Mini 14 shooters! WHat brand/weight ammo to use?

[TCW]

Hey,

I was wondering what your favorite ammo brand/weight is for the mini 14? Looking for FMJ and JHP.

Thanks!
TCW

 

[blades67]

I've been using 55 and 62 grain weights, but no favorite brands yet.

 

[Point Blank]

Same here,55 and 62 grain Wolf.Am going to handload soon for my mini hoping to get better accuracy.

 

[PreserveFreedom]

I've been shooting 55 grain Wolf FMJ. It's cheap and it works fine.

 

[Art Eatman]

When did Minis first come out? I've had four; they all seemed equally happy with any 50- to 55-grain ammo, whether new or reloads.

Art

 

[rugerfreak]

Art---Mini's came out in 1975 or so and 1978 for the stainless ones. The rate of twist has been gradually tightened to the 1 in 9 twist of the rifles sold these days. I have only used the 55 gn FMJ from both Reminton and Winchester, but with that rate of twist I think you could use up 62gn bullets and have good results.

 

[Jamie Young]

I've shot everything out of my Mini 14 and none of the factory brands impressed me. Although I was always shooting 55gr factory loads. I mostly shoot 62gr Steal core rounds with 26.1gr of WC844. Its the exact same load as USGI M855. Last sunday I shot (4)69gr Hollow points into 1inch group. I guess my new powder drop is making a difference.

 

[4V50 Gary]

Without checking my notes, the first Minis were something like 1-12", then for a while it was 1-7", but after receiving numerous complaints (especially from CA Dept. of Corrections), Ruger went to the 1-9" barrel. BTW, Green Mountain makes the Mini14 barrels for Ruger.

 

[ED CHAVEZ]

Mini-14:

On older Mini's 1-7" twist use 55grain ammo.

On new Mini's 1-9" twist use heavier ammo 62 grain or 64gr.

 

[Shin-Tao]

Various batches of South African 55grain work perfectly with my carbine.

 

[ED CHAVEZ]

On the newer carbines(Mini-14) any .223/5.56 ammo works on them, be it 50gr to 68gr.

 

[DFBonnett]

Many Mini shooters have had their best results with Federal AE 50 gr JHPs. My K-Mini 1:7 twist does a bit over 3 MOA with it. Not as devestating on porcupines and feral cats as the 40 gr Blitz, but more accurate and gets the job done with authority.

 

[swsurgeon]

I bought a stainless Ranch model in the late 80's, but don't know what the rate of twist is. In any event, it will shoot PMC 55 gr. into 2-3 inch groups. About the same performance out of 62 gr. SS-109. However, a couple of my friends have sold Mini-14s that wouldn't shoot anything into under 3 inches. They say I simply got lucky with the rifle I bought.

swsurgeon