In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.

.17 Fireball

AmbroseAmbrose Member Posts: 3,209 ✭✭✭✭
edited June 2010 in Perry Shooter Competition Shooting and Reloading Forum
I'm going to start loading for a Model seven in this chambering. I have rifles in .221 Fireball and .17 Remingtion so I've got cases I can use if I have to and both 20 and 25 gr. Hornady bullets. I'm always interested in what other people are doing with a cartridge I have no experience with.
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • craig 25-06craig 25-06 Member Posts: 123 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I am surprised you haven`t gotten a bunch of responses. I will start it off. Nononsense seems to be the 17FB expert on this forum, a while back he suggested a compressed load of IMR 3031 for an accurate load and he was right. It runs about 3800 fps in my gun with 20 gr Dogtown bullets and is a ground squirrel`s nightmare. I`ve tried H322, H355,and IMR4198 with mixed results. The one load I`ve found that shoots as good as the 3031 load is 19.0grs of IMR8208XBR. It pushes the 20 grainers at about 4000 in my 26" Rem. varminter. I almost forgot these two loads only worked with Rem. 71/2 primers when I tried CCI my accuracy went away, Go Figure.
    Hope this helps.
    Best
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nononsensenononsense Member Posts: 10,928 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Ambrose,

    I started out with the .17 Mach IV 20 years ago and have never stopped owning or shooting a .17 of some sort. The only real drawback that I have with these cartridges is the minute size of the bullets and my big paws. I've compensated by making a set of tweezer-type bullet grippers that lets me get the bullet into the neck without pinching my fingers every time.

    The first powder I used was the IMR-3031 as mentioned above. This suggestion came from some load notes in Powder Profiles or Wildcat Cartridges. It is not the fastest powder but it is consistently accurate. This is with the 25 gr. bullets from any of the makers.

    I can also recommend using Accurate 2495, Vihta Vuori N450 and Vihta Vuori N133.

    The most fun with this cartridge is varmint shooting obviously. Windless days are the best since even the slightest breeze wreaks havoc on these tiny pellets. First thing in the morning and later in the afternoon/early evening is best for calm. Windless conditions can result in shots out to 300 yards if you are confident in your data and ranging. Recoil is minimal at the worst and the noise is reduced from the levels encountered with the larger cartridges but you still need muffs or plugs.

    Cleaning is crucial! This tiny bore will foul quickly and accuracy heads south real quick. The barrel won't heat up fast either but avoid the temptation of shooting long strings if you intend to keep a barrel for any length of time. Get a quality cleaning rod, jag and brushes made specifically for the .17 caliber barrels.

    I've shot the 20/25 grain bullets the most for varmints but I've managed to get some of the 15/18 grain bullets into cases sometimes. I swear you need a magnifying glass just to see the little buggers! The biggest challenge was shooting the 37 grain VLD bullets at 1,000 yards in an attempt to make some sort of record. I did get it on paper although the group was a little out of contention. Others have fared better after spending more time and money studying the long range potential. Folks on the 1,000 yard line will look at you kinda funny the first time out. Then they shake their heads and laugh.

    As I've written before, it is a hoot to shoot! Enjoy!

    Best.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AmbroseAmbrose Member Posts: 3,209 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would not have thought to try 3031. I will now.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Sign In or Register to comment.