Reloading for the Mini 14, tips and tricks

[Skyshot]

My thoughts on the mini after owning a few, hmm. I currently have a newer 581 series with the short heavy barrel. Before chasing load development, I would do a few proven mods that will make the mini a much tighter shooter. I have done all of these myself. You can choose to do these or pay a gunsmith to do. I would do a baseline test with XM193 ammo before and after so you can judge the results. Because the mini can be hard to diagnose.
1. Trigger job
2. Barrel stabilizer
3. Make sure the gas block is square and evenly torqued
4. Bed the receiver for side to side fit.

Now do your load development.

 

[steve4102]

I have no experience with the mini-14, but I do own a couple mini-30s.

The barrels on these rifles were rough, really rough. Accuracy was poor right out of the box, 3-5 inch groups with plenty of flyers.

Ran the Tubbs Final Finish down the bores and groups dropped down to a consistant 2" with no flyers.

Might want to check out your bore

 

[GBExpat]

[OT]

I've got a 181(?) series stainless mini, ...

Hmmm ... I was unaware that they offered that initial version of the Mini-14 in stainless steel.

I bought my first one in late '78 or early '79, a 181- blue with the black "plastic" handguard.

I currently have a 184- stainless that I bought in ~1986/7.

[/OT]

 

[Elkins45]

Based on my personal experience it doesn't really matter how you load for the raunch rifle. I could have seated my bullets upside down and it wouldn't have made a difference. I have fired milsurp rifles with bores that looked like used sewer pipes and they still shot tighter groups the my RR did. And to add insult to injury you have to hike into the next county to pick up your mangled brass--assuming you aren't performing first aid on some unlucky guy to your right who was knocked unconscious by one of your high velocity empties.

So what I'm trying to say is that if you have a RR on layaway it's not too late to bail out and buy something decent instead.

 

[Sun Tzu warrior]

If you want to shoot for groups, use your bolt gun.
For plinking no crimp necessary.
If your life depends on it, use good quality factory loads., of the proper weight.
Not having said what series your mini is, be mindful which rate of twist your barrel has when choosing bullet weight or you will get the same results as Elkins.
I have mini's with 1in10, 1in9, and 1in7 twist rates, 55 gr milsurp does not play well with all 3.
STW

 

[hdwhit]

The only other thing with the mini 14 is it throws brass a long ways.

I was surprised to read that. My 181-series and my father's 182-series (it may be the other way around) are pretty consistent at putting the brass about six feet to my right and two feet behind me.

Of course, the only .223 I shoot are my own reloads and most were loaded with 20.3 grains of IMR-4198 underneath a Hornady 60 grain soft point or hollow point bullet, so the consistency of the load and the bullet may have something to do with that.

Please note the load specified above was less than maximum per the 4th Edition of the Hornady Manual which was current at the time the ammunition was loaded. Current data for IMR-4198 shows that would be above maximum. Please follow current published data for all loads.

 

[SARuger]

I sent about 300 factory rounds down range today and I'm impressed! Yes it sends brass everywhere, but we have one bay at the range that is set up to collect brass so it wasn't too bad. This thing shoots nice. It needs some trigger work as this one is a little heavy even for me. I could easily hit the 18" gong at 250yrds, ripped the 125yrd gong off its chains and I haven't put it on paper yet to dial it in. I tried the Tapco mags and they worked well, got a few more on order.

So far, I'm happy. Gas bushings should fix the launching brass, might send the trigger off for some work. Next step, sight in at 100yrds and then start a ladder test to find the sweet spot.

I made a pile of brass today and picked some up that others left. Range day is always a good day!

 

[Dudedog]

Yes it sends brass everywhere

Yep
Hope you enjoy your MINI.

 

[Toprudder]

Following.

I have an older .308 barrel Mini-30. So far, the best I have been able to manage with reloads is about 3-4" @100, on a good day.

In looking at the Accuracy Systems page, I think I may invest in the gas port bushing kit, and maybe a stronger recoil spring. Not only does it fling brass a long ways, almost every one is dented where it hits the slide.