Mini-14 bullet weight ?

[Cserv]

What is the heaviest bullet that the 14's factory barrel will stabilize? And what are the advantages of the heavier bullets? I have a 580 series Ranch, w/ the thin barrel. Unsure of the twist, think 1:9. Thanks for any info.
Eric

 

[ORD]

Re: Mini-14 bullet weight ?

It all depends on the particular twist of your barrel. Ruger has gone through several different twists over the many, MANY years that the Mini-14 has been in production, including 1:10, 1:9 and 1:7 twists. I believe that you are correct that the 580 series rifles had 1:9 twist barrels, but you need to confirm.

That said, with a 1:9 twist, I'd stick to bullets from 40gr to 62gr. It is very possible that you may get slightly heavier, 68gr and 69gr match bullets to stabilize from a 1:9, but not all barrels were created equal and the Ruger barrels in my experience are no exception to the rule. Until you try running some of the heavier bullets...you won't know for certain.

 

[jwb47]

Re: Mini-14 bullet weight ?

your 1/9 should be ok with 68 or 69 grain bullets and alot of guys do ok with 75 grain. I am interested in how this turns out in the mini so please post up a range report if you decide to try heavier bullets.

 

[eli polite]

Re: Mini-14 bullet weight ?

i have found in mine that a 62 grain produced the best groups.

 

[Rovieairto]

Re: Mini-14 bullet weight ?

The 70 VLD is about as long a bullet as you can count on getting away with in a 1:9 with a 16" barrel length.
The 69 SMK will stabilize just fine, and has been the best performer in my 1:9's so far (16" barrels).
Shoots great in a 1:7 20" too.

Personally, I'd stick with 55 FMJ because it is kind of a waste to use match ammo in a mini.
Try the 69 SMK, that's where I'd start.

 

[Prairie Dog Dundee]

Re: Mini-14 bullet weight ?

I had an early 181 series when they still had wooden handguards. It liked 69 grain loads and had the one in nine twist. They were not tack drivers but I could stay under 2 MOA with good ammo.