Preban Mini 14 / New Mini 14 Ranch rifle Loads

G

Gregory Gauvin

New member
I loaded up 55 grain berry's FMJ with 25 grains of H-4895 for my Preban Mini. COAL 2.240". Thought they shot well. Wasn't expecting fantastic results with the old pencil barrel and mediocre sights but managed 1" groups. I didn't think I would see anything better than 4".

My buddy bought a new Ranch rifle with the beefier barrel and 1/9 twist and wanted me to work up a load for him. I was wondering if anybody has a pet load with 55 grainers and H4895. I have read some people have gotten best groups with a 25.5gr charge.

Max charge is 26grs with H4895. I was wondering if the MINIs prefer lighter loads over near max loads. Any input?
 
I haven't tried 4895 though I may now. Mine likes loads on the lighter side. For what I have tried it seems to like 24.5gr of 4064 w 55gr bullet. Mine is a newer mini. If I recall max for 55gr is 25.5 or 26. It does cycle fine.
 
One inch groups from an older Mini 14 sounds good initially, thats' certainly good if you're shooting at 100 yards or more. I also have an older Mini 14, Christmas gift from my wife and daughter, 1990. You may want to check your twist rate, mine is 1-7 and likes heavy bullets. At this time my best group was a 3 shot 1 hole group using Varget and a 75 grain bullet. It is currently early, check back this evening and I will send you the exact load.
As for your freinds' new gun, even though it's a 1-9 twist the gun may actually like heavier (60-69) grain bullets, many shooters report so.
There is a lot of data for .223/5.56, go to the Hodgden site and start selecting load combinations, it's a very friendly users' site.
My standard advice is to find a load which your gun likes then develop loads using 2-3 more powders. My reason for doing so is, as mentioned earlier my Mini 14 likes Varget but during the panic buying Varget was scarce yet 4064 and H4895 were readily available as is data for both.

1st Marine division, 3rd Marines
 
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Clinton's ban doesn't/didn't apply to Mini's, as I recall. However, 2.240" is too long for a 55. Any issues fitting in the mag?
Don't think I'd fix it though. 1" out of any Mini is kind of miraculous. Moreso if it's consistent.
A 1 in 9 rifle will likely prefer heavier bullets, but try your load anyway.
 
As mentioned earlier, here is the load which produced a 3 shot 1 hole group:
Cases = mixed, pre fired in Mini.
Trim = 1.735
COL = 2.258
Bullet = Hornady 75 grn. BTHP Match #2279
Primer = CCI #400 SR
Powder = Varget
Charge = 19.5

Of course all guns shoot different, your results may vary.

1st Marine division, 3rd Marines
 
Yes, my COAL does fit the magazine. XM193 55 grain military ball I measured at 2.250" max.

I have noted that 2.280" is the max length a .223 will fit an AR-15 magazine, not sure about a Mini14 mag, but 2.250" XM193 did fit and function fine. I doubt it could take bullets any longer.

My mini14 is a preban 1978 with a 1:12 twist.
 
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