Hello big fan of your videos. I just purchased a older mini 14 produced in 2012, it’s a 581 series in stainless. It’s marked .223 I called Ruger after watching this video. They said you can safely shoot 5.56 NATO No problem. There actually chambered for it. They marked them .223 for civilian market. That’s what I was told directly from Ruger.

@SHOT_GUNNER

Жыл бұрын

Yeah they told me the same thing… it makes it a bit confusing.

@williepelzer384

Жыл бұрын

I have been shooting it in a mini 14 for 40 years, two of them. Never had a problem, Life is a risk you deside

@ken244

Жыл бұрын

@@SHOT_GUNNER To me its like saying I was told it would be ok if I shot a 357 mag through a 38 special. You cant say some guy at Ruger said it was ok in court if or when your chamber explodes and injures you. Personally,I like leaning on the side of caution when it comes to firearms.

@jimo680

Жыл бұрын

If it's not stamped 5.56, AND not cited in the spec referenced in the owner's manual: Any catastrophic failure due to using the wrong ammo is on you. When the rep says 'it's ok' ...always ask them if they can SHOW you where that is referenced. You might be surprised at how much customer service reps give out the wrong information; OR, the rep could be referencing a different model rifle than the one you own.

@sturisa

Жыл бұрын

@@jimo680 Ruger has a FAQ on their website under rifles, and the first question asked is can you shoot 5.56 NATO out of the Ruger mini 14? The answer is all mini 14’s are chambered for 5.56 NATO so can shoot either 223 Remington or 5.56. The only exception is the target models that were built around 2007. They are specifically chambered for .223 Remington. I also placed a customer service request with that same question and gave them my model number, and they basically said exactly the same thing as was written in the FAQ. I have shot both out of mine and it was made in 1999 and I haven’t noticed much of a difference except a little more pop out of the 5.56 NATO.

"There's a funny little thing that comes when you buy a rifle. It's called an owner's manual. Read it." Love the common sense advice/wisdom.

@Scorpio_1974

2 жыл бұрын

LOL! TRUE!

@LA_Commander

2 жыл бұрын

Not necessarily. I bought mine used. Did not have an owner's manual with it.

I love it. Yourself and Paul Harrell are the two best resources for good information on KZread. You know what’s interesting is that I’ve been shooting guns and hunting for about forty years now, and each time I read an owner’s manual for a new firearm I learn something I didn’t know about the gun I just purchased. Seems like a no brainer.

@prevost8686

3 жыл бұрын

Paul is a good source of unbiased info.

Best explanation of the .223 mini 14 , 5.56 compatibility question I've heard. Love that you broke out the book!!!!

@californiaed3385

3 жыл бұрын

Finally a rational explanation of "but, why can't I?"

Gun blue, I've been on the job going on 26 years and I still learn things from your common sense videos. Thank you for taking the time to enlighten new and old alike.

The Ruger Mini 14 has been stamped .223 on the rifle for decades but if you ask Ruger about using 5.65 they say it is perfectly fine to use in every Mini 14 ever made except the target model which is .223 only.

@SHOT_GUNNER

Жыл бұрын

Yeah I called them and they told me the same thing. It’s kind of confusing, I guess just for the fact of increased longevity I will stick to .223. Most my ammo collection is .223 but I have about 4k rounds of 5.56.

The newer Ruger Mini-14's are stamped 5.56 BUT Ruger always said that you could fire 5.56 through the rifles stamped .223. The only rifle they said could not use 5.56 was the Mini-14 Target Model. If the people that designed the rifle and the manufacturer says it is fine then no one else can confidently say otherwise. Thankfully Ruger has ended this stupid debate by printing 5.56 on their Mini-14 rifles. According to Ruger you can fire 5.56 ammo through the Mini-14's stamped .223 (except the Target Model) but they state that you should only use brass cased ammo. They do not want steel cased ammo to be fired through these rifles, that includes the Mini-30 as well, which is chambered in 7.62x39 and the steel cased ammo in that caliber is much more prevalent. There is no debate....... Ruger says it is ok to use 5.56, then it is ok to use 5.56.

When i bought mine i made sure the barrel was stamped 556. Good job.

Your exactly right! Ruger used to mail you, ABSOLUTELY FREE, the precise Maual for your gun! You just needed a serial number. And they got that booklet out into the U.S. MAIL on it's way to your door THE SAME DAY! I know from experience. I've been a happy owner/user of Ruger firearms for over 50 years! And I've got that same Manual in my desk!

GunBlue, I asked you about this very question this week when you were presenting How to Clean and Maintain a Ruger Mini 14 video. You directed me to this video which explains loud and clear. You're the best professor! Keep up the good work.

THANKS for such a clear explanation of the "differences" between NATO and Civil versions of (what most people think are) "the same cartridges"! They are no THE SAME, and I've been trying to "educate" folks about this for years.

Love this Video. I always read the owners manual. I even asked Winchester for a copy of the one for my 1967 model 70. They sent me a hard copy and it had a weblink to a pdf version. Lots of great info. Thank you sir for this and all your videos.

You do a wonderful job of making things perfectly clear. I always tell my adult son " read the manual " on any new tool, etc. that he gets. It prevents a lot of questions or problems. God Bless.

Thank you a million times for making this video!

I LOVE IT!... Once again you define something few have today... Common sense... Great video's. Thank you.

Great Video, I enjoy reading the owners Manual. Very good instructional Video Sir.

@terangordon8456

7 жыл бұрын

Rick Nethery lmao

First time I heard it explained that way and it finally sunk in. Make sense to me now. Thanks

Thank you sir, always a pleasure spending time with you.

Appreciate you and all the firearm wisdom to pass on to help us. As a former Ordnance / Small Arms Petty Officer, I explain this to folks whom own Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifles and I still get looks from them.....

thanks for explaining the way you do,you would make good instructor.

@GunBlue490

8 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Actually, I was a police firearms instructor for 25 years, so now I'm able to pass along that, plus much more.

@terangordon8456

7 жыл бұрын

James Eastridge true instead of explaining it how a suppose to be expert did

I like that little........ pause after introducing the MANUAL. I literally lol'd. Great vid keep it up

Thank you for the video and clear explanation. I especially appreciate your references to the Ruger Ranch rifle with its .223 on the frame and the references to 5.56 and .223 in the manual. I had read it and it seemed somewhat ambiguous. I was looking for a more definitive statement. Your explanation provided that.

@GunBlue490

5 жыл бұрын

Though the mechanical specifications have not changed, Ruger has resolved that confusion in recent production by marking them 5.56. The receiver marking denoted it's basic caliber rather than an ammo specification. Despite the military name and increased pressures that preclude chambering in a 223 designated rifle, the 5.56mm is a 223 cartridge. Ruger had relied on owners reading the other engraving on the gun, which specifies the ammo type, and clarifies the issue; "WARNING Read owner's manual." Reading and writing are swiftly fading skills in our culture.

@CasperMtn

5 жыл бұрын

GunBlue490 thank you sir. I appreciate the further comments. Sadly, I agree regarding reading and writing. I find myself slipping into that sort of lackadaisical behavior.

Best explanation I have ever heard.

Thank-You for sharing your wisdom. My Father always said that when all else fails read the the instructions. I started learning about firearms again about 4 years ago and am 66 years old. I shot .22s when I was young, around 11yrs. old and thru Scouts. I have always respected the rules of safe firearm use almost to a fault. I will keep it that way best I can, especially caliber designations etc

While I was listening to you I downloaded the manual for my Mod 70 (of course mine is a 1957 model). IT WORKS!!! Haha

Thank you for your knowledge!

lol--------love your videos always spot on and a good dose of common sense. Thank you

Great video..Ruger Marks their receivers 55.6 as of 2016..Love your work

Came looking for quick proof in an argument discovered a new channel to subscribe to. I look forward to watching your videos sir

No time to read the manual! Too busy rapid firing the first 500 rounds through an unseasoned barrel. Love your videos Mr. Blue. Same comment on this video as others I've posted on; You sir, are a master at instruction. Thanks for taking the time...

well done, nothing but the truth as always

Best advice on the issue for sure as far a online goes.

Best I have heard just read and consult the gun maker. Thanks

Thanks for this vid! So many people think there is no difference.

Spot on.

Thanks for all your wonderful videos I have been shooting collecting and building rifles for 30 years and even with that said I have learned many things from you and I watch the videos till the end unlike most of the people who comment the minute they hear the words you can't or shouldn't they make stupid comments without watching the rest keep up the good work and if I have any questions I will shoot them your way god bless

Thanks for the advice old timer.. thank you sir..

Good video. Thank you sir.

Thar's what i'm saying all the time: "Anwser to your question is in the manual..." You made my day, thank you Sir, good sens of humour is always the key when speaking with "Stupids" and not loosing nerves. 🤓 Regards from France. (Yes, we also have guns). 🇫🇷

@TomDoesUtube

2 жыл бұрын

Nice to know .. in the good old USA we got some too 🇺🇸

I directed a friend to this video after having an argument with him on this subject. You can convince him better than me...I get too mad Lol. Excellent info....thank you

CZ says online for their 527 carbine chambered in .223, that it was built for 556 pressure so if you want a rifle that can handle both, that would be a interesting gun to look into.

THANK YOU

excellent vid

Thanks, as always sir. I wish I had a dime for every time I tried to help someone with something (rifle, car, whatever) and heard them say "Oh, I don't read manuals." Is that something of which to be proud? Silly.

Terrific.

Good lecture. :)

You are a national treasure, thank you!

So Ive been reloading for 5 year....27 grains..... 62 grain bullet.....maxed out ! And also use a 556 62.4 grain bullet in the same rifle which it was not designed for. The result...... they are the same ! So...... start over explaining this please ?

I have the original box with my 184 series Mini, and it annotates .223 (5.56). Yes, read the owner's manual!

Another reason that the 5.56 chamber has a longer "throat"... The ogive on a 5.56 projectile is thicker near the front of the bullet. Because of this, the bullet is "crowding" the end of the chamber, more than a .223 bullet. Everybody always points out the exact case dimensions of the two cartridges, but hardly anyone mentions the difference in projectile shape.

@GunBlue490

4 жыл бұрын

Military bullets are often paired with the 223 case, and have nothing to do with the dimensions of the throat and the leade slope of the rifling, nor of the greatly increased powder charge that results in over 10,000 pounds per square inch of pressure. The reason it's not mentioned is simply because it has nothing to do with it whatsoever. Projectile shape and thickness is entirely irrelevant, and can be used with any cartridge or pressure level. You can affirm this by calling any bullet maker. Powder charge alone is the issue, period.

Agree 100%.

Correct sir, and that is why the Ruger mini14 Target model is 223 only as stated in the owners manual

How amazing, people belief the internet over the manufacture of the firearm. Mini 14 ranch rifle shoots .223 or 5.56 military ammo. How much plainer does it have to be. Thank you sir for your time.

Thank you Again Sir for another great video. You are truly a National Treasure.. I'm not trying to kiss your ass... I'm just trying to convey to you in the most respectful way that in this world today the Truth is a lost concept, or maybe it's just that common sense is as rare as Truth.. In any event I appreciate your dedication to educating the American public.. Thank you for your time.

i did read my owners manual, but another point you may wish to discuss, not in my Owners Manual but on a separate Safety Sheet, it said using anything other than Brass Cased Ammunition will void the Warranty. i only shoot Brass thru mine, but like you said, Online there are varying opinions on the topic, Steel, Zinc, BioMetals are much cheaper for target shooting, but i don't use it. thanks again.

Thank u sir

Love the common sense approach to information that you deliver. You seem to have a lot of experience. Thanks so much for making your videos and sharing your knowledge. Keep the videos coming. P.S. Say hello to your wife!

@louiscyfer6944

7 жыл бұрын

Wright Connection except the info is incorrect.

@ssng1

7 жыл бұрын

louis cyfer And your videos and expertise and common sense is where?

@louiscyfer6944

7 жыл бұрын

ssng1 according to the ruger owner manual both 223 and 5.56 are fine from the mini 14, and the rounds are generally interchangeable.

@EricAndHis1911

7 жыл бұрын

louis cyfer "and the rounds are generally interchangeable." Anyone that follows this advise is begging for a big hurt. These cartridges are NOT generally interchangeable. Read the manual!!! Bottom line if the MANUAL or barrel designation is 556 than both 556 and 223 are good to go, if the MANUAL says 223 than ONLY 223 is safe, again SAFE. Just because it fits and/or "somebody said" it's ok doesn't make it safe. YMMV but I will stick to the FACTS. BTW 223 is always ok in both.

@louiscyfer6944

7 жыл бұрын

EricAndHis1911 why do you think this? is it the pressure thing? saami and nato measure pressure differently and when you convert the numbers they are the same. the angle of the throat amd the tolerances are different, but that matters only with operation when not cleaned for a long time. see, i go with the facts and you are just going by what someone told you

Just downloaded a manual for my mini 14 I just picked up today..Made in 1978

@AlexRamirez-vz1vj

4 жыл бұрын

Some of the mini 14s are able to shoot 556 right?

@johndeeter4030

4 жыл бұрын

@@AlexRamirez-vz1vj All of them can

@paulkeller8967

3 жыл бұрын

@@johndeeter4030 Only the target model can’t.

@timbingen4772

3 жыл бұрын

My owners manual for my 1978 Mini-14 says it is able to fire 5.56 or .223 ammunition. Page 11 of owners manual.

GunBlue490 I almost pissed in my pants laughing!🤠 "Read the Manual" and actually opening it up! It seems like everyone is an expert now after watching a youtube video or two...quite frankly it's annoying. I was raised the ole fashioned way: work hard, respect your elders, help your fellow man, take your hat off during the Star Spangled Banner and read the manual first! Tradition is being lost, so its refreshing to hear someone set people straight. I especially loved "Read the Constitution & the Declaration of Independence." They're a thing to behold those great documents! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, sir. Subbed. God Bless you & God Bless America! 🇺🇸

@holoholohaolenokaoi2299

4 жыл бұрын

Trump 2020 or all is lost

Heard that alot. So I called Ruger directly and ask. I was told by ruger , that you can use either cartridge in a mini 14. The only rifle they said that uses only .223. Is their target model withbarrel compensater

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

That's exactly what I told you. Every Mini-14 ever made except the target model has been made for any ammo, just as the owners manual states.

been shooting both through my AR's and Tikka bolt gun for years, all good.

The best tool I've found in any book is the index. Sometimes a person has to begin at the back of the book to understand it from the start!

I formally had a Ruger mini 14 purchased long ago. Finally sold it, however that manual said that gun would fire both 223 and 5.56 both! That was that gun and does not apply to other mini 14’s.This gentleman is correct, but so was I as clearly said in the manual that came with my rifle, bought back in the early 1980’s. It also had the marks “GPS” on the gun, as will as a bayonet lug under the barrel.

@GunBlue490

5 жыл бұрын

All Mini-14 rifles, with the only exception being the Target Model, were always chambered to fire 5.56 ammo. Their marking of 223 Rem confused folks, but they were never limited to 223, except for the distinctive Target, identified by the harmonics adjuster. They have recently recognized the confusion and are marking the receivers 5.56.

Nice custom cabinets in the background. I can see they were built by a person and not a factory product.

@GunBlue490

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I am that person.

Military been trying for 60 years to make a varmit cartridge into a viable war cartridge.

I have a Ruger AR-556 rifle. I want to work up some handloads for accuracy. Will a .223 Remington handload in this rifle be as accurate as a 556 handload.

Good video. To add more confusion; Ruger Mini-14 manual states: production 2004 and earlier > TheRUGER® MINI-14® RIFELS are chambered for .223Remington (5.56mm) cartridge. The Mini-14 Rifle is designed to use either standardized U.S. military, or factory loaded sporting .223 (5.56mm) cartridges manufactured in accordance with U.S. industry practice. For production after 2004 > RUGER® MINI-14® RANCH rifles are offered in two calibers: .223 Remington (5.56mm) and the 6.8mm Remington SPC. The Target Model uses .223 Remington cartridges only. The Mini-14® Ranch and Mini Thirty® rifles are designed to use either standardized U.S. military, or factory loaded sporting cartridges manufactured in accordance with U.S. industry practice.

Pressure differences result from differing measuring methods. Two methods test pressure in the center of the cartridge and one method tests at the ogive area. I'd bet the compatibility is due to headspace differences.

The difference in pressure rating comes down to different testing methods.

@kurtlewis4059

Жыл бұрын

Exactly! If tested the same method they show the same chamber pressures

According to Ruger- All Ruger Mini 14 can shoot 223 Rem and 5.56 Nato except the the target rifle-it is only 223 Rem.

@GunBlue490

8 жыл бұрын

Yes. That's exactly what I said in the video, and is exactly what the Ruger manual instructs.

@draeath

6 жыл бұрын

It's not exactly clear, to me, in the manual.

Guns are *not* like the old Priority Mail advertisements: "If it fits, it ships."

Also the nato brass capacity is less then a .223 . Less volume . You put the same grain of powder into 5.56 that you use in a .223 brass then you will have more pressure .

HAR HAR HAR GunBlue, you gave an excellent presentation! I laughed hearing you explain reading the owner's manual. You are 100% right. But no matter, still some dummies will think "READ THE OWNER'S MANUAL" means read Marvel Comics to get your info.

@robk.4104

6 жыл бұрын

MaximusArurealius Agree. I had a guy tell me that no ranch rifle marked .223 could shoot 5.56 . Even though I told him what rugers web site said . He said. Lol ruger was wrong ????

@edspencer7121

5 жыл бұрын

How many people actually read the story line in a comic book? Food for thought...... Superman wouldn't be so 'super' if it wasn't for words.

I have some norinco surplus from the 90s in 556 way hotter than some bulk federal in .223 i bought a couple of weeks ago, makes a big fireball out of my norinco ar 15 with 14.5 inch barrel

Wrong, Wrong, Wrong! Why don't you go ahead and call Ruger and ask them if you can shoot a .556 NATO in their mini 14s. They will tell you yes because it is built to shoot both. The mini-14 Target rifle is only built for .223

From the Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle manual for 2004 to date: RUGER® MINI-14® RANCH rifles are offered in two calibers: .223 Remington (5.56mm) and the 6.8mm Remington SPC. The Target Model uses .223 Remington cartridges only.

@GunBlue490

4 жыл бұрын

Yes. Thank you. I stated that.

I have a COLT TARGET MATCH HBAR from the early nineties that has .223 Rem on the lower, and 1/7 NATO 5.56 stamped on the barrel. Modern steel/alloy development has eliminated the over pressure concerns involving these 'cousin calibers'. There is a difference in the brass, 5.56 wall thickness is thicker, to reduce severed rim issues in full auto/battlefield situations. It's 2018, now, you go grab any friggy Handloading/Gunpowder Company spec books and look up the recipe for benchloading 5.56. Ain't gonna find one. You'll be pointed to 223 chapter

@GunBlue490

5 жыл бұрын

Sorry, but the difference has nothing to do with steel development or brass thickness. The difference between the two designations is the design of the chamber throat, which are radically different. The leade (start of rifling) of the 223 Remington throat is at a standard industry distance found in most SAAMI chambers, close to the bullet. The leade taper is also abruptly tapered. The NATO and European C.I.P. version of the chamber is far different, and incorporates a long freebore before the bullet encounters the leade. The leade is also made more gradual and less steeply tapered. The difference in brass is not necessarily thicker with NATO or European ammo. I have weighed lots of brass cases to compare them, and have as many heavy 223 cases as I have NATO, and their capacity is very frequently the same. The significant issue is that the pressure of NATO ammo runs nearly 10,000 psi greater than SAAMI at over 62,000 psi. Your Colt is marked for both simply because Colt is a military supplier and has always chambered their barrels for military ammo. If you buy an American made rifle chambered for .223 Remington, UNLESS THE MANUAL SPECIFIES OTHERWISE, AS WITH THE RUGER MINI-14, the rifle is NOT safe to use with NATO ammunition, period. That's an industry proclamation, not mine. Wylde chambers are hybrids such as are frequently used in National Match barrels. They employ a special leade that allows NATO ammo, while also providing accuracy on par with a 223 Remington chamber. You can always use standard 223 ammo in a NATO chamber, and you can always use NATO ammo in a NATO or European CIP chamber, but you can never safely use NATO ammo in a 223 Remington chamber. If you have any doubts, you should check with the owner's manuals.

It never ceases to amaze me that people unfamiliar with any given piece of engineering come to the belief that the team of engineers and technical people who designed and manufactured the item are somehow not sufficiently familiar with that item to advise on it's use. RTFM

@greymas3006

5 жыл бұрын

Read The Firearms Manual :)

You are do right ,Ruger web tells you what mini 14 can and can't use the 5 .56 . I had a guy tell me I was wrong even though I told him I got the information from Ruger.

Recently bought a Mini 14 on GunBroker. Paid abt 20% more than before 2020. The specifications varied in the details. I bought one listed as .223/5.56. I assumed it was a .223. That was OK. When it came, it's a 5.56 NATO. Was pleased with the NATO chambering. The were other characteristics I wanted so I didn't call the seller. Suggest to anyone wanting NATO chambering; call to verify.

The european cip pressure standards are different to the sammi standards, so with a Czech european made cz bren 2ms as it says 556 on one side of the gas regulator and 223 on the other i believe you can use both. A rifle made in Europe generally has a barrel made to higher cip specifications therefore 556 can be fired in the rifle chambered for 223. cip is usually stamped on the rifle and barrel . Whereas a rifle barrel made in the u.s for example is made to Sammi specs so it may not be safe to fire a 556 in a 223 barrel.

My ar 15 has a 223 WYLDE 1:8 twist barrel with a 5.56 lower. I guess it shoots both from what I'm hearing. It's fairly new and I haven't shot it much. Can you recommend a particular round or maker for that? 223 or 556 and what grain? I'm hoping you can save me hundreds of dollars trying to figure out what would shoot the best. Thank you sir and i'm subscribing to the channel.

You are so right, I ran a retail business for 37 years, I would say 1 out of 10 customers read their owners manual.. READ people..................

@TheBoru2011

8 жыл бұрын

+irish ways Right on, most people read the manual after everything else fails.

I know this is an old video, but it’s and important subject.

Great video, I have a Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle from 1999 serial # starting with 195. This is a thin barrel version. It has Cal. .223 stamped on the receiver. As you said in the owners manual it states chambered in .223 (5.56mm). The Ranch Rifle is designed to use either standardized U.S. military or factory loaded sporting .223 (5.56mm) cartridges... I also called Ruger to confirm and they stated that only the target models and very early built Mini-14's from the 70's, should only be loaded with .223 Remington. My question to you GB490, have you ever fired 5.56mm NATO cartridges out of your Ruger Mini-14 Ranch Rifle?

@jimtom4878

Жыл бұрын

Interesting

@zackrose-to6jo

10 ай бұрын

Yes all the time nothing happens

I just went to the Ruger website and the they say that the Mini-14 ranch rifle, except for the "target model" (.223) is good to go for both .223 and 5.56 X 45 military type ball FMJ ammo. It is listed under the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) under the Ammunition category. Not sure about earlier models but mine is a series 500. Like Blue says, better check the Official Website for this and read the manual.

@GunBlue490

5 жыл бұрын

Yes, that is exactly what I said.

Love your content, have to say my Ruger Mini 14 has had 1000 round cases run thru it over and over in the 20 + years I've had it and .556 is all it eats and yeah your correct I shouldn't have done or do it but I've seen no break down or barrel problems. But again its a Ruger so I could split logs with it and shoot it all week and it will still run.

Where does .223 Wylde fall into this? Can you do a video on the chambering?

@GunBlue490

6 жыл бұрын

JSmunitions It's simply a modified chambering dimension that's between the Remington 223 and 5.56mm, which offers the ability to fire military pressure ammo with the accuracy advantages of a shorter throat. It's a viable alternative for the custom barrel, and it works exactly as claimed. Having said that, military ammo works fine in standard military chambers, and 223 ammo works fine in 223 chambers. There is a bit of practical contradiction of uses. If my goal is to shoot 5.56mm ammo, I am certainly not seeking gilt edge accuracy, and if I'm seeking gilt edge accuracy, any advantage of 150 fps that compromises the absolute accuracy advantages that a standard 223 chamber offers might be counterproductive to my goal. Accuracy folks tend to make no concessions to accuracy, even at the loss of velocity, and velocity seeking folks place that in priority. For the person who compromises both, I think it might offer a solution. For others, it's an answer to a problem they don't have. I'm of that camp.

Long ago I bought a new Mini14 in 1987 in the .223 cal. Long ago I was being informed when buying ammo that 223/5.56 were the same cartridge. And yes I read the owners manual. During the time I bought 223/5.56 ammo and used what I experienced with 7.62x51/.308 being compatible to use in a M1A rifle that I also owned. I have fired over 1k rounds of 5.56 along with .223 ammo in my Mini-14. Now with all this information HYPE on using 5.56 in a 223 rifle is getting a lot of attention. I or many rifle owners at the gun range did not know back then. HOWEVER, I have not witnessed & seen any catastrophic rifle event in using 5.56 on a 223 ammo. I have witnessed Ammo reloaded too HOT to fire and later explode at the gun range. But never a mishap in regards to a .223 using 5.56 ammo, absolutely nothing. Having said all that, GUN BLUE490 your video stands correct & I concur. By what I know know , FIRE the CALIBER AMMO stamped on the Barrel. It is the smart and safe thing to do. Thank you GUNBLUE490 on this video presentation...

@GunBlue490

Жыл бұрын

The Ruger Mini-14 was ALWAYS, in every generation, from first to the last, regardless of the stamping on the receiver, chambered for the military 5.56mm NATO round of any variation. Bill Ruger wanted is Mini-14 to be able to fire all the surplus military ammo that was being made available after Vietnam. The ONLY exception was their .223 Remington Target Model (harmonic adjuster on barrel with special target stock), now discontinued. That's strictly a .223 Remington chamber and is specifically documented in the manual as such. Ruger began using the .223 Remington stamp many years before the public understood that the 5.56mm existed. It was a simpler world back then, and folks identified with .223 Remington, with no understanding of NATO ammo differences. That stamping has nothing to do with restricting the use of military NATO ammo. In the last few years, they came to recognize after so many phone calls that folks were now confused, so they changed the stamp to 5.56mm. The guns have always been the same strength and 5.56mm military chambering, just as their owners manuals have always declared since the first production.

Hello, As per this video instructs, I went to Ruger website and looked up the manual for my Mini-14 I bought in the late 70's when they first came out with the Stainless version. in the manual, under ammunition (page 11) it states: The RUGER® MINI-14 ®RIFLES are chambered for the .223 Remington (5.56mm) cartridge. The Mini-14 Rifle is designed to use either standardized U.S. military or factory loaded sporting .223 (5.56mm) cartridges manufactured in accordance with U.S. industry practice. Is there a difference between US Military standardized loading and the NATO loading? .

@GunBlue490

7 жыл бұрын

Marc Bari The US is the leading charter member of NATO, and the US designed the 5.56mm NATO chambering. All US military ammunition is marked with the NATO (+) symbol, and is the only ammunition used by our forces, and any member of the NATO pact. Yes, US military designation 5.56mm ammo is NATO, and can be nothing else.

@marcbari6528

7 жыл бұрын

Then it would seem that this era of Mini-14 was designed to take the 5.56 NATO round.

per RUGER.....5.56 is fine...target model excepted....the chamber is 5.56 despite stamped .223. Ruger did this for the same reason they call a nice "assault rifle" the ranch rifle.......... black evil assault rifles using military ammo were sure to get banned...kinda did for awhile......but likely not a pretty walnut wood stocked ranch rifle that uses a varmint round and came standard with a five round magazine........anyway....Ruger says it's fine......EXCEPT TARGET MODEL...Ruger could be wrong I suppose.......redundant I know...great video.

I like shooting 5 56 nato in my mini 14. Never a problem here, in fact my mini prefers 5.56 nato. My rifle says 5.56 nato on it but if yours reads .223 then don't shoot 5.56 through it.

Quote from CZ-USA website. "Our .223s will happily eat 5.56, since CIP doesn’t differentiate between the two cartridges and just has the higher pressure as its standard. So our .223s will shoot everything from the cheapest Russian steel to match .223 brass ammo."

I have a mini 14 in 223 Remington That I have had for over 20 years and I bought it used. I took it out to shoot the other day and I picked up some NATO rounds that I had handy. After I fired about 20 rounds the gun malfunctioned, as I was picking up my empty cases I noticed half the primers were blown out of the cases. When I strip down the gun down I found out one of the primers had jammed The Mechanism. So from now on I’m going to stick with 223 for the mini 14 and save save the NATO rounds far the AR

@GunBlue490

4 жыл бұрын

That's an unusual situation that had nothing to do with the gun itself. Every Mini-14 is more than strong enough to handle NATO ammo and is pressure tested at the factory as such. Some 5.56 rounds on the market are marked NATO but are not necessarily made to industry standards especially if imported. Those primers would have blown in any rifle, because primer pocket expansion has nothing to do with the rifle. Having said that, I generally like to keep the throttle down with my Colt AR15A4 with standard 223 rounds, which will give it a longer life with no discernible difference downrange. Plus, it saves my ears and keeps the brass closer.

What about the 308 vs 762x51 can they be fired safely in the others bore

The case wall is thicker on the 5.56. When I convert the 5.56 to 300 black out I have to turn the diameter of the case neck to get the case and bullet into the die.

@excelsior6365

Жыл бұрын

There is no specification for wall thickness in NATO. Federal, Winchester, IMI, PMC, and Lake City all use the same case to load Remington and NATO loads. No manufacturer is stupid enough to have two sets of tooling to make a cartridge whose only difference is the test chamber used to calibrate the powder load.

Ruger says, every Mini14 except the target model is specifically chambered for5.56.

I inherited an older Mini-14. I was not sure if it could safely shoot 556. I contacted Ruger by phone and they said that I could shoot 223 or 556 out of it. Both were fine and safe. I bought a ton of 556 Nato and shot hundreds of rounds without issue. Great rifle(with "Ruger" Magazines). I loved it so much I just bought one of the new and improved ones.

@GunBlue490

6 жыл бұрын

The Mini 14 has always been made to 5.56mm NATO specifications. The only exception is the Target Model, which has a standard .223 Remington chamber and is identified by a large harmonics adjuster at the end of the barrel. You will find that the newer version is much more accurate.

The chambering for military 5.56×45mm NATO has a longer throat prior to the bullet contacting the rifling which results in lower pressures when firing 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition. If 5.56×45mm NATO is used in rifles chambered for .223 Remington the bullet will be engraving the rifling when chambered which can dramatically increase pressure past the proof test level.

@GunBlue490

7 жыл бұрын

Will Mathieson Yes, the throat of a 5.56mm is significantly longer, and the leade of the rifling is shallower than the 223 chamber, and NATO 5.56 ammo is far hotter, which does increase pressures above accepted 223 levels due to the combined influences of reduced bullet clearance and higher operating pressures. However, a NATO round will chamber without bullet to leade contact. It's just not sufficient freeborn, and the working pressures are far higher, which makes a very undesirable combo.

@HypocriticYT

7 жыл бұрын

and 5.56 nato used to be free to shoot, now I have to buy .223 and I can't fire off 30rd mags at full auto anymore or belts. There are +'s to being out of the army though but not when it comes to firearms. Are there any manufacturers that sell 1 in 7 twist? I know Colt Canada sells a version of the C7 for civilian use.

@GunBlue490

7 жыл бұрын

Will Mathieson Yes, there are, but unless you are shooting extremely long bullets over long range, you are better off with slower twist, which will allow greater load density at lower pressures, with less resistance, and less fouling. Military steel core 62 grain bullets are unusually long, but are perfectly stabilized with a 9 inch twist. Most people don't use bullets that require 7 inch twists, which has become a popular fad that has no basis for anyone but the single shot loader of extreme length bullets that won't even fit AR magazines.

@HypocriticYT

7 жыл бұрын

so why does Colt make a 1 in 7 inch twist for military arms? I know Canadian C7A1 and C8 rifles are all 1 in 7 twist and they fit in the magazines that are interchangeable with any black rifle.

@GunBlue490

7 жыл бұрын

Will Mathieson They fit because they are either 55 grain or 62 grain green tips, which stabilize in any AR, regardless of twist. They make fast twist for possible future use with long, light, armor penetrating alloy bullets, but none of the ammo commonly used by any NATO country uses ammo that requires 7 inch twist. The standard green tip armor penetrating bullet can be stabilized with a 10 or even 12 inch twist. Even my 222 Remington with a slow 14 inch twist will handle military 55 grain FMJ bullets at standard 222 velocities, and any 10 inch twist 5.56 will stabilize an extremely long 68 grain Hornady #2278 boat tail match hollow point or a Sierra 69 grain #1380 HPBT Match bullet, which I shoot all the time, and very accurately from a 9 inch twist. A 7 inch twist is fine for extremely long single shot bullets, and will stabilize short ones too, but remember that faster twist increases resistance. Resistance increases pressure, which means that a person with a slower twist will be able to load ammo with higher charges, with faster velocity. What's more important, getting lower pressure and higher velocity with longer range that hits harder, and allows the use of thin jacket explosive varmint bullets, or having a gun that is able to shoot 75 or 80 grain 1,000 meter bullets, single feed??

My manual says "The Ruger Mini 14 Ranch rifles are chambered for the .223 Remington(5.56)cartridge.The Ranch rifle is designed to use EITHER standardiz U.S. MILITARY OR factory loaded sporting .223(5.56)cartridges manufactured in accordance with U.S. industry practice."?!