NO expert on your particular model of Mini, but I think I'd follow Owner's Manual instructions until I heard differently from Ruger.
Military 5.56 NATO ammo is significantly "hotter" than most civvy .223 ammo. I know that users of most non-Match models of Mini-14s have shot both 5.56 and .223 ammo with no untoward results (due to the ammo) that I know of. That said, I don't know everything, and AFAIK, Ruger still marks all "civvy" Minis as intended for .223 ammo.
However, the Ruger Owner's manual says the following: "RUGER® MINI-14® RANCH rifles are offered in two calibers: .223 Remington (5.56mm) and the 6.8mm Remington SPC. The Target Model uses .223 Remington cartridges only." (Emphasis in original)
Ruger also says: "The Mini-14® Ranch and Mini Thirty® rifles are designed to use either standardized U.S. military, or factory loaded sporting cartridges manufactured in accordance with U.S. industry practice. Always be careful to ensure you are using the correct ammunition for your rifle. See “Warning - Ammunition” & “Ammunition Notice,” below. ".
Finally, there is this: "WE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURY WHATSOEVER OCCURRING IN CONNECTION WITH, OR AS THE RESULT OF, THE USE IN RUGER FIREARMS OF FAULTY OR NONSTANDARD OR “REMANUFACTURED” OR HAND LOADED (RELOADED) AMMUNITION OR OF CARTRIDGES OTHER THAN THOSE FOR WHICH THE FIREARM WAS ORIGINALLY CHAMBERED".
My (possibly imperfect) understanding is that the chamber in most Mini-14s is of the "Wylde" type, which is more forgiving in its dimensions than a "tight" .223 chamber. I'm also making the assumption that Ruger chambered your particular model of Mini-14 with a relatively "tight" .223 chamber.
Suggest better safe than sorry.
Also suggest that your model of Mini-14 would likely be considerably more accurate using carefully made (expensive) commercial ammo rather than Mil-spec ammo which is generally not noted for stellar accuracy.
Your call on whether you want to hand-load for your Mini. I've shot many carefully-made handloads through my 186 series Mini, but that's me. YMMV.
Best wishes to you!
Military 5.56 NATO ammo is significantly "hotter" than most civvy .223 ammo. I know that users of most non-Match models of Mini-14s have shot both 5.56 and .223 ammo with no untoward results (due to the ammo) that I know of. That said, I don't know everything, and AFAIK, Ruger still marks all "civvy" Minis as intended for .223 ammo.
However, the Ruger Owner's manual says the following: "RUGER® MINI-14® RANCH rifles are offered in two calibers: .223 Remington (5.56mm) and the 6.8mm Remington SPC. The Target Model uses .223 Remington cartridges only." (Emphasis in original)
Ruger also says: "The Mini-14® Ranch and Mini Thirty® rifles are designed to use either standardized U.S. military, or factory loaded sporting cartridges manufactured in accordance with U.S. industry practice. Always be careful to ensure you are using the correct ammunition for your rifle. See “Warning - Ammunition” & “Ammunition Notice,” below. ".
Finally, there is this: "WE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURY WHATSOEVER OCCURRING IN CONNECTION WITH, OR AS THE RESULT OF, THE USE IN RUGER FIREARMS OF FAULTY OR NONSTANDARD OR “REMANUFACTURED” OR HAND LOADED (RELOADED) AMMUNITION OR OF CARTRIDGES OTHER THAN THOSE FOR WHICH THE FIREARM WAS ORIGINALLY CHAMBERED".
My (possibly imperfect) understanding is that the chamber in most Mini-14s is of the "Wylde" type, which is more forgiving in its dimensions than a "tight" .223 chamber. I'm also making the assumption that Ruger chambered your particular model of Mini-14 with a relatively "tight" .223 chamber.
Suggest better safe than sorry.
Also suggest that your model of Mini-14 would likely be considerably more accurate using carefully made (expensive) commercial ammo rather than Mil-spec ammo which is generally not noted for stellar accuracy.
Your call on whether you want to hand-load for your Mini. I've shot many carefully-made handloads through my 186 series Mini, but that's me. YMMV.
Best wishes to you!
