Seafire: I am happy for you that the 17 Fireball is shooting so well!
I have not tried any 20 grain bullets in my factory stock Remington 700 VSF 17 Remington Fireball with 26" heavy barrel.
I have taken you loads and attached them into my 17 Fireball page of my loading log and if bullets ever become available again I will be sure to try your loads.
My 17 Fireball is shooting the 25 grain Berger MEF (Maximum Expansion factor) bullets real well - but these are pricey and were hard to find even before they were discontinued.
Thanks for sharing that recommended load info.
I bet that 20 grain V-Max really plumps up a Ground Squirrel!
Keep after'em.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy
P.S.: Way to windy to shoot here in SW Montana today supposed to have sustained 45 M.P.H. winds!
