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17 remington
JKB57
Member Posts: 137 ✭✭✭
Aquired 500 loaded rds of 17 remington all loaded with 25gr hornady hollow points and 25gr of H414 powder,has anyone ever used H414 in the 17 and what were the results as an experienced reloader this would not be the powder I would choose,however it might be great any comments ??
Comments
In my opinion through testing, H-414 is too slow to use in the .17 Remington, no matter which bullet you choose. The only redeeming factor for H-414 is that it's a ball powder and meters easily. Other than that, I have several powders that will outperform it and are more efficient. For the .17 Remington I recommend AA-2495, Re-15 or even V V N-135.
Best.
I will expand on my point so that the other members understand more clearly what I was trying to state.
First, there is nothing wrong with the load that your ammunition supposedly contains. It's a mild, mid-range load producing fair to higher velocities which should/will work on small varmints considering the bullet choice.
This load should also be filling the case to nearly full or full to the base of the bullet given a standard OAL. I checked with some of my components. This is always a good factor for consistency.
Given the above, this load should prove to be adequate for varmints and should not produce any any dangerous pressures if they were produced carefully. Shoot some to see what they produce in your rifle and enjoy the process.
However, and I will reiterate this for the stubborn folks, this powder is too slow for use in the .17 Remington cartridge with the lighter bullets or any bullet for that matter. It is INEFFICIENT in this case even when I used it with the heaviest (37 gr. Berger VLD) bullets for 1,000 yard competitions.
Loaded with the 25 gr. Hornady, you're essentially wasting approximately 15% of the powder from each cartridge. This means that you are not getting any benefit from 15% of that powder and it's being wasted instead of producing viable velocity. That's the equivalent of 1 full cartridge every 7 shots. That's about 1/7th of every pound of powder or 2.3 ounces of wasted powder per pound. You might as well just pour it on the ground. This powder will also produce some fouling which I don't like either. Normally our members reflect on the more frugal point of view rather than wanting to be intentionally wasteful which is why I brought it up in the first place.
It's true that some of the slower, lower pressure loads produce fine accuracy. I run some well-known hot rod cartridges at some sedate velocities for performance which can also extend the barrel life a little. Again, my point is that the load can be balanced for lower pressure/velocity and still be efficient and not wasteful.
Crows and groundhogs won't know the difference between a .22-250 Rem. and a .22 LR either when used at appropriate ranges.
I use .38 Special wadcutters (750 FPS) in one pistol for targets and I also shoot .38 Super (1,200 FPS) in another. Both perform exceptionally for their uses but the loads were developed for accuracy, efficiency and consistency.
Best.
Powder manufacturers often list several powders that will work in any cartridge/bullet combination as long as it's safe. It has nothing to do with efficiency since inefficient powders actually are consumed in greater quantities without any return. It's simply merchandising. The more options they list, the more powder they sell and the more money they make.
Proper study and preparation makes a smarter consumer who wastes less money.
Best.