[tenntyrant]

Will a mini 14 shoot 5.56 as well as 223 or is it designed only for 223 and how well made and accurate are the new mini 14s better or worse than past models?

[Chandler51]

Originally Posted by tenntyrant

Will a mini 14 shoot 5.56 as well as 223 or is it designed only for 223 and how well made and accurate are the new mini 14s better or worse than past models?

Refer to the manual, or contact Ruger.

[firedawg60]

I doubt it. Like Chandler stated, check the manual. I know a lot of AR's will fire .223 and 5.56. From what I understand, 5.56 has higher pressures than the .223. So if it's not designed to shoot the 5.56, I don't think I would. Let us know what you find out.

[tenntyrant]

On there website it says 5.56 cal

[Chandler51]

Originally Posted by tenntyrant

On there website it says 5.56 cal

If that matches up with what is on the gun, you should be good to go. If the barrel is marked .223 Rem, I'd want to either see in the manual that CAME with your mini, or talk to someone @ Ruger, either by phone or email to confirm it will fire 5.56 NATO. As I understand it, .223 is ok in a 5.56, just not the other way around. Many, MANY threads here on that topic if you're interested in the particulars.

[JTJ]

The Mini 14 is chambered for 5.56x45 except for the target model which is chambered for 223. 223 may be fired in a 5.56x45 chamber but not a good idea to shoot 5.56 in a 223 chamber.

[Snakedriver]

Yes, everything but the Target Model. My understanding is that the Mini has actually always had a 5.56 chamber even though it's marked .223 Rem..

Here's Page 3 of the Owner's Manual:

[TLuker]

My understanding is that a 5.56 has more pressure than a .223. I've also read before that the mini is chambered for the 5.56 and was meant to shoot either. The only concern I have is that the .223 with the factory gas block is tough on the action because of too much pressure. Would the 5.56 be even harder on the action because of higher pressure than the .223 with the factory gas block?

[Snakedriver]

Originally Posted by TLuker

My understanding is that a 5.56 has more pressure than a .223. I've also read before that the mini is chambered for the 5.56 and was meant to shoot either. The only concern I have is that the .223 with the factory gas block is tough on the action because of too much pressure. Would the 5.56 be even harder on the action because of higher pressure than the .223 with the factory gas block?

You're talking about the heart of a battle tested system that has worked flawlessly in rifles like the M1 and the M14. You're not going to be able to do anything to hurt the gas system in a Mini-14 shooting ammo it was designed to shoot. Remember, Ruger wanted to sell the Mini-14 to the Military and Law Enforcement, the chamber and all the systems were intended to use 5.56.

My old 183-series Mini has fired countless thousands of 5.56mm rounds without a single hiccup ever. The action and the gas operator are still like new.

[TLuker]

Originally Posted by Snakedriver

You're talking about the heart of a battle tested system that has worked flawlessly in rifles like the M1 and the M14. You're not going to be able to do anything to hurt the gas system in a Mini-14 shooting ammo it was designed to shoot. Remember, Ruger wanted to sell the Mini-14 to the Military and Law Enforcement, the chamber and all the systems were intended to use 5.56.

My old 183-series Mini has fired countless thousands of 5.56mm rounds without a single hiccup ever. The action and the gas operator are still like new.

Mine throws brass 20+ yards and dents half of it and that's with .223. On the plus side it has never failed to cycle, but its definitely high on pressure. I figured that much force would be tough on the action. Just out of curiosity does your throw brass as far or is that just with the newer minis?