7.62 x 39 bullets ??

[fleabaggins]

Hi all, I have read that commercial 7.62 x 39 ammo bullet size is .308 diameter, and the surplus/Norinco/ European ammo bullet size is .311 diameter. I further read that the Ruger Mini 30 is barreled for .308" . My question is, if I am shooting a steady diet of Norinco ammo through my Mini 30, is this going to cause a problem with the functioning, or the firearm itself? Or will it just cause increased barrel wear? Any other issues? I still have not fired my Mini 30 rifle yet, as all I have is a few thousand rounds of Norinco non-corrosive 7.62 x 39 ammo, and I wanted to get some feedback about this prior to firing it through my Mini 30.
Thanks.

 

[antiqueguy]

most 7.62x39 ammo has .311 bullets

 

[CZ_Brno]

I believe Mini 30 guns were .308 bore before 1990 and .310 after that. It shouldn't make any difference if you use .311 bullets because even the older Rugers were made in such a way as to handle both. But you could slug your barrel to be sure if you're worried about it.

 

[saskcop]

No worries. Shoot away.

 

[CZ_Brno]

You could always test your gun out to see if your gun shoots the most accurately with the .308, .310, or .311 sizes.

 

[Ganderite]

The mini 30 (older model) was made with a long tapered throat so it would digest the milsurp just fine.

Enjoy your rifle.

if you handload, try both size bullets and see it it has a preference.