Does anyone know what the twist rate is for Mini-14 barrels? Anyone has a load that works well in their M-14? Thanks

1 in 9 from the factory...

Ken....

It depends on when it was made. Mine is about 12yrs old and is 1 in 7. It's easy to determine with a cleaning rod and a tight fitting patch.

Thanks for the replies. By looking at the Ruger web site, my 14 was made in 1990. The ser# begins with 188-. 1 in 7 ??

Hello BeMan,
Could well be 1/7, but doubt it. Check with the cleaning rod system and then you will know for sure. Lot of the accurcy problems early on with the Mini 14 were due to those having even a 1/12 twist and people shooting heavier bullets in them and those with 1/7 twist shooting light bullets in them. No question the early ones had accuracy problems regardless of what weight bullet shot, but using the wrong bullet weight per twist was not helping the problem either. Good Luck!!

Several years ago, in a conversation with John Huffer (also known as Chief A J) regarding the problems with the accuracy of the Mini-14, he happened to mention that the Mini-14 had been manufactured with 6 different twists over the years. If I remember correctly, the early 180 series was started with either a 14" or 12" twist. It was then made with quicker twists until it got as fast as a 7" twist. As I understand it, the twist has been slowed again until it is probably about 1 in 9". I didn't follow up much more with the Mini-14 because, even though I really liked the rifle, its accuracy potential wasn't what I was able to live with.
It would seem that the only correct way to resolve this is to measure the twist with your cleaning rod, as driver suggests.

OK. I will try the cleaning rod technique. I think I remember reading how to do it on another forum. I will try a couple of different bullet weights in factory ammo before settling on a proposed handload. Thanks for taking time to give the advise.

mine is an older rifle, it has a 1:12 twist. the best accuracy I get is with winchester white box remanufactured 5.56. ...like "minute of pop can".

I performed the cleaning rod procedure and the result is that I have a 1 in 7 twist. I will start with a 60-62 gr bullet. I also visited a forum that had information regarding accuracy of the Mini-14. Most effective results came from bedding, trigger lightening, and installation of a muzzle break (limited muzzle whip). Thanks for suggesting the cleaning rod!

Hello BeMan,
Might want to try some Sierra 69, 77, or even 80 grain Match King bullets. (The 80's would have to be single loaded for will not feed in the magazine) Suggest RE15 powder, Win. brass, Federal primers, initial loads something below reloading manual maximum loads. When you shoot the 62 grain loads and switch to the one above, with your 7 twist, believe you will see marked improvment. In either case, Good Luck.