Good starting load for a MINI-14?

[cstilt]

I'm the semi-proud owner of a MINI-14 with a 1:9 twist barrel. I know this gun will probably never be what most here would call accurate, but I'd like to play with it some and see what she'll do. After reading a lot of different loads people like for 223s I realized I was more confused than ever. So my question is, what would probably give me my best odds of finding something decent right off? My only request is the powder be easy to meter so I can make the rounds a bit faster. If it shoots decent I'd like this to be a coyote gun.

Right now I'm thinking of either IMR8208 or TAC with a nice 60-69gr bullet, maybe a sierra varminter or SMK.

Where would you start if you were me?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[navyrad8r]

i would do the TAC, BLC2, or IMR4064 and stay in the wt class you are heading to. 55gr FMJs from a surplus source might be a cheap way to get her to shine. TAC and BLC are kinda dirty powders but meter great! Good luck to you and Merry Christmas.
Holiday Cheers,
Doc

 

[jonbearman]

If you use fmj bullets ,they are really only good for fun,they will give you 2 moa or better.My suggestion would be the hornady or sierra 52 grain or 53 grain match bullets.They are priced only slightly more than cheap fmj's. My favorite powder is blc-2 or h335 or benchmark.benchmark gave the best accuracy of all the powders.

 

[KMart]

I agree with jonbearman. I have an older mini and the only thing I haven't changed is the action and gas system. It has a 10 twist barrel and on some days it shoots very well. I have had nice groupings with a 52 gr Speer varmit flat base using benchmark and the 60 gr sierra flat base and H 4895.
I have read that the newer rifles shoot a lot better than the older ones. When my rifle was new, it shot patterns rather than groups. At the Grand American around 1990, Ruger had a booth and I asked the rep what accuracy you could reasonably expect at 100 from the mini. He grinned and said 4-6 inches.

 

[cstilt]

Sounds like I'm going to have to look into benchmark as well. I was a bit worried about using some of the lighter bullets. I put a few of the black hills with 52gr sierra bthp in it and got decent accuracy. I think it was about 3-4 inches. Sounds like that wasn't bad for that rifle though. Hopefully I can find something that will put me in the 2inch or less range. Since I've started to load for my rifles, I was hoping I could improve on it a bit. If all I can get is 4-6 inches it'll probably be short lived at my house.

Will benchmark work well if i try to step up to bullets in the 60-70gr range?

Thanks a bunch guys!

Chris

 

[KMart]

I have used Benchmark with 69 gr bullets but in a bolt gun. It took about 23.5 gr. The accuracy was under .5" at 100 and under 2" at 400.

 

[MrMajestic]

I have a pre-ranch with bedding, trigger work, adjustable gas block, and harmonic stabilizer done by Accuracy Systems. With a 1in10" twist it loves Nosler 69 gr. CC and Varget. 1 MOA at 200 yards all day. Takes a little money but they will shoot and are a bunch of fun when they do!

 

[cstilt]

I was wondering if the noslers would work in mine. It's a 196 model so should be 1:9. I'm thinking of starting off on the cheap to see how it does. Looking into adding a smaller Gas bushing and a recoil buffer. That plus the dies powder and stuff should cost plenty for now.lol

How did yours do before you did the mods to it?

 

[m500]

I also have a 196 series mini 14 that is mostly original. Only performance mods is a .040 gas bushing and trigger job. I have had good results with the 65 grain gamekings and benchmark. 5 round groups stayed at an inch until the power was compressed and then they scattered. I ended up loading 23.6 grains in winchester cases with wolf primers. I have noticed the lead tips were being shaved a little so you may want to go shorter than 2.250. The most accurate bullet I've put through it so far, and a good hard hitting round.

 

[moorepower]

Any of the 60 grain fb hp bullets shoot real well in a 1-9 twist, as do the 60 grain varmint bullets.

 

[MrMajestic]

I was wondering if the noslers would work in mine.

*I see no reason why they wouldn't. The bulk pricing is real hard to beat!*

How did yours do before you did the mods to it?

*Like POOP! Well let's say 2-2 1/2 MOA. *

 

[dksac2]

With the FMJ 55's, 25.0 of AA 2230, with the 62's, 23.0 is a good load.
AA2460 is also a very good powder for the Mini.

More than a few good powders, but give the AA powders a try, I have good some very good groups with it.

My Best, John K

 

[areaone]

55 gr use W748 or Ramshot X teminator, flows like water thru a measure and gives good accuracy. Enjoy yourself, next step AR15, now we're talking fun.