I own a mini 30 but not an AK..
Mini 30s are great provided you are ok with running brass. I have never run steel in mine but similarly I don't run or stock steel ammo, period.. someone will come through and state theirs runs great on steel, totally possible, but this is what many reviews say..
If you insist on running steel ammo get an AK..
Neither are platforms for supreme accuracy, either shoots a man minute or a deer all day.
If you just want a high quality rifle IMHO a mini 30 or a high end AK with a forged receiver like some of the Arsenals are both good choices. Ruger tends to have some duds but does an outstanding job of customer support, so if you go that route rest assured you will have a good rifle one way or the other (they are made here in NH)..
One benefit of a mini 30 is they always seem to slip AWBs and likely for similar reasons, if you get a standard looking model they are not embarrassing to hunt with. Stainless models are a nice touch; they are very handy and reasonably light too.