Home Forums Reloading Varmint Rifles OK .17 looneys...

Yea,,, I hear ya bud.

I don't know who starts all the rumors but they obviously ain't keeping CZ in the loop.

Tip of the Day: Only one dealer is receiving the limited runs as of right now. They seem to have a pretty good relationship building.

Now back to 17's...

Ingwe need has nothing ta doo with it...Does it make you HAPPY n sooth the lil itch in your trigger finger...ScottyO

If you're going to go calling, you'll probably grab the .17 Remington more than any other.






Travis

Very true. When I bought my first one I pretty much put away all my other varmint guns for calling. I would take the 222/20 gauge out occasionally, but the 17 went more than any.

I shoot a 40 grain Nosler BT at just over 3K. Any faster and the barrel heats quickly, so I keep it mild for extended shooting sessions. Entrance hole only on coyotes. Never shot a fox with it. Longest kill on a coyote is 450 yards, but that's the exception. Most are called in to 50 yards or less. They almost always fall straight down in their footprints.

Thanks Fireball!

You're welcome. 19 grains +/- Reloader 7 with the 40 grain bullet is a standard load that excels in the Fireball.

You're talking 221FB, right? 40 grain bullet?

Yes

Supposedly 221 Fireball brass turns out a bit short after necking down. Have you found this to be the case, John?
Either way probably not a big deal.

I have a 17 Mach IV and a recently-adopted 17 Rem, and my brother has a 17 Fireball. The Mach IV is a 15" Bullberry, and the others are Remington BDLs.

Have to say that I didn't think I'd like the 17 Rem that much, but after working up some loads, the majority of which were around 1/2" (5 shots), I am pretty enamored with the cartridge. The most surprising aspect was how forgiving it was, as I tried 4 powders, CFE, Varget, 4320, H4895 and all gave great accuracy with a broad charge wt range. Moly'd Hornady 25 HP.

My bro loves his Fireball. It doesn't seem as forgiving as the 17 Rem, but that isn't really an issue. I also really dig the M4. Those little bullets spinning so fast throw stuff sideways on impact. Fun to watch!

Smaller charges in the FB and M4, and screaming speeds, even with the 25's. I suppose if I was purpose-building for gophers/pd, I'd go with a FB. Cute little cartridge. Less powder=less heat=moar shots in a string before things sizzle. I have a hard time heating up that Bullberry with aimed shots. MOAR!

As an aside, bro and I worked up some small game/grouse loads for the FB/M4 using 20gr Dogtown and V-max with Titegroup. 3.8-4.2 gr gives 21-2500 in his gun, so a M2 to an HMR. Perfect for grouse, testing has shown. I've not chrono'd them in the M4, but I'd guess speed is not far off from the 24" FB, and irrelevant.

Good info!

They have a nice Sako .17 Rem. in the local shop.. Looked at it several times, but that little hole in the barrel reminded me how difficult they are to clean.. Everything has to be so small.. 5 calibers smaller than a .22.. 5 calibers above .22 would be .270..

Still a cute rifle..

GWB planted a seed in my head concerning a Sako Bavarian...I looked it up, they apparently make one in 223 with a 1 in 8 twist.......


Its eating at me.....

Good luck with the 17 cal project gun, Ingwe. Did you decide on the cartridge yet?

Probably gonna do the 17 Rem...if I decide to pop on the project...meanwhile the current barrel on the donor still has some life left in it!


Im working on wearing it out as soon as I can!

JSH,

Missed your posts the first time.

.221 brass is nominally .01" shorter than .17 FB. Never saw that it made any difference in my rifle.

How much?



Travis

Get your fugking schit together for fugk sake.



Travis