Posted on 03/26/2016 5:51:49 AM PDT by rktman
When it comes to .223 Rem. semi-automatic rifles, Ruger’s Mini-14 has long been one of the obvious choices. And it’s no wonder, considering it offers nearly the same handiness as the M1 Carbine, the ballistics of the AR15, and the feel of the classic M1 Garand and M14. The Mini’s popularity confirms its strong perceived relevance among a wide range of users, and sustained sales for more than 40 years is evidence of its sound design—even if it’s unfairly judged by the same criteria as today’s predominant platform, the AR, which enjoys the huge advantages of U.S. military adoption and unlimited manufacturing sources. So while some consider the Mini a bit dowdy or lowly, it is actually a serious standout worth giving a second look. Here are just five of the many reasons why a Mini Ranch, Tactical, Target or Thirty model should be on your short list the next time you shop for a modern rifle:
(Excerpt) Read more at dailycaller.com ...
Easier to modify the mags.
The 556 is loaded to higher chamber pressure than the 223. When fired in a 223 chamber (shorter leade) the gun experiences higher pressures than experienced in a 556 chamber.
Physically, you would have difficulty measuring the physical difference on the 2 rounds (the specs overlap), the difference is in their interior ballistics behavior.
Best accuracy is seldom at max loading for most ammunition.
Live round or expended?
Dang,
sounds Bad.
Minis seem overpriced as well,
Live
Apparently the WD-40 will render the round inert for shipping purposes.
It sucks.
The only unsatisfactory experience I have had with firing mil spec ammo in a .223 chamber was with an early (late 1980s) Kimber. The rifle had a very tight chamber and lacked sufficient expansion room in the neck. Like you, I have used mill spec brass and commercial brass interchangably with no issue. The ammo is fired in AR, M16 and various commercial bolt action platforms plus a Ruger #1.
I enjoyed the rifle when it works right. Lots of problems with the feed. Now I can’t even open it. I could force it but that pesky 223 is waiting for that chance to take my thumb off.
WD-40 kills the powder and the primer. If you have no experience removing rounds from the breech then it is best to send it to Ruger or take it to the local gunsmith. Once the round is “dead” then it is relatively easy (usually) to remove it. Is this by chance a steel cased round?
I bought my Mini-14 in 1975. I’ve been happy with is.
I’ve .223 hollow point for hunting and 5.56 military surplus ball for target shooting.
I’ll usually do a 3” group at 200 yards, so I have no complaints.
I paid $299 for it when I bought it 40 years ago.
The cost of a Ruger Mini-14 is the same as an AR-15. Why bother to get an inferior weapon?
“No they didn’t. My mini-ranch will not fire 5.56.”
Depends on the year made and version of the Mini-14.
My Ranch Rifle is stamped for the 5.56 and .223 rounds.
http://www.ruger.com/products/mini14RanchRifle/models.html
The Tactical Rifle is stamped .223 only. I do not know why.
http://www.ruger.com/products/mini14TacticalRifle/models.html
It’s the Remington UMC .55 grain Brass
“It’s not scary looking:”
In CA, the scary looking AR-15 requires a bullet button and has a maximum 10 round magazine. The non-scary looking Mini-14 does not have a bullet button and you can load a 20 or 30 round magazine without modification (although it is illegal to possess one in CA).
The one I had-I lost it in the bottom of the lake, I never cleaned the action for a couple years. It would NEVER fail to fire, EVER.
But it was a scatter gun. But would still put 20 rounds into a man sized target at a 100 yards, soooo.
Interesting. In any case (pun intended) WD-40 is the first step. Get the receiver submerged and fill the barrel with it. A gallon paint can is what I use. Autozone here carries WD by the gallon - not aerosol. Check it every few days and keep the barrel full. Also I have had rounds come loose after the WD treatment.
Mind gun safety and barrel discipline. PM me if you want to chat about it after it has soaked for a few weeks.
I have two gallons of WD-40. Just need to get a vessel.
I had mine in the Eighties. I didn’t remember hearing about any fix for it then. Got rid of it pretty quickly.
When it first jammed I was beating on the slide with a rubber hammer. I decided to stop as that damn round was going to blow up in my face.
Thanks for taking the time to respond. I will certainly let you know the outcome, as this is a rare event.
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