Ruger Mini 14 question

[foxtail207]

I inherited an older Mini 14 (181xxxxx). The manual mentions that it shoots .223/5.56 ammo. I've also read several articles that say don't use 5.56 ammo in them. So, I'm not sure about shooting 5.563 ammo in it. Are newer Mini 14s maybe only .223? Is 5.56 ammo OK to shoot?

 

[Sam1911]

If the manual says that, shoot it!

Here's the current manual:

And it's exact terminology:http://www.ruger.com/products/_manuals/mini.pdf

AMMUNITION
The RUGER® MINI-14® RANCH RIFLES are offered in two calibers: the .223 Remington (5.56mm) cartridge and the 6.8mm Remington SPC cartridge.

The Target Model uses .223 Remington cartridges only.

RUGER® MINI THIRTY RIFLES are chambered for the 7.62 x 39mm cartridge, and can use either standard U.S. military or factory loaded sporting 7.62 x 39mm cartridges manufactured in accordance with U.S. industry practice. Do not attempt to use any other cartridges in this rifle, even though “7.62mm” may appear in their names (i.e., 7.62 x 51mm NATO [.308 Winchester]; 7.62 Tokarev; 7.62 x 54 Rimmed Russian, etc.).

The Mini-14 Ranch and Mini Thirty Rifles are designed to use either standardized U.S. military, or factory loaded sporting cartridges manufactured in accordance with U.S. industry practice. Always be careful to ensure you are using the correct ammunition for your rifle. See “Ammunition Notice” & “Warning - Ammunition,” below.

 

[Art Eatman]

You can believe the manual. I always did. Nothing bad ever happened. Way back when Minis first came out, I knew some guys from Fort Hood. They'd occasionally bring me "leftover" ammo from range sessions, saving the turn-in paperwork. Worked just fine.

 

[22-rimfire]

I shot military ammo in mine without any problems. Admittedly, I didn't shoot a lot. Never really could afford to just plink with a center fire regardless of whether the ammunition was .223 or 5.56.

 

[desidog]

I've been running a 181- Ranch rifle for 15+ years, in the early years I was shooting surplus South African 5.56NATO...back when it was like 8 cents a round...

No worries; mine will eat anything, and then put the brass in a low earth orbit.

 

[carbine85]

You can run steel case ammo through if you want to.

 

[Tommygunn]

The Mini 14 is an odd duck. The gun says .223 but the chamber is 5.56mm. and yes you can put 5.56mm through it.
The usual "rule" is if it is 5.56mm. you can use it on 5.56mm and .223, but if it says .223 then you "shouldn't" use 5.56mm. in it, ONLY .223.
But the Mini 14 takes both just fine.

 

[1KPerDay]

I inherited an older Mini 14 (181xxxxx). The manual mentions that it shoots .223/5.56 ammo. I've also read several articles that say don't use 5.56 ammo in them.

Where?

 

[jmr40]

The newer target versions have chambers cut to minimum specs. Some 5.56 ammo may not function in those rifles. All others are fine. Finding any 223 chambered rifle that has issues shooting 5.56 would be extremely rare.

 

[YZ]

Probably in most cases 5.56 NATO will chamber and fire in a 223 Rem bolt action rifle, even when the manual says don't do it. For my rifle, I stick to the manual. As long as both kinds of ammo are available and cost the same, I simply don't bother to overrule the manual and see what happens.

As far as the Mini 14, 5.56 is fine, positively.

 

[Crowcifier666]

I shoot M193 in my 580 series all day. No problems.

 

[ngnrd]

The Mini 14 is an odd duck. The gun says .223 but the chamber is 5.56mm.

Look at it again. I'd bet a dollar it says 223 CAL, not .223 REM. I don't know why they mark 'em like that - but they do. Bottom line is, except for the TARGET model, military ammo is acceptable - per the user's manual.

 

[borderrattus]

I have an early one and it eats anything I give it.

 

[Sun Tzu warrior]

A 181 series mini WILL fire both just fine, however, most who complain about accuracy are using mil-spec ammo designed for a different rate of twist than you have.
Mine (all 181- 185 series) shoot 55gr ammo accurately, while the heavier weight mil-spec, not so much. Yes you can shoot the NATO stuff, but please, don't come back here posting how your Mini 14 only gives you minute of barn accuracy, if you do. .......Just sayin'..........
STW

 

[W.E.G.]

don't come back here posting how your Mini 14 only gives you minute of barn accuracy

Yep. Nobody would believe him.

Video, or it didn't happen.

 

[hentown]

Yeah, I always go by, "I've read somewhere...." vs. what the manual says, myself.

 

[desidog]

Yes you can shoot the NATO stuff, but please, don't come back here posting how your Mini 14 only gives you minute of barn accuracy, if you do. .......Just sayin'..........
STW

The rate of twist ain't got anything on the thin barrel of a 181- Mini. Four or five quick shots and the POI is going to walk. I've found mine is very consistent, in an almost linear relationship with whatever temperature it is at.... it always walks up and to the right....how hot = how far.

 

[YZ]

Too bad, it is handy like no other. Especially the 580+. If I could only score better than with my AR.

 

[Bush Pilot]

Yep. Nobody would believe him.

Video, or it didn't happen.

Even then I wouldn't believe it.

 

[Art Eatman]

Question answered...