Reloading for the 17 rem

[matt20]

Went and tested some loads over the new year. both the 25gr HP and Vmax grouped well with BM2 and 2208. Didnt get to test out that many 2208 loads but will do so next weekend. Ended up shooting 4 foxes all in the 100-150m range. Busted them open pretty well though but they were pups so probably pretty thinned skinned. Needed to clean the barrel after every 20-30 shots though and as soon as the barrel heated up after 4 or 5 shots accuracy seemed to go.

[cam_mackps2]

Just picked up my Sako L461 in 17rem today. Bedded & Trued by SC with an original sako barrel screwed on.
Now i just have to wait 2 weeks for the dies to come from the US

Also got a 17cal Shilen that has fire around 400 shots for $150.
It was meant to be chambered in 17FB/Mk4 but SC made the chamber too long by using a Mk4 Improved go-nogo guage.
Goes to show even the best can have a brain fart.
Apperently shoots 1-1.5MOA as is but needs brass fire formed, factory ammo exhibits case head speration issues.
I want a 17FB more than a 17Rem so i think i may get a smith to fix up that chamber but knocking off a thread or two to clean out the chamber.
Should still work out to be a real cheap barrel.

Can't wait to castrate either of them for a HMR replacement.
Cheaper loads with a little more legs while having the choice of full power loads aswell.
Got 20gr Vmax for $18 per 100, Primers $45 per 1000, powder about 10c a load and brass about $40 per 100.
$72 for 100 for the first shot then only $32 per 100 after that.
About 20% cheaper than shooting a HMR while allowing upto 60% more velocity.

[matt20]

what are peoples thoughts on the 20gr pills vrs the 25gr for foxes? any real difference in wind drift or pelt damage?? At this stage have only tried the 25gr HP and Vmax and as yet there is no real difference in accuracy. Going to test some 2208 loads this weekend with the 25 grainers and hopefully get a chance at a few foxes. have tested both the BM2 and 2208 powder and the rifle doesnt seem to favour either. Have currently got a 6-24 x 42 Tasco Varmint scope on the 17 but thinking about getting something difference. This scope isnt too clear (well not as clear as my other leupolds) when out spotlighting so thinking of switching to something else in around the $500-$900 range. Any suggestions??

[doidge5781]

I think 2208 will be to slow for the .17 i use it for light pills in my 6BR but it's not optimum. As for scope suggestions a sightron s3 6-24x50 around $750 mark from opticzone.

[Rick1970]

I havn't used the 20gr'ers, but the 25gr v-max's work very well on foxes. Pelt damage can vary from hard pressed to find a entry wound, to a fair sized hole out the back, pending where they are hit and if you get bone. I rarely get an exit wound with a chest shot on a mature fox. If you are after skins, you will generaly get acceptable results with a decent shot.

Wind drift and drop figures for the 25gr v-max are pretty good (considering) and in all honesty i can't see a valid reason to go the 20gr pill over the 25gr. I would guess 2208 would be a tad slow for the 20gr pills, but not with 25gr. Either BM2, 2206H or 2208 should give good results. May be worth trying a differant primer your having trouble getting satasfactory results.

Scopes? My Tikka has a 7-21 x 40 Bushnell 3200 that rarely goes over 14-16 and my Remmy has a fixed 8x56, pitty its a nikko nighteater

[matt20]

Tested some new loads in the 17rem and 22-250 last weekend. With the 17 tested 25gr Hornady vmax and HP with both BM2 and 2208. Most loads grouped well and moved up in 0.5gr incriments from the published starting loads. Never went hear the maximum loads as i dont want to burn the barrel out quickly. Best loads were with 2208 with 23gr with either of the vmax or HP projectile. There was really no difference between the two. They groups at about 0.75inch at 100m and once the barrel warmed up a bit the groups opened up. Went back to 225m and put 3 shots into a target with a slight breeze. first one hit spot on in a 1inch circle...the next 2 inches and low and the last 2 inches wide. there was a bit of mirage so was probably my fault. enough to easily hit a fox though. Was using an Rem 700 BDL with original stainless barrel topped off with a Tasco Varmint 6-25x42 scope.

Then onto the 22-250....wanted a good alround 50gr Nosler BT load and ended up settling on 35gr of 2208. these clover leafed at 100m and consistently did this. Was using a Sako SS Varmint Mod 75 with a Leupold 6.5-20x50 VX3 scope. AT 225m they all landed inside a 1 inch circle.....so some deadly long range fox medicine there.

[ducky]

the biggest thing with a 17 is to keep the barrel clean ..they will foul very easly due to the small dia.

[17REM]

I have an old Rem700ADL in 17Rem. It likes Rem 7 1/2 primers, 24gn 2208 with 25gn HP.
I tried using CCI primers but they were cratering and some burnt through.
Have a kahles 3-12x56 Scope Absolute glory to look through. Got my longest shot fox at over 300yds.