echokilo60

not sure where to post this, anyone have an opinion on running m193 or m855 in the mini-14.

BlueOvalFan

When in doubt check the user manuals:

http://www.ruger.com/service/productHistory.html#

But to answer your question I believe all will except the target model/version.

Robertsusaf

if the barrel or manual says 5.56 on it then your good. If the gun only says .223 then i would not run 5.56 loads in it.

1KPerDay

5.56 runs fine in the mini.

High Hat

Feel free to double check me with the SAMMI. You can fire .223 in a rifle chambered for 5.56, you should not fire 5.56 in a rifle chambered for .223.

Also, you can fire 7.62 NATO in a rifle chambered for .308, but should not fire .308 in a rifle chambered for 7.62 NATO.

Just because it seems to work doesn't mean it's good for the rifle or you.

AKA Hugh Uno

this keeps on coming up and is without any doubt the most MIS-understood issue on the planet.

1. The Ruger Mini-14 can shoot ANY ammo marked EITHER 5.56 or 223.
2. There CAN BE some relatively MINOR pressure differences between commercial .223 and (various) military/NATO) marked 5.56. SAMMI recommends against using 5.56 in .223 (altough they did NOT before the late 70's). CIP (the 100% Independent International Body, and not the "toady" SAMMI MANUFACTURER's "group organization") makes NO distinction between the two rounds at all.
3. No modern weapon has EVER blown up etc. from shooting 5.56 in a .223 marked rifle. In fact, it would be VERY difficult to even find ANY "true" SAAMI minimum spec rifle actually chambered in .223 (maybe an early bolt gun from the 70's) as just about ALL manufacturers use some form of "hybrid" chamber. The rounds are otherwise EXACTLY the same dimensions.
4. The 7.62 vs. .308 thing is not even worth the hassle of debating. NEITHER SAMMI nor CIP makes any distinction between the two. They are in EVERY respect, the SAME (dimensions, pressure range, etc.). In fact, the WIDEST variation from lowest (actual, NO BS, MEASURED) pressure to the absolute HIGHEST pressure ammo is 7.62 marked ammo, including a good bit of USGI LC marked ammo!).

Just do a search of the forum for all the info you need.

Pidd01

As per the owners manual that came with mine. It is a pre ban model. The reciever is marked .223

This manual applies only to Mini-14 rifles having the serial numbers beginning with prefix numbers 181 thru 185.

Mini-14 rifles are chambered for either .223 Remington (5.56mm military) cartridge and are designed to use either standardized U.S. military or factory loaded sporting .223 (5.56mm) cartridges manufactured in accordance with U.S. industry practice.

Mine falls into the 185 prefix.

1KPerDay

Perhaps, but Ruger Mini-14s have a Wylde chamber that works wonderfully with both, per the factory info. Even though they say .223 on the barrel. So you can calm down now.

The .223 TARGET model may be different. Use at your own risk.

echokilo60

thanks for all the input.guess my lazy ass could write ruger for a manual. figured it was ok but had trouble w a 77VT piercing primers with ppu m193 that is what brought up the ????? thanks again

cpk1979

Or you can download the PDF file.....

http://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/FIR...ini14ranch.pdf

AKA Hugh Uno

I (very strongly) doubt the "Target" version has a true .223 chamber either (it is a hammer-forged barrel). It does have a 1/9 twist (vs. 1/10 in the "regular") version and the barrel weight system (apparently) accumulates a decent amount of fouling, but neither would increase pressure all that much. I suspect it's more of a way to ensure people who expect "target" accuracy don't start contacting the factory complaining when the Green Tip ammo they shoot doesn't make one inch groups. Sticking with .223 headstamped ammo means that bullet quality stays pretty high.