How to Reload the Minigun in Rust
How to reload the Rust Minigun: hold reload key, ammo is 5.56 rifle rounds, magazine size 100, and why it spins down before reloading. Combat tips.
The Minigun is Rust's heaviest weapon — a 100-round rotary chain gun that fires 5.56 rifle ammo. Reloading is slower than other weapons because of the spin-down mechanic.
Step-by-step
Stop firing
Release left-click. The barrel spins down for ~1.5 seconds before reload becomes available.
Press reload
Default key R. The reload animation takes ~5 seconds — slowest of any Rust weapon.
Carry spare ammo
Magazine holds 100 × Explosive 5.56 or HV 5.56 or standard 5.56 rounds. Without spare ammo in inventory, reload does nothing.
Stay in cover
5+ second reload + visible spin-down animation = you're vulnerable for the entire window. Behind a wall, not in the open.
Frequently asked questions
What ammo does the Rust Minigun use?
5.56 Rifle Ammo (standard, HV, or Explosive variant). Magazine holds 100 rounds. Same ammo as M249, AK47 and LR-300.
Why is the Minigun reload so slow?
Two-stage: barrel spin-down (~1.5s) before the reload animation begins, then ~3.5s reload animation. Total ~5 seconds. Designed to balance the high fire rate.
Where do you get a Minigun?
Crafted at Tier 3 workbench (after researching the blueprint). Also drops rarely from Patrol Helicopter crates and Bradley Tank crates. Late-game weapon.
Is the Minigun worth using in Rust PvP?
Situational. High DPS for the spray-and-pray phase of a base defence, but heavy weight, slow reload, and high ammo cost make it impractical for roaming. Best for static defence positions.