyou for the quick reply. I will check out getting a good recoil spring from Wolffe. I do not want to shoot it with an unsafe condition. My AR was built around 1999 and from what i understand i should not shoot Military surplus in it. It is an Armalite HBAR 20" M15A2.
 
Thankyou for the quick reply. I will check out getting a good recoil spring from Wolffe. I do not want to shoot it with an unsafe condition. My AR was built around 1999 and from what i understand i should not shoot Military surplus in it. It is an Armalite HBAR 20" M15A2.
Click to expand...

Isn't that one chambered for 5.56? If it is, surplus ammo should be fine.
 
My AR was built around 1999 and from what i understand i should not shoot Military surplus in it. It is an Armalite HBAR 20" M15A2.
Click to expand...

I'd be shocked if your barrel was not stamped 5.56.
 
Ruger specifically says that U.S. Military-spec 5.56 may be used in the .223 Rem marked Mini's--it's right in the manual that came with the rifle.

TexasRifleman is right about SAAMI of course; but they are in the busniess of splitting-hairs and must speak to the lowest common denominator and worst-case-scenario. Ruger made the gun.
 
Barrel Markings on AR15

I still have the box it came in, the Armalite M15A2 and it says 223 Remington chambering. Guess i have to pull the handguards to actually verify what chamber is in this gun. I did speak to Armalite when placing an order for another upper from them (M15A4T) and they said it could very well be chambered in 223 and not safe to fire the 5.56 in it. Thankyou gentlemen for the input. guess i better pull those handguards and look.
 
I still have the box it came in, the Armalite M15A2 and it says 223 Remington chambering
Click to expand...

Wow , learn something every day. I'd have bet there was no way they sold a .223 only barrel.
 
Armalite Barrel Markings

Just pulled the handguards on the M15A2 Armalite. There are absolutely no markings which can be seen on the barrel. This may seem odd but just letting you guys know that the barrel is not marked but the box says 223.
 
My manual says that it is safe. The gun IS labeled 223 But it has a 556 chamber. A quick call to ruger with your serial number will answer this FOR SURE.

call ruger
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

C
  • Locked
Can a Mini-14 safely eat 5.56mm?
Replies
5
Views
1K
diesel83
D
F
  • Locked
Ruger Mini 14 question
Replies
19
Views
2K
Art Eatman
A
K
  • Locked
Savage Axis and 5.56
Replies
10
Views
3K
dprice3844444
D
R
  • Locked
Is 5.56x45mm safe to shoot in Mini-14?
Replies
15
Views
19K
rcmodel
R
F
  • Locked
Mini 14 target model
Replies
11
Views
3K
MistWolf
M
Back
Top