Mini 14 - 222 Rem - targets

[Whelen B]

Left work a little early today. The sun was shining and bekoned me to leave work for the range to fire off a few rounds. Such nice weather for it.

So I tried two different hand loads and bullets in my stock 187 series Mini in 222Rem. I didn't weigh each charge but dipped them. My Mini 14 again shot 3shot groups about the same size as with factory ammo in the past. I fired 3 shots in fairly quick succession at each target. The Mini 14 is not the best platform for attempting accuracy but I'm just getting started experimenting with it - fun so far. Shot several sub moa 3 holers to date which keep me hopeful. And regardless the Mini is always a fun distraction from work for an hour or two.

 

[cote_b]

Good shooting! Wow, never seen a Mini-14 in .222 before.

 

[Pathfinder]

That's a first for me too, cant be too many of them out there ?

 

[Brucecounty]

i believe they where made for the UK market i could be wrong but i think it had something with people not being able to have sporting arms in military calibers ?

 

[dead meat]

Love that 222, the Mini 14 i had in 223 was no wares that accurate.

 

[two-dogs]

dam it, now there is another one that I have to start looking for!

 

[Whelen B]

Yes I think the 222s were primarily made for export for the reason mentioned here already. I've heard different countries mentioned like Australia, Mexico and Spain but who knows??? Obviously a few stayed behind for sale here.

This little specimen uses the 223 magbox and I can seat bullets out to 2.260 if bullet ogive permits (2.130" is the standard 222Rem max COAL). So far it feeds perfectly with every COAL and bullet combo I've used - from 40gr to 70gr. The 10 twist stabilizes 70 Speers but the ogive requires a shorter 2.100" COAL. The 64gr Win PP bulk seems quite good for this rifle giving 1 1/4" groups (three shots) at 2770MV with a COAL of 2.230. Just beginning to understand this rifle.

I think the longer necked 222 may be a more reliable feeder in a semi than the 223 - just a guess.

 

[Rugerman]

Very nice. Good shooting. What powder/primer combination do you use for the 52 gr. bullets if you don't mind my asking?

 

[600RemGuy]

I sold a few back when they were new. A fella I'm slightly acquainted with bought one at that time and the last time I inquired 'bout it he say something about "cold dead hands". The same goes for the BLR that was likewise chambered. Just a flash in the pan, but try to find one now!

 

[Whelen B]

What powder/primer combination do you use for the 52 gr. bullets

It's a "Triple Deuce" accuracy load taken from Warren Page's book The Accurate Rifle - though he suggests the IMR version of powder which I didn't have on hand.

52gr Hornady HPBT match
20.5grs H4198 (dipped using 1.6cc Lee dipper - scooped and carded off)
COAL - 2.130"
WSR primers
- pressures were reasonable and from that short 18 1/2" barrel my chrony readings for 3 shots were as follows;
2871
2915
2841

As a precaution, I also ground/polished my expander button smaller to increase neck tension for use in the semi without a crimp. Yesterday I got a Lee factory crimp die so in future will try that also with compressed loads primarily - to insure against bullet movement in that energetic slammer action. So far all good - no issues at all.

 

[two-dogs]

Yes I think the 222s were primarily made for export for the reason mentioned here already. I've heard different countries mentioned like Australia, Mexico and Spain but who knows??? Obviously a few stayed behind for sale here.

.

how long have had it? where'd ya find it? should you ever decide, give me a shout! "I'll take it".

 

[mbogo3]

Also made a proto-type mini-14 XGI in .308 Win + .243 that never went into production as far as I know..........Harold

 

[Whelen B]

How about a straight pull bolt version of the mini14 Ruger made to export to the UK? Never seen one just read that was done.

two-dogs - ya gotta get in line for it I'm afraid. But I'll try to keep you in mind if/when I sell it. No immediate plans for that.