Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

ok to shoot .311 bullets in mini 30?

5mmgunguy
Title says it all.
0

Comments

7 comments

Date Votes
  • rufe-snow
    Slug the bore with a soft lead ball at least .320 in diameter. Depending on the results, use jacketed bullets of the same outside diameter as the lead ball after it's has been forced through the rifling.
    0
  • peabo
    I am under the impression that the Ruger mini-30 was designed for the ,308 bullets.

    I bought a set of Lyman dies that came with both the 308 and the 311 expander button.

    When I reload for the mini,, I only use the 308 and that is all I would shoot in the mini


    Thanks---Peabo
    0
  • iwannausername
    I recall reading about the 308 vs 311 issue when the Mini-30 came out - article said they had a tapered bore to handle both. Don't know if this is still true...

    quote:Originally posted by peabo
    I am under the impression that the Ruger mini-30 was designed for the ,308 bullets.

    I bought a set of Lyman dies that came with both the 308 and the 311 expander button.

    When I reload for the mini,, I only use the 308 and that is all I would shoot in the mini


    Thanks---Peabo
    0
  • v35
    The first question to ask is whether a loaded round will chamber easily and not be tight at the neck. That would preclude using the larger bullet.
    If they chamber without any force, I'd try a few light loads and see how it goes.
    Lee has a cheapo bullet sizing die that works perfectly if that's the way you want to go.
    I was faced with the same dilemma on a 30 cal Luger and sized the FMJ 311 bullets down to 308 until I found it didn't make any difference.
    0
  • tsr1965
    I personally can't see where Ruger would be stupid enough to let a design out in 7.62x39, that would not be able to fire the majority of the worlds available ammunition for it.

    That said, I have not shot the Mini-30, and do not know if Ruger advises against shooting 0.311"diameter bullets. I would call them and ask them.

    Best
    0
  • rsnyder55
    If you do a search, you will find this topic has been discussed before. I believe someone called Ruger and was advised that it would take both bullets.

    That said, I believe Federal makes 7.62x39 that is loaded with a .308 bullet.
    0
  • beantownshootah
    Supposedly Ruger built the guns with a tapered bore that would accept both.

    The usual problem with these is hard primers on the steel case military type ammo not being set off by the guns firing pin, not problems with bullet diameter.
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity