mini-30 conversion to 7.62X51mm(.308Win.)

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What does it take to convert the standard mini-30 to shoot the 7.62 nato cartridge, if possible at all?

Thank you all,
 
You may or may not be able to rechamber a Mini-30 to 7.62 Nato but the mag box would be too short, so I think you'd just have a real expensive single shot .308 that would probably only do 2" @ 100 yards... :p

Ruger tried to bring out a semi-auto rifle in .308 but had problems with it & gave up... ;)
 
The action is just too small. Compare the receiver size of a Mini with a 305. 305/M-14/M1A, etc. are scaled for .308.
 
Ruger built a few version of the mini scaled up for 308 sized cartridges back in the day, there was lot's of hoopla and such in the firearms press about these rifles, but aside from a few prototypes, nothing ever came of it. I think it was called the XG1, but I may be misremembering (it was about 35 years a go, or so). - dan
 
I've heard that Ruger still has parts on hand, and the project is on the back burner. If they could get a satisfactory product out, it would be the US equivalent of the 305.
 
"...the project is on the back burner..." It was cancelled long ago because it doesn't work. The finniest thing was LeBaron's advertizing the Ruger USGI in their catalogue for two years after Ruger cancelled it.
 
dan belisle said:
Ruger built a few version of the mini scaled up for 308 sized cartridges back in the day, there was lot's of hoopla and such in the firearms press about these rifles, but aside from a few prototypes, nothing ever came of it. I think it was called the XG1, but I may be misremembering (it was about 35 years a go, or so). - dan
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No, it was somewhat less than 20 years ago. I remember them being advertised in a Gusn 'n Ammo annual for one year. But never went into production.
 
Well, the Mini is just that, a mini of the M14, why not buy an M14?
I have converted the Mini30 to Mini14 configuration with a different bolt, mag and barrel and it works great. I have also converted the Mini30 to 6mm/223 and it works well also. I have not made it feed from the mag though in the later caliber, it's a single shot in 6mm/223. It could likely be made to work but it's more work than it's worth to me. It's a fun and good shooting single though. The conversion to .223(Mini14) does feed wonderfully. It takes about 15 minutes to change it between any of these configurations, not practical for the field but surely easy enough between seasons or even range trips.
I just measured the barrel shanks on two Minis and they measured about 0.807", that is not a lot of meat left if you put in a .308 round at high pressures.
Rob
 
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The Ruger Mini 308 idea was somewhere in the mid to late 80's.I remember because I had a Mini-14 and was pleased as piss with it.I bugged the local gunstore owner at the time to order me one and was really pissed off when he told me that Ruger had decided to go with the Mini-30 7.62 x 39 instead.No sale.
 
Yep, the 6.5 grendel is the obvious choice for a conversion to a 7.62x39 as it uses the same boltface and the mags should be really close to I think.
 
The Ruger in .308 did not work out because the thin barrel, combined with the HEAVY op rod /gas system, was not conducive to accuracy.

You would be WAY better off with an M 305 or SA M1a than trying to make a mini into a biggy.

If you absolutely must hjave a MINI in .30 cal, you should look at either a Mini 30, OR convert the 14 to .300 Whisper.
 
Nothing to it - Just put your Mini30 up on the EE forum for trade for a Norinco 305. Suddenly, you're shooting 7.62 Nato - and more accuate too.
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Good one, and good advice.
Anything is possible if you want to spend enough money. It would cost WAY more than just buying an M305 and might never work properly.
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Quite true, and good advice again.
 
6.5x39

We rebarrel Mini-30s (and other actions) to 6.5x39, which is a std 7.62x39 necked down, you can even neck down Russian ammo with the powder still in it and seat a 85gn on top and away you go, good in the AR15 as you don't have to look for the brass. CH make the dies, Manson for the reamer.
Cheers
Robbie
NZ
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tiffy said:
We rebarrel Mini-30s (and other actions) to 6.5x39, which is a std 7.62x39 necked down, you can even neck down Russian ammo with the powder still in it and seat a 85gn on top and away you go, good in the AR15 as you don't have to look for the brass. CH make the dies, Manson for the reamer.
Cheers
Robbie
NZ
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Now this is a pretty interesting development!

Could I just mail a barreled action to NZ?
 
Would only need to send the receiever, bolt and gas block. An import permit is required at this end, but thats only a formality, it gets written out in front of you.

Stainless barrel, fitted in 6.5x39 would set you back $C520, postage back about $C35.

Its a great wee cartridge, with about same performance as a .250/3000 Sav, but able to fit in a small action.
Cheers
Robbie

PS: More info here
showthread.php
 
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