Mini 14 - Ejected cartridge casing necks warped. WTF?

Just took my new Ruger Mini 14 Tactical to the range to try it out. No failures to load or eject. Groupings were good. No indication of any problem at all.

After firing a couple of magazines, I checked one of the cartridge casings to check the primer strike and make sure no issues. What I found was the neck of the extracted cartridge casings were warped. It wasn’t just one or two, but almost all of them. Have never seen this before with any of my AR-15s.

The ammo is factory new, made in USA, 5.56 brass M193 ball.

Anyone see this before or know what’s causing it? Safety issue?

https://i.ibb.co/d71w9GX/BAA8-E7-D8-...674-F488-A.jpg

Minis are pretty well known for beating up on brass. My mini is one of the few I know of that doesn't. Mine just throws the brass into a neighboring county. ;) But if I can find it it's good.

Fwiw, you can gently open up the case mouth with a tapered punch and still reload em.

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Originally Posted by utahjeepr

Minis are pretty well known for beating up on brass. My mini is one of the few I know of that doesn't. Mine just throws the brass into a neighboring county. ;) But if I can find it it's good.

Fwiw, you can gently open up the case mouth with a tapered punch and still reload em.

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Don’t care about reloading, so that’s not an issue. Mainly wanted to be sure there’s no issue with the action that needs to be addressed.

I’ve gotten suggestions elsewhere that it could be over gassed and to try .223 REM to see if that makes the issue better.

That should be leaving pretty good brass kisses somewhere.

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Originally Posted by jsbhike

That should be leaving pretty good brass kisses somewhere.

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Where would you assume I’d see the evidence? There are a few small marks on the outside of the op rod, but don’t see anything huge.

Way back in 1999, when I was in college and my parents wouldn’t let me buy an AR-15, I bought a polymer stock, stainless Ruger Mini 14 ranch rifle. The scope rings would always come lose (factory rings torque tightened to spec and even tried another brand). Only factory 5 round and 10 round mags worked (found an original 20 rd mag from the 80s that choked as much as the triple K mags). Last, yes it would chew brass but not nearly as bad as yours. Sold it when I turned 21 and my parents realized an AR-15 was not evil (was still living in a dorm…….had to keep it at parent’s house).

I would call Ruger and ask them. Worse case scenario: Sell it and buy a Galil ACE or AK in 5.56 NATO and don’t look back if you want something other than an AR in 5.56.

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Originally Posted by neil0311

Where would you assume I’d see the evidence? There are a few small marks on the outside of the op rod, but don’t see anything huge.

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I was really guessing entirely the different angles of the op rod/charging handle could be putting both mouth dents in simultaneously, but if that isn't doing it the inside of the receiver near the chamber is my 2nd guess. Should be able to see with a small inspection mirror.

Beyond that I don't know why it is doing it and I don't know of any Mini 14 gas flow level and ejection charts like AR folks have.

May be worth a call to Ruger also since they usually have really good customer service.

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Originally Posted by MadAngler1

I would call Ruger and ask them. Worse case scenario: Sell it and buy a Galil ACE or AK in 5.56 NATO and don’t look back if you want something other than an AR in 5.56.

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Yup will call Ruger.

I just swapped out the rear factory sights with Tech Sights Mini 200, and wanted this rifle because it’s…well…a mini M14. Always wanted either a M1A or M1 Garand but never wanted the hassle or ammo cost of a full size, .30 cal battle rifle.

No real interest in an AK or Galil, but you never know. 🤔

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Originally Posted by neil0311

Where would you assume I’d see the evidence? There are a few small marks on the outside of the op rod, but don’t see anything huge.

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Charging handle will probably act like a brass deflector, it's not a FAL so I probably wouldn't worry. Might be the charging handle that is actually denting the neck.

Found a thread on another forum that seems to address this issue which appears to be well known among the folks who are more experienced with the Mini 14.

I’m a newbie to the whole Garand style action family.🙂

https://www.rugerforum.net/threads/m...y-cases.62782/