Ruger Mini 30 and Steel Cased Ammo

[wcwhitey]

Asking for a friend that just picked one up. Has anyone had a negative experience with steel cases 7.62x39 in the Ruger. Availability being what it is wondering if it’s a good option for him. Thanks. Bill

 

[jski]

There must be a million post on THR about this. And, yes Ruger’s Mini-30 has lots of problems with steel case ammo.

 

[gotboostvr]

Some do, some don't.

Of the ones that don't, there's a few fixes.

Some, even with all the fixes, still won't.

Couldn't give you percentages of will/won't.

 

[dh1633pm]

There is a lot of posts on it. Have him test steel to see how it works. Mine went bang, bang, click, bang, click. There are a lot of solutions that people give for the problem from springs and so forth. For me I sent the bolt to ASI to have the a new firing pin installed. One that was about a half of hair longer. Now it goes bang, bang, and bang. Some people don't have an issue whatsoever. Check the model number to see if its an old one or new. There were different size bores I think on earlier models. For all things Mini go to perfectunion. Active mini forum. I could have sent it back to Ruger, but they want the whole rifle. ASI only needed the bolt. Turn around was quick. First research and then try it out. Hopefully it goes bang bang.

 

[ATCDoktor]

I own two Mini 30’s and neither have problems with steel cased ammo.

197 series Mini 30 Ranch Rifle with Hogue stock


Late model Mini 30 tactical stainless.


Both have thousands of steel cased rounds through them and reliability has been outstanding with all brands I’ve tried (Wolf, Tula, Barnaul).

 

[jski]

Your bud could contact these guys. They specialize in accurizing Mini-30s and Mini-14s.

Accuracy Systems Inc.

These guys are apparently machinists who run a machine shop in Colorado and created a side business working on Minis. They even tell you not to casually stop on by without notice because all you’ll find is a machine shop.

Accuracy Systems' location is not a retail/store front. It is a machine shop with dangerous machines running. For your safety we do not accept walk-ins. PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT IF YOU ARE GOING TO VISIT. THANKS.

 

[Speedo66]

ASI has a good reputation, I just find their prices on parts and work show they’re very proud of themselves.

 

[dh1633pm]

I referenced and linked to ASI in my above post. They did a complete work over on my Mini 6.8 that couldn't hit the broad side of a barn inside the barn. Now it's a shooter. They also did my firing pin for me.

 

[wcwhitey]

I read all the threads leading up to this. I should have mentioned a 2021 rifle. I read the manual, it’s clear that steel cases are said to be okay. It made me wonder if there were not a manufacturing or design change. Anyway, we got him set up with a few steel, zinc coated and brass will see how it runs.