Cheap entry to 17 cal?

[Fast14riot]

Is there an inexpensive way to get into centerfire 17 cal, like a prefit, barrel nut barrel? My preliminary search of the brands I've used, couldn't find anything smaller than .204. Just looking for a cheap to load, easy to shoot, small centerfire cartridge. Thinking 17 Ackley hornet, but would consider any of them. For paper at 300y, or squirrel/rabbit inside of 200y. I have 223 and 222rem, so must be smaller than that.

 

[brokeasajoke]

Is there an inexpensive way to get into centerfire 17 cal, like a prefit, barrel nut barrel? My preliminary search of the brands I've used, couldn't find anything smaller than .204. Just looking for a cheap to load, easy to shoot, small centerfire cartridge. Thinking 17 Ackley hornet, but would consider any of them. For paper at 300y, or squirrel/rabbit inside of 200y. I have 223 and 222rem, so must be smaller than that.

I've pondered this same question last few days but not necessarily aimed at a 17. I have a 22k Hornet but a 22 TCM has crossed my mind. Looks like rifles are unavailable at the moment.

 

[L.Sherm]

What action do you have? Boltface?

 

[jpx2rk]

20 Practical fits all of those except for the 20 cal vs 17 cal.

 

[JSH]

The 17HH has its fans.
I suggest the 17FB. I have down loaded to the Hornet speeds with as good as accuracy wise as the Hornet ever gave me.

The OP mentions cheap and easy, dunno about that, sounds like an old girl friend.

 

[L.Sherm]

20 prac isn't exactly small its in 204 country.

 

[Gundog]

How about a 17-223 or 17 Tactical?
Cheap brass. Easy to form. Standard 223 bolt face. No magazine problems.

 

[Hotshot]

Xcaliber might make you a barrel.
Shaw/Eabco does 17 Fireball prefit Savage barrels.

 

[TrapperBR549]

Does it need to be a bolt gun? I know there are some nice aftermarket Encore barrel makers that would do that.

 

[Tommie]

With a .378 bolt face and wanting a smaller cartridge, I’d second the motion for a 17 Fireball.

 

[Bill K]

Depending on your action make. I would guess a Rem maybe and you asking about a pre-fit. A 17 Fire ball would fit rightin. You have brass for the 223/222 and a bolt face already. You could form FB brass from the 223 or even 222 brass. 222 Brass would be very easy with a form die, taking the case to a 17 cal neck.
And a pre-fit barrel in the 17FB would keep costs down.

 

[varmintshooter]

Yep E A Brown offers a pre-fit in 17FB for Savage.

 

[JSH]

There are folks on this board that could accommodate you with brass.

 

[L.Sherm]

As far as I know he hasn't mentioned a action yet unless I missed it.
If he has a Hornet bolt face I would consider something on a 30 carbine case or 17 Ackley Hornet.
19 Badger of Calhoons is an option.
About 500 rounds per 1lb of powder like AA2200 is cheap reloading.

 

[JB10]

I built a 20 practical last year. I was wanting to go the 17gb direction but from a Remington 700 action i was getting information that feeding and extracting might run into issues. Would not be a straight forward barrel swap. So i went for the practical.

 

[Fast14riot]

I had a 20p AR that was fun, sold the barrel. Don't have a dedicated gun yet, could pick up a savage 340 for cheap, I have a pile of 700s and could pick up a 378 bolt for one, too.

17fb sounds fun. Single shot is fine by me, too.

 

[Wolfdog91]

Really enjoying my KAK .17-5.56. it's a tweaked and improved 17-223 ( according to KAK IDK the specifics) $200 barrel , $150 dies, uses 1x,fired 5.56 brass. No need to neck turn or other crazy stuff.Really it's just a drop in deal like .300blk uses the same 5.56 BCG. Only deal is KAK is only offering AR barrels right now but it's about as dirt cheap and easy as you can get.

I have a few posts on here going over my experience as with it

 

[Hiredgun81]

Don’t know of anyone doing prefit for a hornet based action but preferred barrel blanks does 17 cal barrels and they have a good selection of reamers from the mgm side doing contender barrels. I got a 17 tactical barrel nut prefit from them a few years ago and I’m very happy with it.

 

[pacificman]

Pac-Nor makes pre-fit barrels and barrel nuts in 17 caliber. Also you might contact
urbanrifleman right here on this sight and see what he can do for you.

 

[jpx2rk]

I built a 20 practical last year. I was wanting to go the 17gb direction but from a Remington 700 action i was getting information that feeding and extracting might run into issues. Would not be a straight forward barrel swap. So i went for the practical.

I built a 20P on a R783 action, and use the OEM mag to feed due to the smaller ejection port on the R783 action. Feeds fine, I usually catch the brass with my left hand so I don't have to chase it or look for it.