Mini-30s & Russian Ammo?

[DougB]

I did a search, and have read many posts that touched on this, but I didn't find a clear answer. I understand that Mini-30s have .308 bores, whereas AKs and SKSs have .311 bores (or, maybe I should say, are made to shoot these bullet sizes). How do Mini-30s work with the cheap Russian ammo (Wolf, Barnaul, etc.)? I understand that Ruger may have made some changes some years ago to better accomodate this ammo, but I'm not sure what they did.

Does the Russian ammo function reliably in a Mini-30? (I'm not interested in reloading this caliber, or in buying more expensive U.S. ammo for a Mini-30).

Is accuracy on a par with the same rifle shooting U.S. ammo? (I know Mini-30s don't have a great accuracy reputation, but I could live with, say, 6" groups at 100 yards).

Please don't just suggest an AK or SKS. AKs aren't an option here in California, and SKSs aren't too common either (the Yugos that are currently by far the most common have to have their grenade launcher removed or sleeved before they can be sold there). I know there are SKS options, but I want to know about the Mini-30. Thanks.

Doug

 

[clubsoda22]

in a mini-30 the russian surplus is best saved for plinking. It will simply shoot better with american made ammo.

 

[DougB]

I'm not surprised that American made ammo may shoot better - but how much better? And is the Russian ammo hard on the gun (anyone have a Mini-30 that's been damaged by it). I would intend this primarily for plinking, and the only reason I'd seriously consider a Mini-30 is if I could plink using the very cheap Russian ammo in it. If the Russian ammo is only marginally less accurate, I could live with it, but if groups jump from 4" to 12" when switching from U.S. to Russian, that would be tough to accept. Anybody shoot Wolf in their Mini-30?

Doug