Costs of shortened barrel on mini 14

[Hogwild]

Terminal performance of the bullet on the intended target:

Less we forget,

when you shorten your barrel on the mini 14 you may seriously damage or reduce its effectiveness on the intended target except at very close ranges. Most all of us know this but have we brushed it aside in the search for accuracy and because the muzzle breakes/flash hiders look so "cool"?

According to The Ammo Oracle in reference to the .223/5.56mm NATO round, when the terminal speed of the round (bullet) is less than 2700 fps its performance rapidly takes a nose dive.

Just a reminder for what it is worth. The .223/5.56 mm military round (specfically the M193) was developed around a 20" barrel. That has not changed. The bullet at 2600 fps (at the target) may not tumble and break up which is required for this to be a reliable "bad guy stopper". I may only inflict a .22 size hole or only slightly larger and pass on thru with minimal damage.

If you are preping your weapon for small varmits only and only at close range then no problem. For larger targets you may be reaching the desired accuracy at the expense of longer range stopping power.

http://www.ammo-oracle.com/

If this "Ammo Oracle" is wrong then I would like to be corrected.

I am not all knowing nor do I profess to be.

[my1911s]

I can’t say you’re wrong; it’s just that not everybody has a 223 for bad guy stopping. I imagine a V Max at 2600 fps wouldn’t help a varmint very much and I believe the 223 to be a bit light for deer. When it comes to bad guy stopping, I always thought that’s why God created the 870.

[Hogwild]

I understand and agree with your comments. Not trying to be a "know it all" but just putting forth a bit of a reminder for some who loose sight and fail to consider "cause & effect" of their actions.

I wish we had some good varmit hunting available in Florida but not planning to import cayote's for recreational purposes. LOL

Actually, I am giving some thought to putting together a really short barreled 10/22 for the fun of it.

[bwraven]

Wouldn't that make the current issue M4 "useless?"

It is my understanding that a 20" barrel is good to about 200 metres with sufficient velocity, and a 16" barrel out to 150 metres. So I guess you could reasonably say that a stock Mini-14 (18" barrel) would be good to about 175 metres. I will trade a noticable increase in accuracy for a 25 metre decrease in effective range.

If I'm looking for long range terminal performance, I grab the M1A.
I consider the Mini-14 (or any 5.56mm) a CQB weapon.
(Just my OPINION!)

I'm not quite sure how the muzzle brake plays into your statement.
It is my understanding that the added weight at the front of the barrel affects the harmonics of the barrel in a positive fashion.
Many of the muzzle brakes also offer a superior sight picture to the factory front sight.
And the muzzle brake helps to reduce felt recoil and barrel whip, allowing the shooter to get back on target much faster.

Plus, they look really cool.<_<

[my1911s]

I cut my barrel to 16 5/16” and have only accumulated limited chronograph data, however, it appears to have cost me 81 fps. If this stands, I’ll be a happy camper.

[Hogwild]

You appear to "know your weapons". My comments were aimed at perhaps the "younger" group rather than you seasoned veterans.

I have no agenda here, hidden or not. LOL

I am having my barrel shortened and compensated as we speak.

I do this with full knowledge that it reduces the range at which this weapon will truly be effective for stopping bad guys.

There are still trade-offs that should not be overlooked. Again,,,Cause and effect.

[my1911s]

The Mini 14 is a great little gun but the most inaccurate rifle out of the box I’ve ever seen. I tried barrel weights with some success but barrel cutting is the best method of dealing with that soda straw tube short of replacement. Bull barrels are expensive and to my mind defeat the guns main appeal. Light and easy to carry. I could buy a black rifle but then what would I do with my spare time. Besides, it’s not the joy of the kill but the thrill of the chase. And yes, I’m quite MAD!

[cne411]

Ammo oracle is dealing with military ball ammo. Which relies on velocity and fragmentation to perform. It also has to meet Hague Convention of 1907 rules which prohibits unnecessary suffering caused by things like bullets designed to expand.

A easy fix for us non government types that didn't sign anything is to use ammo that is designed to expand and expand at lower velocities. The down side is that costs more per round than surplus ball ammo. For SHTF ammo I have Hornady TAP for my SBR. I would also like some mk262 mod 1 from Black Hills but even the blems are high. I would guess that a 45 or 55gr hollow point gopher round expands pretty fast also but might not penetrate.

For my Mini I can only shoot light stuff because its old and should have a 1 in 12 twist barrel (181 series).

Disclaimer:

I am not an expert and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn express last night.

[my1911s]

Heck fire boy, you stayed at a H. I. Express, good enough for me.