HD Wolfe,

That is a real nice setup. I'll see if I can get a pic on here of mine.
Is your mini one of the older versions? Mine is a newer Ranch rifle. I have noticed about a 1/2 inch difference between my pops older mini and my newer ranch. He has the same modifications that I have, but my gun will outshoot his.

The newer ranch rifles are still not what they should be for accuracy, but the barrels are a tad bit stiffer with better steel in my opinion. in addition, they did change the twist rate in the new mini's. My dad does not do as well in shooting the heavier stuff. The max he can get a decent group is with your same 62 grain.

I can really say by experience that the premium stuff by Winchester andNosler (55 Grain)does make a difference in my gun. Federal 55 grain and 68 grain match was good, but not as good. Hornady 55 grain was fair.I do get much tighter groups (As good asor even better than my dad's handloads) with Nosler and Winnie.You can't go plinking with that stuff though unless you have a few mil in the bank! I have not had very good success with the real light 40 grain varmint loads from Hornady or Winchester.

One other thing I noticed as well. I really liked the convenience and quick aquisition with a red dot on my mini, but I did shoot better with my Leupold 3x9on top.

God Bless,

Porter.