Loading for the Mini 14

[hlq]

I am just starting to load for a new mini 14 that I picked up and would like to know some of you favorite loads for the mini.

I'll be shooting mostly 50 to 60 gr grain bullets i guess, but would like to try a few lighter bullets also.

Bullets, powder.. Which work the best in your mini 14?

hlq

 

[steve4102]

The Mini-14 has been manufactured with a couple different twist rates. What is the twist of your mini?

 

[hlq]

It's the 1:9 RH I believe, the new black synthetic.

 

[hlq]

Anybody?

 

[Floppy_D]

I used H4895 and bulk 55g FMJBT, no feeding problems, groups seemed fairly decent. I've also used Reloader 10X, but only because it was given to me. Both powders seemed to do the trick just fine.

 

[dagger dog]

Hornady 55gr #2266 SPw/c 22.7 grs Win. 748 Win Brass WSR primed COL
2.20" is the starting load in Hornady V Manual. I used it in my Kmini Ranch 191 series, it cycles fine and is reliable.

If using a Mini for home defense make sure to use a bullet with cannelure and a firm crimp, and check the Col to make sure it will fit your magazine and function through the action. The Minis rather violent op rod cycle, will loosen any bullet not firmly crimped.

Not to rain on your parade, I to am a brother in the Ruger fan club ,but I gave up hand loading for my Mini many years ago (that wasn't a stutter). Its rather challenged in the accuracy department especially after the barrel warms up, so I just buy and shoot surplus or medium priced, factory fodder. I gave up on trying to find a pet load, because it just doesn't pan out. I have some of that loading I gave at the top of the page, but loaded with a higher charge, that I use for home defense, and one or two shot varmint control. But after that the barrel heats up and the accuracy starts to wander.

You will be hard pressed to find a rifle as reliable as the Mini, it will digest and cycle pickles if you could fit them in the mag. If you want to go hicap try to buy the factorys or a Masen or one of the other high quality mags.

I would not want to be any where near 500 meters of the working end of any Mini. It is a fine weapon when used within the design limits and a whole lot of fun to shoot. If you want to reload for it make sure to get a brass catcher! You'll find out why ! Have fun.

 

[mallc]

Mini

Have a buddy with a Mini 14, It eats up my 223 stock like there's no tomorrow. He complains about it being a bit stout but I just tell him to get a real AR.

25.5 Grains H335 and 55 gr Hornady HPBT. I think it works out to about $0.13 a round.

Scott

 

[hlq]

I picked up a couple of pounds of H335 to try out and several different Hornady bullets, 55 and 50 grains to try. I guess we'll see how it goes!

 

[Walkalong]

27.2 to 27.5 Grs of SRB-118 and any 55 to 62 Gr Gr FMJBT for blasting loads.

Any sane load with W748 or H335 from the various books will work perfectly.

 

[748]

I use to load a lot of M193s with 28gr of 748 and any standard small rifle primer.

 

[tlen]

I have to agree with dagger dog that the Mini-14 was a real disappointment. Getting all rounds on a 9" paper plate at 100 yds was a good day and my friends had the same results. Enough said…….

 

[Walkalong]

He asked for load suggestions, not complaints about accuracy.