Mini 14 Target Laminate - accuracy

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lineofsight

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Been a couple threads in discussion of the accuracy on these. Just put a scope on one and had a couple boxes of ammo...

First box of 20 used to sight it in (and retighten rear ring... had switched them around once to see if helped with alignment - didnt but that is another issue) and also played a little at 50m where it seemed quite happy.

Then 10 rounds at 100m of 55gr PMC bottom right, then bottom left. Seems within 1moa.
R14T 100m.jpg


Then switched to 62gr and became broad side of barn. After 62gr "group" went to rack it - damper completely loose... No idea when it started coming loose but rifle shows promise nonetheless. Looks like 2nd group of 55gr already opening up and as it was completely loose following the 62gr think it was already loose shooting the 55grs (was also very tight at 50m).

R14T 100m loose.jpg


Rapport is louder than expected, feel of action a little sloppy sounding but good to shoot. Now time to develop loads (and tighten damper), think its a keeper based on ergonomics and shooting (not so much on perceived quality).

Conclusions:
1MOA with cheapest ammo that can find.
Damper not your friend when loose.
 
I have always wondered about this gun. One thing I wonder when developing loads is the position of the damper. You could be shooting 55 grainers and it looking like crap then adjust the damper to get barrel harmonics in tune and shoot the same 55 grainers and have it look pretty good. Same with other weights of bullets as well. You should keep us all posted with your results through this thread. I know I am into hearing more about it.
 
Thanks Grizzly. Have a selection of Nosler, Hornady, and Armcor to try in the 62 to 75gr range including the ones you mentioned (also have 1:9 Savage and 5R to feed with these). Have Varget and RL15 - what are you using? Figured would work a load as normal and then as last step try moving it one demarkation further & closer (and then use loctite).

Given the one hole & clover leaf groups at 50m think it was already getting loose when started at 100m. Still, 55gr cheapest factory ammo at 1moa - cant complain. Hopefully get another range trip in before New Years and see.
 
I got to try one at the range and it did not shoot poorly. I liked the stock, and the trigger was ok. Can't say what its potential was, but it probably can do what they say, shoot moa with the right ammo. Its a cool little rifle.
 
As there been questions on the damper before (and debate on attachment) - here are some pics:

14HD.jpg


14Weight.jpg


Appreciate the HAHA :)

Tightened damper to 30 inch pounds - will see what that does (and ring base to 40) so hopefully stay tight this time around.

EDIT - set screws are nice and deep so little chance of stripping.
 
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I have one brand new never shot , have had it for over a year, just never had the time break it in. But before i got it , i did alot of googling on it and saw a few good videos of various people video logging their use of the rifle and the damper system. It was enuff that i bought it. The stock is hefty, but i believe itl make a goodin for varmits...
 
Shakyshooter said:
I have one brand new never shot , have had it for over a year, just never had the time break it in. But before i got it , i did alot of googling on it and saw a few good videos of various people video logging their use of the rifle and the damper system. It was enuff that i bought it. The stock is hefty, but i believe itl make a goodin for varmits...
Click to expand...

I read a couple reviews on it - with factory ammo average accuracy was 1moa, good enough starting point. I really wanted a semi auto non-restricted centerfire with good stock and this one fit the bill. Its a bit brutish/unrefined but I like it just fine. Just ordered a slide spring, hammer spring, and buffer bushing for it which means I intend to keep it.
 
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