FrankB1948
Member
A friend just bought a Ruger Mini 14 target model. Ruger specifies that the target model can only shoot .223 while other Mini 14s can shoot the 5.56 NATO round. I'm curious does anyone know why?
Has to do with the pressure produced by the 5.56 NATO round. Maximum pressures are greater in the 5.56 than in the .223 factory ammo
Why cant you shoot steel-cased Russian ammo? We have a mini-14 and 30. They both feed, shoot, eject steel all day long.I have the Mini14 Ranch, I called Ruger (a few years ago) to confirm that I could shoot 5.56×45mm and that is exactly what the Ruger rep said, 5.56 was a No-Go in target model. it is still odd because the Ranch rifle barrel is stamped with .223 but the Ranch owner’s manual does make reference to 5.56 and I've shot both w/o issues. I just wish we could shoot the cheaper Russian ammo in them, that's about the only thing stopping me from buying the Mini30.
...The target guns have chambers cut to minimum tolerences to aid in accuracy. It wouldn't be dangerous to shoot 5.56 in the target rifle...