eddielasvegas Report post Posted March 29 This rifle is from 1986 based on S/N and is almost certainly only rated for .223 pressure (~55,000 psi). The 5.56 pressure (~58,000 psi) is higher and will cause problems. For 1 or 5 or 10 rounds, probably not, but if it were my life I'd stick to .223 on this Mini-14. I have a 185 series Mini-14 and it is only rated for .223 and I shoot it every single time I'm at the range. Such a fun gun. Newer Mini-14's can shoot .223 and 5.56. Eddie Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lucafu1 Report post Posted March 29 What I post is straight from the Ruger website. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boarman03 Report post Posted March 30 4 hours ago, Lucafu1 said: "Q. Can I shoot 5.56 NATO ammunition in my Mini-14® or Ranch Rifle? With the exception of the Mini-14® Target Rifle, which accepts only .223 Rem. ammunition, .223 Rem. and 5.56 NATO can be used in all Mini-14® rifles and Ranch Rifles. Please note that "Military Surplus" 5.56mm NATO can vary greatly in its quality and consistency." Some Mini 14s were 7.62x39 Russian. Just verifying it was a 223 Mini. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lucafu1 Report post Posted March 30 26 minutes ago, Boarman03 said: Some Mini 14s were 7.62x39 Russian. Just verifying it was a 223 Mini. Those should be mini-30s 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boarman03 Report post Posted March 30 2 hours ago, Lucafu1 said: Those should be mini-30s True, but many people still call them Mini 14s in error. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites