Mini 14 chambering problem

[gunswoodguitars]

Just picked up a Mini 14 Ranch today. Using the factory 5-round magazine and chambering some rounds I am having quite a bit of difficulty getting the 1st round to chamber, sometimes a little bit on the 2nd round. Didn't know if this was normal or she just needs a healthy dose of rounds to get her broke in. Thanks for your suggestions and advice in advance.

 

[The Preacher]

Was the Mini used or new?

The Preacher

 

[gunswoodguitars]

The guy I bought it from said he bought it new about a year ago and fired 20 rounds through it. Definitely looks to fit that description. Came with the box and all paperwork.

 

[mattsbox99]

My 5 round mag doesn't work either. It works fine with the 20 rounders though.

 

[Rei40c]

Is it creasing the brass when you do finally get it in? I have the same problem with my 30 round magazine (Ruger factory mag), sometimes it hangs up and will not chamber. The 20 rounders I have work flawlessly and are perfectly reliable.

It bugs me, but not a whole lot since 20 rounds are enough for my needs, but of course I'd like the 30 round mag to work as well. I've never tried to fire one of these creased shells, I'm told its no big deal because at the moment of ignition inside the chamber the crease will be blown back outward to the diameter of the chamber.

 

[gunswoodguitars]

You guys are great, appreciate the input! I saw a small crease in one of the rounds. The brass on most of them was gouged up pretty bad to the degree I wouldn't want to run it through my dies for another reload. The copper jacket on a couple of the bullets was gouged as well.

 

[Rei40c]

You guys are great, appreciate the input! I saw a small crease in one of the rounds. The brass on most of them was gouged up pretty bad to the degree I wouldn't want to run it through my dies for another reload. The copper jacket on a couple of the bullets was gouged as well.

Yep, I've seen the same scaring on my brass out of these. I'm not sure what the solution is or even the exact problem. I think the bolt traveling forward is whats causing the crease. I have to think its the mags, something screwy must be happening with how they are stripping out.