ruger mini 14 target model shooting 5.56

[blueflash]

I am looking into buying a ruger mini 14 and I read that its safe for all mini 14 rifles to shoot both .223 and 5.56, except for the target model. I read that the target model can only shoot .223 ? Was wondering if this is true and if it is true, then why ? I wouldn't think the head spacing would be different between the ranch rifle and the target model. I also wouldn't think that the harmonic dampener would cause the rifle to be not safe to shoot 5.56 ?

I didn't know if shooting 5.56 in the target model is actually just as safe as the other models and it is just a rumor about the target model can only shoot .223 safely ?

 

[Turkinator]

The throat length of a mini chambered for 5.56 is much longer than the target model allowing it to fire both 5.56 and .223 safely while the target model is chambered for .223 only.

 

[Moe]

Been shooting 5.56 ammo in 223 rifles for the last 30 years. Still have all my fingers and eyeballs.

Moe

 

[Odd Shot]

maybe the tolerances on the target rifle are tighter? >shrugs<

 

[maifire]

Been shooting 5.56 ammo in 223 rifles for the last 30 years. Still have all my fingers and eyeballs.

This may be a fact, but straight out of the manual and confirmed with Ruger that the 580 series ranch rifles are good for 5.56, while the target is not.

 

[Gunnerlove]

Been shooting 5.56 ammo in 223 rifles for the last 30 years. Still have all my fingers and eyeballs.

Moe

Have you shot much MK 262 or M855A1 out of tight .223 match chambered rifles?

 

[Rebel Rouser]

5.56mm has a higher chamber pressure.

 

[Gunnerlove]

5.56mm has a higher chamber pressure.

And that higher chamber pressure is generated in a chamber designed to keep pressure lower.

 

[Rebel Rouser]

"Firing 5.56 through a .223 chamber, however, results in somewhat higher pressures. Although the differences aren’t massive (~5% in the previously referenced study), extensive firing of 5.56 through a .223 chamber could lead to over-pressure malfunctions, such as popped primers or blown cartridge case heads and other firearm malfunctions."

 

[Suther]

223 has smaller chamber dimensions than 556. A 223 match chamber would have even tighter tolerances. Thus firing 556 in a 223 match chamber runs the risk of too much pressure due to smaller chamber dimensions.

 

[SKIBEEDOO]

So everyone says to much pressure but what is the consequences in more detail? Thanks