Ruger’s Mini-30 and Russian steel case ammo?
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Speedo66
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From what I’ve read, the problem is the slightly recessed hard primers, and the solution is an aftermarket slightly longer firing pin.
Some Mini-30’s work fine with Russian steel, but the majority seem to need the longer pin.
This was discussed on www.Perfectunion.com which has a top rated Mini-14/30 forum.
Some Mini-30’s work fine with Russian steel, but the majority seem to need the longer pin.
This was discussed on www.Perfectunion.com which has a top rated Mini-14/30 forum.
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That implies it’s a primer problem. Why would 7.62x39 U.S. ammo work and Russian not work. I don’t believe it has anything to do with steel v brass cases.
I did find this:
illinoisburt
Member
Ruger factory spec for the Mini30 is 32 thousandths pin protruation. Ak and sks are 55 thousandths. The standard steel cased ammo primers sit deeper. There are aftermarket pins for the Mini series (14 and 30 use the same pin) however many people have encountered soft ones that bend or mushroom with more than 45 thousandths protrusion. Carefully turn down the front shoulder and stone the rear hook of a factory pin to 45 to 50 thousandths will result in near 100% reliablity.
Isn’t that the same thing the guy in the video was doing?
Why isn’t Ruger adding longer firing pins to their 30s?
illinoisburt
Member
Sorry didn't watch the video before adding my comment. I have done this repair myself and it does work. Just ran the video and yes, that is exactly right.
You got to ask yourself, who came up with the cartridge? And why won't an American built rifle fire it reliably? I would assign the blame where it belongs. All my AKs fire any 7.62x39 ammo I feed it, every time.
Or the pin! I didn't watch it either, but it's not the ammo, it's the Ruger.
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illinoisburt
Member
From what I recall it's a saami vs cip measurement issue. The US brass ammo is small rifle boxer primed while the foreign steel berdan has a little more metal in the web for the anvil so the cup seat deeper. Ruger builds to the US ammo spec. I seem to remember people having occasional issues with pierced primers using UMC brass in SKS rifles years ago.
The most common problem is a machining burr in the bolt face around the firing pin hole. It limits pin protrusion in regard to the primer. Grab a small drill bit, turn it a few times around the firing pin hole and the problem is solved.
Mine FTF'd pretty much all surplus ammo until I did this. Now it shoots anything, no problem at all.
BigBlue 94
Member
Never had an issue with the Russian 223 steel case in my mini-14...
Ruger offers a replacement mini 14 firing pin (or is it power custom?) Got one at Midway. It is significantly (maybe 50 thousandths) longer than factory. It is not recommended to use it in the mini 30, but I know of people who have used it in such a manner.
Ruger offers a replacement mini 14 firing pin (or is it power custom?) Got one at Midway. It is significantly (maybe 50 thousandths) longer than factory. It is not recommended to use it in the mini 30, but I know of people who have used it in such a manner.
Also keep in mind that if you deburr the bolt face, installing a longer firing pin may lead to punctured primers. Overall protrusion relative to cartridge position is the key. Try to cycle a few rounds through the gun without firing them and inspect the primers. If there's a very faint ring impression just a fraction larger than the firing pin, deburring is in order. If that doesn't help, get an aftermarket firing pin. If it's way too long you can always shorten it incrementally until everything works as intended.
Riomouse911
Member
I added a Wolff extra power hammer spring... no issues with my early Mini 30.
Stay safe.
Stay safe.
BigBlue 94
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daniel craig
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My mini14 functioned flawlessly with steel cased ammo. Idk. Maybe I got lucky.
illinoisburt
Member
Never been an issue with the Mini-14. This is only an issue with the Mini-30 and is specific to the 762x39 cartridge. About the only challenge I've heard or seen with steel 223 in a Mini-14 is with extractors and ripping case rims.
dh1633pm
Contributing Member
It is firing pin protrusion. Mine used to go bang, click, click, bang. I sent the bolt to ASI to have another firing pin fitted. Some Mini 30's do just fine and other's not as much. Mine didn't. After a quick turn around at ASI (they do great work) mine now goes bang, bang, and bang like it should. Speedo has it right. Mini firing pins require a bit of fitting, so some are a part hair longer than others. Easy fix.
Ignition Override
Member
My 2004 stock Mini 30 needed a second primer strike with Russian ammo, approx. (once) every 20-40 rds.
But my used Mini 14 (still had :"State of KY" silver sticker on butt stock) used about a Total of 500-600 rds. of Russian "Silver Bear" ammo with a perfect operation, feed, shoot, extract, eject.
The mag was an excellent OEM 20-rounder which came with the rifle. Because of the late Bill Ruger these mags weren't yet avail. (to other people) on the commercial market-------
I only sold it because I didn't like the thick post sight, and wanted avail. cash in case I were to find a true Enfield #5 "Jungle".
But my used Mini 14 (still had :"State of KY" silver sticker on butt stock) used about a Total of 500-600 rds. of Russian "Silver Bear" ammo with a perfect operation, feed, shoot, extract, eject.
The mag was an excellent OEM 20-rounder which came with the rifle. Because of the late Bill Ruger these mags weren't yet avail. (to other people) on the commercial market-------
I only sold it because I didn't like the thick post sight, and wanted avail. cash in case I were to find a true Enfield #5 "Jungle".
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