Ruger Mini-14 in 6.8 SPC

[Brians356]

A friend in another state has a Ruger Mini-14 (Stainless / Synthetic) chambered in 6.8 SPC. It's come up in a possible trade but I know nothing about the 6.8 SPC in that action. I've been thinking of getting an autoloader, AR or Ranch Rifle, but likely in 223, which I handload already, for bolt guns. I have lots of .277 bullets as I load 270 Win.

The Mini in 6.8 seems rare, but perhaps because it's not a particularly smart pairing, I don't know. I'm intrigued but can't find much scuttlebutt on the Internet about this model. Anyone have any experience, opinions, praise, caveats? Link to a good article?
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[Adam in WI]

I've lusted after one of these forever. You don't need a tack driver in this chambering for the distances I'd be hunting at. One thing you should research is the difference between SPC-1 and SPC-2 chambers. The Mini, to the best of my knowledge is the original SPC-1 chamber. I "think" this version is a little shorter in the throat, and is prone to pressure issues being that most ammo is loaded to specs around the SPC-2 chamber.

 

[Brians356]

I've lusted after one of these forever. You don't need a tack driver in this chambering for the distances I'd be hunting at. One thing you should research is the difference between SPC-1 and SPC-2 chambers. The Mini, to the best of my knowledge is the original SPC-1 chamber. I "think" this version is a little shorter in the throat, and is prone to pressure issues being that most ammo is loaded to specs around the SPC-2 chamber.

In poking around I read about the change in spec. The '2' has a longer throat and different shallower angle I think. I'm on the fence on this myself, not making a snap decision. It might well be available!
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[Adam in WI]

It might well be available!

Lol, right when I have my meager collection pared down to a few favorites! I have nothing (that I'm willing) to trade! I would think you could easily have a "2" reamer put to it to ease ammo concerns. It sure would be a dandy 200 yard doe poker...

 

[Brians356]

This is from the SAAMI page, must be the original SPC, freebore .050 and 10 twist?


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[Brians356]

Lol, right when I have my meager collection pared down to a few favorites! I have nothing (that I'm willing) to trade! I would think you could easily have a "2" reamer put to it to ease ammo concerns. It sure would be a dandy 200 yard doe poker...

Oh, it'll be for sale, he's just tendering it for a rifle I have. Actually, I'd have it for riot control next November. ;-) In the vast, open Great Basin it'd not be of much use for mulies or pronghorns.
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[Adam in WI]

I'm betting it would get a good bit of attention on GunBroker if you're into that.

 

[HandgunHTR]

I'm betting it would get a good bit of attention on GunBroker if you're into that.

Agreed, they are pretty rare and are commanding a premium right now.

The later Rugers were made with a SPC-II chamber, so you might actually be good there. If there were not currently an ammo shortage, I would tell you to go for it as the Mini-14s are reliable and worth quite a bit. Not going to be a tack driver, but you don't need it to be.
That being said, brass is damn-near impossible to find right now. You also used to be able to find cases of Federal white box loaded with 90 grain Gold Dots, but not anymore.
If all you want is a gas-gun for SHTF, then an AR in 5.56 is your best bet now because you can actually get ammo for it now and into the foreseeable future.

All that being said, if the gun you are trading for is less than $1000 in value, make the trade and flip the Mini. You will come out WAY ahead.

 

[300_whisper]

It would be a fun gun for sure. Probably particularly desirable in the SE.