Mini-30 and Hornady Steel Case Ammo

[jski]

How does the Ruger Mini-30 do with Hornady’s steel case ammo? Does it suffer from same light primer strikes that are common with Russian steel case ammo?

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I can't speak to the Hornady but the Russian was absolute hell on extractors.

Likely the lacquer on the Russian and I don't know how or if Hornady even bothers with that.

Todd.

 

[jski]

I can't speak to the Hornady but the Russian was absolute hell on extractors.

Likely the lacquer on the Russian and I don't know how or if Hornady even bothers with that.

Todd.

Well really it comes down to what primers is Hornady using with their steel case ammo? I assume Hornady is getting those steel cases from somewhere in Russia? If those steel cases are manufactured for Berdan primers, I bet those also come from Russia.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Well really it comes down to what primers is Hornady using with their steel case ammo? I assume Hornady is getting those steel cases from somewhere in Russia? If those steel cases are manufactured for Berdan primers, I bet those also come from Russia.

That's an interesting tack to take.

Now, I'm more curious than ever. I'm unlikely to be a buyer for steel case but it'll be good to know should some show up at an estate sale.

Todd.

 

[someguy2800]

The hornady steel case that I have shot appears to me to Russian manufacture, but loaded with American powder and bullets. It shoots very well for me but I don't have a mini 30.

 

[fireman 9731]

The one box of steel cased Hornady SST that I have is lacquer coated and has a Barnaul stamp on it. I'm pretty sure they get the primed cases from the Ruskies then add their own powder and bullet. It has been accurate and deadly in my CZ Carbine.

 

[jski]

The one box of steel cased Hornady SST that I have is lacquer coated and has a Barnaul stamp on it. I'm pretty sure they get the primed cases from the Ruskies then add their own powder and bullet. It has been accurate and deadly in my CZ Carbine.

I assume then that I’d see the same light primer strikes with Hornady steel case ammo that I see with 100% Russki ammo.

 

[illinoisburt]

Personally I'd recommend fixing the gun so it all shoots reliably and not worry about where the ammo is from. Check the firing pin protrusion. If less than 40 thousandths you will likely have inconsistent ignition with steel. Seems like around 42 is most commonly recommended for reliability. Don't go much more or could cause piercing issues with soft primed brass.

 

[Riomouse911]

I put an increased power hammer spring from Wolff in mine.

No issues to date with brass of steel cased ammo... and no primer piercing either.

YMMV.

Stay safe.

 

[MySuomi]

I am using stock springs in my mini 30 and I only shoot steel out of it. I am just too cheap to buy brass 7.62x39. I have certainly have had some occasional lite primer strikes now and then. But not enough to take the fun out of shooting it.

Shooting steel out of Minis is what I do on both the 14 and the 30. Since it throws the shells 20 yards away I don't have to worry about policing up the brass.

Cannot comment on the Hornady. All this being said, I would not let steel cases stop me from shooting them in the mini 30.

 

[Keith E.]

I can't speak to the Hornady but the Russian was absolute hell on extractors.

Likely the lacquer on the Russian and I don't know how or if Hornady even bothers with that.

Todd.

Todd,

What problems were you seeing with the extractor(s)?

Thanks,
Keith

 

[MySuomi]

Just an unsolicited comment on extractors with steel ammo (AR15 and Mini's).

I use steel all the time in my AR and Mini platforms. Over the last 10 years I have only broken one extractor (in an AR) using steel ammo. And it was my fault. I had a failure to extract and accidently slammed the bolt back over the stuck shell casing after i had locked it open. Snapped the end right off the extractor.

But, I might be shooting a whole lot less volume than others that have had more extractor issues with steel. I shoot much more pistol than rifle. Due to my local climate, rifle shooting outdoors is a no go for me from June thru September. Too darned hot and buggy.

 

[jski]

I am using stock springs in my mini 30 and I only shoot steel out of it. I am just too cheap to buy brass 7.62x39. I have certainly have had some occasional lite primer strikes now and then. But not enough to take the fun out of shooting it.

Shooting steel out of Minis is what I do on both the 14 and the 30. Since it throws the shells 20 yards away I don't have to worry about policing up the brass.

Cannot comment on the Hornady. All this being said, I would not let steel cases stop me from shooting them in the mini 30.

When was this Mini-30 manufactured?

 

[ATCDoktor]

I have two Mini 30’s and I have been very fortunate that they both feed, fire and function 100% with all types of Russian steel cased ammo I’ve tried.

This one here is a late model stainless 583 series Mini 30 Tactical with 16” barrel purchased brand new in 2017:


And this one, a 197 series that dates from 2004:

 

[MySuomi]

When was this Mini-30 manufactured?

It was a 2018 production model.

 

[jski]

The problem with MOA statements about the Mini-30 is that they’re all over the place largely because of the incredibly disparate quality of ammo: Everything from Wolf to Hornady BLACK ammunition.

 

[dh1633pm]

My mini 30 went bang bang click with steel case. Sent the bolt to Accuracy Systems to have a new firing pin fitted. Now it goes bang bang bang with no clicks. Seems to be hit or miss. Give it a try and see what happens.