[giz189]

This may have already been covered, but I guess I missed it. Friend of mine has a Mini 14 in 223. The main problem he has right now is how far the empties are ejected after firing. His rifle ejects the empties from 20 to 30 feet straight out or about a 45 degree angle to the right rear. Any suggestions?

[matt g]

Mini 14s only come chambered in .223 Rem.

As far as the ejection, that sounds like a healthy rifle. Where's the problem?

What ammo are you running? Is it .223 Rem or 5.56x45? If it's 5.56x45, you may be overgassing the rifle. It's not horrible for the rifle, but it will decrease the useful life of it.

[giz189]

using 223 ammo. His main problem is finding the brass to reload, and when we do find it it is pretty roughed up on the edge of the rim

[matt g]

That could be caused by the rifle. I'm not sure if they're made any more, but years ago, you could buy brass catchers that clipped to the side of the rifle.

Yup, they're still made. You can order one here: http://www.brasscatchers.com/store/brasscatcher.html#Anchor-49575

[robocop10mm]

That is the catch 22. The farther the brass is flung (generally) the healthier the ejector/extractor set up. If you want to reload the brass, finding it can become problematic. Brass catchers are an OK answer for indoor ranges that won't let you pick up your brass and outdoor situations where the grass is tall or the snow is deep.

[M14sRock]

Originally Posted by matt g

Mini 14s only come chambered in .223 Rem.

But they were originally offered in .222 as well.

And a Buffer Technologies Shok Buff will help keep the empties from reaching orbit. Also, get a new Wolff spring.

[robocop10mm]

the .222 variant was an export model. I doubt there are more than a half dozen in the US.

A new recoil spring is a very good idea.

[M14sRock]

Originally Posted by robocop10mm

the .222 variant was an export model. I doubt there are more than a half dozen in the US.

A new recoil spring is a very good idea.

I have seen 2 of the .222's for sale. Both were used on the rack at the same time at The Pony Express in LA, before they went out of business. They were on the rack with a Springfield Armory M1A in .243Win. I've always wondered if they came from the same collection.

The .222 were intended for export to countries that restrict military calibers, such as Mexico. But they could be ordered (Special Order) in CONUS as well.

[Dcomf]

Try an adjustable gas port for the mini. Probably the only way to reliably keep brass from going all over. A buffer is more for op rod protection, it may do something for reducing distance but I doubt it.

[CA357]

Mini 14's come in 6.8 now as well.