New Mini 30 Range Report

[Hunter6657]

Well, I shot some of that PPU Softpoint ammo in my Ruger Mini 30 with a Nikon Prostaff BDC 3-9x40 scope and they shoot really well in the rifle. I'm shooting off a fold up table using my range bag for a rest and was getting 1.5" 3 shot groups with it at 100 yards. I initially sighted in the scope at 25 yards with some Tula ammo to get the scope on paper and then proceeded with the PPU. I also reloaded a few rounds of Nosler .308 125gr Ballistic tips using H4198 and IMR 4198 powder and they shot well enough for hunting out to 50 yards with the H4198 getting better accuracy. I will have to get some .310 diameter bullets to try as I think it likes that diameter better. I am going to try some Reloader 7 powder with the Noslers and see how that does. So far have shot about 30 rds through it and it shoots a lot better than the 77/357 rifle that I had. I have some Federal Fusion ammo ordered from Midway and its on clearance for $17.52 a box. I've heard Remington Corelokts shoot great also and perform great on game as well.
Anyways, I'm loving my new Mini 30 and the Mini 14 as well.

 

[Buckeye Bill]

Hunter6657,

Good to hear that your new rifle is working out. 1.5 at 100 yards is good stuff. I am a big fan of those Nosler 125 grain BT bullets. I load them in my Ruger scout rifle and my M77 MKII in 30-06. I try and keep them in the mid range at about 2700 FPS. Post a picture of that rifle if you get a chance.

Bill

 

[Oldfed]

I am going to have give PPU ammo a chance. You are the second person I have heard having success with this ammo. Can't seem to find that brand at my usual stores. Thanks for the post.

 

[Hunter6657]

I ordered it off grafs.com, where it's on sale.
The Federal Fusion is on sale at midwayusa.
I've the Remington Core lots shoot great also but are $26-28 a box.

 

[Hunter6657]

I loaded some Speer 308 150gr FP bullets and H4198 and it shoots great. I could get hunting accuracy at 50yds using .310 123gr Hornady SST bullets and Nosler 125gr BT bullets. It seems to like the PPU 125gr SP and these 150gr bullets the best so far along with Remington 125gr corelokts.

 

[DGW1949]

IMR 4227 works real well with 125-ish bullets.
H335 works real well with 147-150 bullets.
In my experience, both work better than either of the 4198's.

Hope this helps.

DGW

 

[Hunter6657]

With powders being in short supply, I may eventually try some H335 whenever it decides to make an appearance. Most of the powders I use do double duty for other calibers. I use 4198 in the 4570 as well and it was the powder to use in the 3030AI I had.
I doubt I'll try 4227 since it's a pistol powder and I use h110 and w296 in my magnum pistol loads and Lil Gun.