Ruger Mini in 7.62x39 or 6.8?

[Guest 5Legion]

I like the Mini platform. Yeah, I know, but really the new ones are pretty nice. Also, I've got a nice AR and an AK, and those are fine wpns too.

However, I can't decide what to do on the Mini. Much recent press about the new 6.8. BTW - I have a brand new Mini-30 with the tapered barrel, but am still thinking of making the swap to the 6.8. I intend to use the rifle for deer at less than 200 meters and GP shooting at the range.

On the Mini-30: Ammo is cheaper (not much now), the good 10 rnd pro-mags are available, and I already have it.

One the 6.8: Longer range (50 meters?), more accurate?

Really, I only want one Mini. My gut says stay with the Mini-30 and I might be getting distracted by a bright, shiny object with the new 6.8 Mini. Is the 6.8 really that much better? Anyone shoot both recently side-by-side. Thoughts?

[nightrunner]

the 6.8 is supposed to be much more accurate, im not a ballistics expert though.

i would think though that the majority of 7.62x39 ammo is going to be of worse quality than 6.8 but also easier to find. logic says it will have a longer range because of a 4mm longer case length and a smaller caliber bullet. 6.8 is about .270 cal 7.62 is about .30 cal

[Guest 5Legion]

Data I've seen has the 6.8 about 1/2 less drop at 200m vs. 7.62x39: 6.8 = 3.4 inch drop vs. 7.62x39 = 5.8 inch drop via Google research tonight. Perhaps I just need to get that sweet Burris Fullfield II tac scope with the bullet drop ret?

[Guest mustangdave]

I have a Tactical model Mini...was on a budget...thought long and hard about the 6.8 and the 30. When I get a larger caliber rifle it'll be an M1A in .308

[Guest 5Legion]

Considered the SOCOM M1A myself until I priced them recently!

[Guest Mugster]

I sighted in my ar in x39 at about 125...high at 100, little low at 150. I think, thats about your hunting range with x39 even with handloads. I know, I know, all the guys on here routinely shoot the eye out of an elephant at 1000 yards with a 9mm handgun. But I think practically 150 is it for x39. Mebbe <100 for pigs. If you have the accuracy, I might go 200+ on coyote or groundhog.

The 6.8 is interesting. I don't know that it is interesting enough to buy another short barreled rifle chambered for it. I don't think you'd get 200 yards out of it in the real world. Now if you went to a different platform with a longer barrel you might.

I say stick with the x39 on the mini. For what it is, the x39 mates up to it pretty well, IMO.

FWIW, the M1A is a beast to tote around. Just too long and heavy for much practical use off a range.

Edited June 14, 2009 by Mugster

[nightrunner]

6.8 has more velocity and energy than 5.56nato at ANY range, so it would be good to 400+yards

[Guest mustangdave]

Considered the SOCOM M1A myself until I priced them recently!

The SOCOM 16 was my first choice...I'm saving up...hoping they'll come back down

[wareagle]

The SOCOM 16 was my first choice...I'm saving up...hoping they'll come back down

I said the same thing. Waited a few years, then ended up with a mini-30 and an FNAR. I ended up buying a stainless mini with wood stock. I sold the wooden stock on ebay and bought a Hogue overmolded with the cash. I added a compact nikon scope. So far, I've been ok with the accuracy. It shoots 2-3" groups out to 150 yards with good ammo. Russian ammo doubles the spread.

[Smith]

Data I've seen has the 6.8 about 1/2 less drop at 200m vs. 7.62x39: 6.8 = 3.4 inch drop vs. 7.62x39 = 5.8 inch drop via Google research tonight. Perhaps I just need to get that sweet Burris Fullfield II tac scope with the bullet drop ret?

If you sight in for 200 yrds the drop on the 6.8 110g is roughly 100-1.4", 200-0", & 300-8.1". Very simliar to the .308 which is one of it's advantages.

I sighted in my ar in x39 at about 125...high at 100, little low at 150. I think, thats about your hunting range with x39 even with handloads. I know, I know, all the guys on here routinely shoot the eye out of an elephant at 1000 yards with a 9mm handgun. But I think practically 150 is it for x39. Mebbe <100 for pigs. If you have the accuracy, I might go 200+ on coyote or groundhog.

The 6.8 is interesting. I don't know that it is interesting enough to buy another short barreled rifle chambered for it. I don't think you'd get 200 yards out of it in the real world. Now if you went to a different platform with a longer barrel you might.

I say stick with the x39 on the mini. For what it is, the x39 mates up to it pretty well, IMO.

FWIW, the M1A is a beast to tote around. Just too long and heavy for much practical use off a range.

Your are right on the x39, but the 6.8 is effective out to under 400 yrds although most will say 300 yrds for confidence sake. On the 6.8 forums guys have taken elk out to 250 which is pretty good IMO and well over what is advertised.

Also an advantage of the 6.8 is that is is designed for short barrels. You only gain a few ft per sec. with a 20" as opposed to a 16" barrel.

[Guest mustangdave]

I said the same thing. Waited a few years, then ended up with a mini-30 and an FNAR. I ended up buying a stainless mini with wood stock. I sold the wooden stock on ebay and bought a Hogue overmolded with the cash. I added a compact nikon scope. So far, I've been ok with the accuracy. It shoots 2-3" groups out to 150 yards with good ammo. Russian ammo doubles the spread.

I got the Tactical Mini and added a Barska 4X20 scope to it...it has "combat accuracy" at 100-150 yards...and like you..I'm ok with that. I'm still trying out different ammo to see which will give me better results.

[Guest 5Legion]

Here is the Gunblast review that really perked my interest:

Ruger 6.8mm SPC Mini-14 Stainless Ranch Rifle

After break-in, he's getting 1 inch groups with factory Rem ammo out of the Mini's 18 1/2 inch tapered barrel. Not too shabby and much improved over the old Mini.

Also, while I pine for a SOCOM, truth is I have a nice Savage in .308. The Mini is 1/2 the price of the SOCOM and having handled both actually the Mini is much handier when I really think about it.

[Guest mustangdave]

Also, while I pine for a SOCOM, truth is I have a nice Savage in .308. The Mini is 1/2 the price of the SOCOM and having handled both actually the Mini is much handier when I really think about it.

this is true....