Home Forums Hunting & Shooting AR and Tactical Rifles Ruger Mini 30 bore size

I had read somewhere sometime ago that the AK and SKS type weapons bore size was slightly different (.311) than what Ruger used in their mini 30 (308). That foreign 7.62 x 39 ammunition would not shoot well in a mini 30 due to the difference. Is there anything too this or did Ruger "fix" the rifle? The stainless mini30 with a 5 round magazine and a 3X scope seems interesting to me today.

When the Ruger Mini-30 first came out it had a .308 bore with a "tapered" throat, or squeeze bore as some called it. This allowed the Mini-30 to shoot .308, .310 and .311 safely. Accuracy sucked with any ammo, so trying to figure out what size bullet worked best was more of a waist of time than anything.

Later, 1994 I believe, Ruger switched over to the larger .310 bore. They, along with other 7.62x39 chambered rifles will still shoot .308-.310 bullets safely, accuracy is a different story.

If you reload for it, do you buy .308 bullets or .311 bullets?

Both, see which one your rifle likes best. Mine was one of the first ones and had a .308 squeeze bore. It shot .308 better. Others with the new .310 bore have better accuracy with the .310 bullets.
Hornady make a 123gr V-Max in .310 just for the 7.62x39, I'd start there if the rifle is post 1994.
http://www.grafs.com/product/295548

I wouldn't go blaming the lack of accuracy on the bore size.

I would not expect sterling accuracy from a gun built like this, but I suspect it would kill a deer at 50 yards...

Were did I blame accuracy on bore size. From my first post.

someone has been saying that the new ruger mini rifles are a bit better regards accuracy. Is this some vast misconception that I have?

The last mini I owned was the 580 series (after the line was re-tooled but before they started using the heavier barrel contours.) Mine (mini-14 .223) would would shoot 1.5-2" groups pretty consistantly.

My own experience with the rifle tells me they're much better. That said, my experience with the Mini-30 is limited.

Lots of luck with whatever you decide.

Terry

Ruger has made some improvements in their tooling and manufacturing process. They have also changed the barrel contour on the 14, don't know about the 30. Go here and get all the info you need.
http://www.perfectunion.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=86

Jimmy,

I purchased a stainless mini 30 back in 1987. The ammo available I purchased at that time was Russian white box 122/123grHP by barnaul. This ammo would shoot under an inch at 100 yards. This 30 has accounted for 30+ deer from a New York apple orchard. I watched my brother-in-law wack a 168lb 7 pointer from 140 yards and that buck fell over in 20 yards. His was a blue 30. After that shot, that little rifle impressed the heck out of me and that's when I ordered mine. Short lite fast handling little carbine. I mounted a Leupold 4X on his rifle. I use a 2-7 on my stainless.

Ken

Bullets in the 123gr area that are designed for 7.62x39 are .310".

sort of tired of AR's so I thought I would try a new flavor. I have had a Benelli R1 so don't want to repeat that one. Have owned a few springfield M1's and an FAL all too heavy and went down the road. Wonder if the 7.62 x 39 is difficult to reload for?

I think they were still using the .308 bore in 1994 since that was the time period I picked up a Shooting Times that had an article on the Mini-30. The article went in to great detail about how great it was along with a chart showing group size, velocity, etc. of their test rifle compared to a Chinese SKS which had groups about half the size (or less) than the Ruger at a time when the SKS could be had for about $80.

I remember seeing Norinco AK's in gun shops for $125.00 as well. I tried to like an SKS for a while. There is no significant advantage to the mini30 except you can put a scope on it easier and the bullet should kill deer OK at the ranges I shoot them. As I get older I am finding that less is more....

No, not any different than any other Auto-Loader. FL size every time and use the correct expander button. Most 7.62x39 FL dies come with both a .308 and .310 expander. I also use a Lee Factory Crimp Die.