5.56 surplus in a .223 mini14, safe or not?

[jasonahull]

A buddy of mine bought surplus 5.56 ammo for his .223 mini 14. is it safe or not?
Some say it is and some say it isnt. He was told it could "blow up in his face". I have read conflicting reports.
What is the real deal?

 

[sf88]

Re: .5.56 surplus in a .223 mini14, safe or not?

Will it blow up or kill you? No
Is it bad for the gun in the sense it will wear your parts faster due to the increased pressure? Yes

 

[jeep505090]

Re: .5.56 surplus in a .223 mini14, safe or not?

Rule of thumb: shoot whats stamped on the barrel.

 

[zinny]

Re: .5.56 surplus in a .223 mini14, safe or not?

5.56 rounds are loaded to produce higher pressures than .223 rem. which is why you were told it will blow up in your face. Usually a chamber made for the 223 is tighter than one made for 5.56. tighter chamber + higher pressure = greater chance of firearm malfunction. it has happened to people before where using 5.56 in a .223 chambered rifle has lead to personal injury.

If its a modern rifle the chances are nothing will happen except signs of overpressure. but there's always the chance that something may happen.

you should probably call the manufacturer and ask if the mini 14 will take 5.56 rounds as some manufacturers produce hybrid chambers than will be able to shoot both kinds of ammo.

 

[jasonahull]

Re: .5.56 surplus in a .223 mini14, safe or not?

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/.223_Remington

 

[Badshot308]

Re: .5.56 surplus in a .223 mini14, safe or not?

It's listed for both http://www.ruger.com/products/mini14RanchRifle/models.html I had one of those things about 25 years ago and it functioned fine with both military surplus and commercial ammo.

 

[jasonahull]

Re: .5.56 surplus in a .223 mini14, safe or not?

so the difference in what i have read is in the chamber/throat, more than the ammo.

 

[Drifter™]

Re: .5.56 surplus in a .223 mini14, safe or not?

Ruger has online manuals available on their website, which should tell which ammo is appropriate. I think the Mini-14 is a 556 despite its 223 designation, but don't take my word for it. Again, check the manual.

 

[TexIndian]

Re: .5.56 surplus in a .223 mini14, safe or not?

I've shot plenty of it in my old Mini (1981 vintage). The mini has a relatively large chamber and will handle the surplus ammo just fine. And it is rated for both kinds of ammo by Ruger.