All: I also appreciate all the loading info and recommendations.
I am about to start loading for my Ruger 77/17 Hornet heavy barrel.
In the last 8 days (since my last posting) I have gone through another 150 rounds of Hornady factory ammo and now have just over 550 pieces of once fired Hornady brass (thanks to the great deal our CampFires "Boatammo" gave to me for 350 of those!).
My Ruger 77/17 Hornet has a wonderful Weaver V-16 (4 to 16 power variable) with ultra-fine cross hairs and an ultra-fine dot reticle.
I was picking off Ground Squirrels out just past 200 yards rather regularly! I even let my Varminting friend try several shots with the 17 Hornet and to say he was impressed with the Rifle and the round, for Ground Squirreling, would be an understatement!
For my style of usage the fact there is NO hang-down magazine on the Ruger aids noticeably in the field (shooting over sand bags and window bags).
I can only hope my handloads will be AS accurate as the factory Hornady 17 Hornet ammunition.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy
