Great Loads for the Mini14 - 223

[Itchy48]

I now have a couple great loads for my Ruger Mini14 in 223. The Nosler 50 & 55 grain BT consistantly group at 1/2 to 3/4 inch at 100 yards. I'm using 26.5 grains of Winchester 748 for the 50gr bullet and 24.5 grains of Win748 for the 55 grain. The primers for both looads are CCI 400's. My gun made in 1979 likes the lighter bullet for some reason but the 3/4" groups for the 55's are very good for a automatic and plenty lethal on Eastern Oregon ground squirrles.

Both of these loads are in the Nosler Reloading Manual.

I just recently got the manual and wish I had bought this great guide before trying at least 10 other bullets and different powder charges.

If you've got a Mini14 in 223, you can't go wrong with these two loads.

Happy Shooting

Itchy48

 

[Bigfoot]

Itchy48, nice work. How long do you wait between shots? What mods have you done to your Mini? That's the best shooting Mini that I've ever read of, congrats. Did you share these loads with the boys over at Perfect Union? I used to spend a good bit of time there.

 

[Itchy48]

BigFoot,

This is a stock no mod 1979 Mini14. I shoot with the 5 round magazine and shoot at "Shoot N See" targets. Time between shots, less than a minute. I use a friends rifle bench rest and the outside temps when I got these good groups was around 40 degrees. The only place I've posted is here at Nosler.

As I said earlier.....My gun likes the 50gr best. I think it's because of the twist rate.

Can't wait to put the cross-hairs on the ground squirrels over in Baker County Oregon this spring!!!!!!! My homemade shooting sticks should get quite the workout.

Happy and Safe Shooting

Itchy48

 

[Bigfoot]

With a stock -14, that's even more impressive. Yours is a 1/10 twist barrel, that's why it likes the lighter bullets. There's a guy in Beaverton named Mike Knifong who does great Mini trigger work. He also sells gas bushings in different sizes so you dont damage brass so much or send it into the next county. Both of those should help with groups too. You should share your experience with the Mini crowd at http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=86 I'm sure they would be just as impressed. And if you find another Mini shooter like that one for sale let me know, mines a -30. I'd like to find a 1986-95 1/7 twist Mini-14 Ranch in good shape. But I wouldn't turn down any -14 Ranch model that shoots anything like yours does.

 

[Itchy48]

I agree Bigfoot.....I think I've got a good Mini and a bunch of luck...plus Nosler did their homework. Sometimes it happens. My buddy who's got a early 80's Mini in stainless shoots 1-1 1/8" groups with.....now get this.....Wolf 55gr HP's. Hard to believe but I have been with him and saw it with my own baby blues....and the dead squirrels in Baker County could testify if they were able... :grin: Thanks for the input on the guy in Beaverton...but.....can't think of good reason to mess with this gun....and I'm sure you'd agree. If it "aint" broke.....don't fix it. But I could use a tuneup for my Colt Combat 45acp Commander.

Happy and Safe Shooting

Itchy48