need advice for ruger mini-30

[drmike]

Hey folks-- new member here and ran into a problem thought I'd throw out and see if anyone here has seen it/fixed it before.

Just got a new Ruger Mini-30. Have an old Russian SKS, fun as heck to shoot but weighs a ton, so thought I'd double up on ability to burn up a lot of 7.62 ammo gathering dust. Found out that it won't feed any steel cased ammo. Changed out multiple mags, just won't feed. Had a few boxes of Winchester brass that fed without a problem. Yeah, can just get brass but it's a lot more expensive and have a lot of steel cased (South African make, not the crap East Bloc, but still oiled steel).

 

[erwos]

Have you contacted Ruger? My understanding is that incompatibility with steel-cased ammo is a known issue with Mini-30s, and why you don't find many people recommending them.

I have heard that zinc-plated ammo (eg, Silver Bear) works better, if you're looking for an interim solution.

 

[cobra]

Same issue with my friends Mini.
It won't eject the same steel ammo as my AR's would.

 

[sailskidrive]

Same issue with my friends Mini.
It won't eject the same steel ammo as my AR's would.

WHAT? I thought Mini's were "Dead nuts reliable".

I've been down this road... buy the zinc washed Silver Bear ammo for it.

 

[Name Taken]

Find a used unconverted Saiga 7.62 and go to town on that extra 7.62 ammo...and at about half the price.

 

[lkenefic]

That's why I bought a crappy East-Bloc AK47 for the crappy East-bloc ammo... seems to be a perfect fit.

 

[Kman]

Same issue with my friends Mini.
It won't eject the same steel ammo as my AR's would.

Strange.
My mini 14's eat everything. Tula is 80% of the diet.

 

[Warpspasm]

My son has a Mini-30 and, as far as I know, it has never failed to function with Wolf steel cased ammo. It's a great rifle. Accurate and fun to shoot.

 

[Sirex]

http://www.jgsales.com/7.62x39-silver-bear-hp,-500rd-case.-p-1629.html ?

 

[buckslugger]

One of my biggest regrets selling my mini 30

 

[dieselfarmboy]

Mine cycles steel. But have never fired more then 2-3 rounds at a time.

 

[mbz300sdl]

WHAT? I thought Mini's were "Dead nuts reliable".

I've been down this road... buy the zinc washed Silver Bear ammo for it.

14's are

 

[mbz300sdl]

Hey I just happen to have 500 rounds for Federal American Eagle 124FMJ

 

[Hopalong]

When you say "new", which model is it? Is it a brand new model, or a "new to you" older model?

I have a a Mini-30 and have never had any issues with steel-cased ammo. Some other owners I've talked to have had issues, some haven't. It's something of a "hit or miss" proposition, and I've always wondered if it's something that changed between models or if it's just slightly different tolerances gun-to-gun within a production run.

Regardless, I can't suggest Mini-30s for shooting cheap, ComBloc steel ammo unless you don't mind taking a risk. I didn't mind, and I'm glad I did. If you want a sure bet, get an AK/Saiga or an SKS.

 

[303_enfield]

As stated, "new to you or the "new" Ruger mini 30". Old model had a .308 bore new model has a .310 bore. Surplus/Wolf 7.62x39mm is .311. If you have the old model you need to reload or buy Win 7.62x39mm, most has the .308 pill. Google a Ruger forum and run your serial number to find out what bore you have. Or cast the bore.

Good luck!

 

[sgt23preston]

Sgt Preston here...

I'm going to give you the simple answer...

Don't feed your Min 30 steel cased ammo...

I'm not trying to be a smart ass, it's simply obvious...

Make it easy on yourself, feed your Mini brass cased ammo & enjoy you rifle...

Hope this is helpful...