Correct burn rate for Mini 14

therifleman556 · August 1, 2013, 09:36 PM

Hello all;

I am posting in regards to appropriate burn rates for semi automatic rifles. I recently picked up a Mini 14 for hunting and toting around, essentially a light-weight alternative to my bull barreled AR. The concern I am having is in regards to the proper burn rate for the Mini's gas system. I am currently running 55 grain bullets using a 26.5gr charge of BL-C(2). I had not given the choice a second thought with my ARs; but when shooting the same loads out of the Mini, calling case ejection "spirited" is an understatement. Empties routinely travel 25 feet or more. The odd thing to me is that using factory Wolf 55gr ammunition, ejection is a much more sedate 4 to 6 feet.

Anybody have any ideas on how I can make my brass a bit easier to keep track of using different powders? I read that the M1/M14 platform is best suited to powders between 4895 and 4064. BL-C(2) is on the fast side of those. Would a slower powder make the Mini a little more brass-friendly?

steve4102 · August 2, 2013, 05:34 AM

The Mini-14/30 is well known for sending brass into the next county. You can try using a faster powder, or you can go here and get the proper bushing for your rifle.
They have different Gas port bushings that will allow you to tailor your mini to whatever you need. You can also skip the reduced bushing set and go with an adjustable gas block. This will allow you to set your Mini up for the exact amount of ejection you need right at the bench and in the field.

http://www.ruger-mini-14-firearms.co...ccessories.php

SVTCobra306 · August 2, 2013, 08:53 AM

^^ Agreed. I haven't done it to mine yet, but it's on the list.. pretty high on the list actually LOL

serf 'rett · August 2, 2013, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Anybody have any ideas on how I can make my brass a bit easier to keep track of ...

There's the cheapo solutions

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/855...lon-mesh-black (must figure how to adapt to Mini)

Table top model
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/942...-brass-catcher

therifleman556 · August 2, 2013, 09:26 AM

Thanks for the link. I knew about the adjustable gas blocks, but figured the price wasnt worth it. The bushings look like a very reasonable solution.

LeopardCurDog · August 5, 2013, 07:52 PM

Any brass that comes out of any of my mini's goes 25-30 feet as well.

August 1, 2013, 09:36 PM	#1
therifleman556 Member Join Date: April 6, 2013 Location: Central Wisconsin Posts: 43	Correct burn rate for Mini 14 Hello all; I am posting in regards to appropriate burn rates for semi automatic rifles. I recently picked up a Mini 14 for hunting and toting around, essentially a light-weight alternative to my bull barreled AR. The concern I am having is in regards to the proper burn rate for the Mini's gas system. I am currently running 55 grain bullets using a 26.5gr charge of BL-C(2). I had not given the choice a second thought with my ARs; but when shooting the same loads out of the Mini, calling case ejection "spirited" is an understatement. Empties routinely travel 25 feet or more. The odd thing to me is that using factory Wolf 55gr ammunition, ejection is a much more sedate 4 to 6 feet. Anybody have any ideas on how I can make my brass a bit easier to keep track of using different powders? I read that the M1/M14 platform is best suited to powders between 4895 and 4064. BL-C(2) is on the fast side of those. Would a slower powder make the Mini a little more brass-friendly?

August 2, 2013, 05:34 AM	#2
steve4102 Senior Member Join Date: December 23, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,955	The Mini-14/30 is well known for sending brass into the next county. You can try using a faster powder, or you can go here and get the proper bushing for your rifle. They have different Gas port bushings that will allow you to tailor your mini to whatever you need. You can also skip the reduced bushing set and go with an adjustable gas block. This will allow you to set your Mini up for the exact amount of ejection you need right at the bench and in the field. http://www.ruger-mini-14-firearms.co...ccessories.php

August 2, 2013, 08:53 AM	#3
SVTCobra306 Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2013 Posts: 434	^^ Agreed. I haven't done it to mine yet, but it's on the list.. pretty high on the list actually LOL

August 2, 2013, 09:26 AM	#5
therifleman556 Member Join Date: April 6, 2013 Location: Central Wisconsin Posts: 43	Thanks for the link. I knew about the adjustable gas blocks, but figured the price wasnt worth it. The bushings look like a very reasonable solution.

August 5, 2013, 07:52 PM	#6
LeopardCurDog Member Join Date: February 1, 2009 Posts: 81	Any brass that comes out of any of my mini's goes 25-30 feet as well.