Confused about mini-30 bore... PLEASE HELP!!

[CanuckShooter]

Hey everyone!

This is my first post.

My question is about my dad's totally stock mini-30. I am really confused about the bore diameter.

Some people say the bore diameter is .308 and shooting the russian and chinese stuff (which is .311 but I am sure you all know that..lol) will foul up the barrel really bad with copper.

Then some don't recommend it at all.

THEN... on this board I read that the bore diameter is actually.311 and I am really starting to get confused. I just really love this gun, and my dad really likes it to, and I don't want to wreck it, but more so... I just plain want to know.

Can anyone provide me with any info (factual not speculation please) on the actual bore diameter of the mini-30?

I would REALLY appreciate it.... :beer:

Awesome board you have!!

CanuckShooter

[pdog]

I just called Ruger 2 days ago, slightly confused also, and they said mine, a 196 series was .310 - .311. I did not get into the older guns but think it has been the same for quite some time. Call them, they are nice to fill you in.

[scruffy]

The easiest/quickest way is probably to call Ruger at 603-865-2442 with your series and serial number handy (on side of reciever). They'll look it up in the database and tell you bore diameter, twist rate, etc.

later,
scruffy

[cajungeo]

Welcome to the forum CanuckShooter. The confusion is because Ruger first made the Mini-30 in the .308" bore. Later models changed to .311". Ruger says either bore will shoot the M43 ammo.

The 7.62 x 39mm ammo bullet is .310".

[hylander]

When i talked to Ruger I was told the change in bore from .308 to .311 took place between 1995-1996
Call Ruger with your Serial # and they can tell you your Bore Diameter.
Or look at their Web site, the year info. is on there.
If you have a .308 bore I would not shoot Russian ammo in it, other's will probly tell you its O.K., I would not listen to that kind of Advice.
Soonner or later that oversize bullet going down that undersize bore is going to cause problem's and it gun'a be pretty.

[bushwack]

My advice can be taken with a grain of salt so I won't bother to give it. On the other hand the people at Sierra Bullets say they have no problem with it. They shot the .311 bullets from a Mini30 with a .308 barrel & .308 bullets from an SKS & both did surprisingly well. I got this information from Sierra's reloading software.

Good shooting
Bushwack

[scruffy]

I've been told the mini 14 has a .222" bore diameter (haven't taken a cast mold to verify) and shoots .224" bullets, a difference of -.002". A mini30 with a .308" bore shooting 7.62 ammo that is .310" is also a difference of -.002". I'd guess the rifling is probably .218" or something like that for the mini 14 and around .304" for the .308 bore mini 30 (rifling is probably .307" for the .311" bore). Now I'm curious, I'll have to mic my mini 14 barrel to say for sure on the .223, on the mini 30 maybe someone else can mic the rifling diameter. Bore diameter is more difficult with a mic to do accurately since the smaller diameter rifling is twisting in the way.

Just some numbers to chew on... ;)

later,
scruffy

[cajungeo]

Scruffy beat me to the punch again. I agree.

If you carefully remove a .22 LR bullet which is .220" from the case, you can put it down your mini barrel nose first, and push it thru with a flat jag on a cleaning rod. It just fits. It will tighten up around the front sight, and gas block, as the barrel is compressed at these points. The .223 rem bullet measures .224" in dia.

Besides if you didn't shoot 7.62x39 which is .310, what could you shoot if you didn't reload? :blink:

[BlenderWizard]

I just called Ruger and they said all mini-30's made after '89 have a .310-.311 bore diameter.

[steve4102]

I have a Mini-30 that I purchased in 1986. I have shot several hundred 7.62x39 factory rounds through it. I have had NO ill effects with the .310 ammo. I now handload all of my ammo and I use .308 bullets. Only because they shoots better in my gun and there is a better selection of bullets.
If your mini is older and you feel that the .310 and .311 bullet is to tight then Mike K can help. mike.w.knifong@exgate.tek.com . He has a fire lapping kit that can bring your barrel to .310. I would also recommend some of Mike's other product and smithwork to get your mini on track.
I called Ruger also and was told that all of the mini-30's can shoot both .308 and .310 safely. Safely not accuratly.
I have bought and sold many firearms over the years, but, I will never part with my Ruger Mini-30, ever.