17 Fireball, Just get a bigger hammer!

[AP2020]

I almost gave up on this rifle.
Until I discovered....

Btw, YouTube removed the video because of the "dreaded magazine modifications."

https://rumble.com/v74tuw2-just-get-a-bigger-hammer-17-fireball.html

 

[TheCZKid]

I've been watching your 17FB videos, fun stuff! Looks like you figured out a solution for the AR feeding issue, thanks for sharing. I've got a 17 Mach IV bolt rifle heading my way, as I've wanted to give it some sage rat time.

Curious, are there any commercially available AR mags specifically made for use with small cases, like the 17FB, or is it up to the end user to figure out how to make it work?

Keep the good videos coming! Thanks

 

[AP2020]

I've been watching your 17FB videos, fun stuff! Looks like you figured out a solution for the AR feeding issue, thanks for sharing. I've got a 17 Mach IV bolt rifle heading my way, as I've wanted to give it some sage rat time.

Curious, are there any commercially available AR mags specifically made for use with small cases, like the 17FB, or is it up to the end user to figure out how to make it work?

Keep the good videos coming! Thanks

Thank you so much!

Which bolt rifle are you using. I also was contemplating a Howa Mini Action myself.

Honestly no commercially made AR magazines. Probably because of little to no demand.

I literally was accepting the fact that I would have a 3-shot AR rifle until I started thinking against what logic would recommend!!

I scoured the internet for a solution with zero success. I hope this helps others struggling with the AR15 17 Fireball.

Btw, I just ordered a 24" Deadshot 17 Fireball barrel hoping to gain more velocity.

I will sell this 19.5" barrel soon.

 

[TheCZKid]

I initially purchased a Sako L461 in 17FB with a 19.5" barrel, and decided to sell it a couple weeks ago, as the speed was not what I was hoping for. My 17 Hornet was almost as fast, with a LOT less powder. But, recently found a CZ 527 with a 24" barrel, and paid for it, but it has not been shipped yet. That should give me the speed I'm looking for, and the accuracy.

I've not ventured into the AR format for my sage rat calibers, as I'm not sure I'd be able to keep on target after it shot, to verify hits. Curious how well yours is doing, to stay on the target through the scope after you shoot?

I think your 24" barrel will be a noticeable improvement in speed, and perhaps in stability. Is it bit heavier compared to the 19.5"?

I had a 20 Practical in in AR upper, with a longer bull barrel, and even that one seemed to jump enough I had a hard time telling if I made a hit or not.

 

[AP2020]

I initially purchased a Sako L461 in 17FB with a 19.5" barrel, and decided to sell it a couple weeks ago, as the speed was not what I was hoping for. My 17 Hornet was almost as fast, with a LOT less powder. But, recently found a CZ 527 with a 24" barrel, and paid for it, but it has not been shipped yet. That should give me the speed I'm looking for, and the accuracy.

I've not ventured into the AR format for my sage rat calibers, as I'm not sure I'd be able to keep on target after it shot, to verify hits. Curious how well yours is doing, to stay on the target through the scope after you shoot?

I think your 24" barrel will be a noticeable improvement in speed, and perhaps in stability. Is it bit heavier compared to the 19.5"?

I had a 20 Practical in in AR upper, with a longer bull barrel, and even that one seemed to jump enough I had a hard time telling if I made a hit or not.

Currently my load is 19.2gr IMR8208-XBR, 25gr Berger, Nosler brass, 1.760" COL.

19.5" barrel = 3,550fps

Quickloads is predicting 24" barrel = 3,720fps. So we shall see.

Weight comparisons, I am guessing maybe 8 - 10 ounces more with the 24" barrel.

 

[TheCZKid]

What twist rate is your barrel? The CZ I'm getting has 10 twist, I had an older 17 Mach IV with 12 twist, and wished it was faster, which I also sold a while back.

 

[AP2020]

What twist rate is your barrel? The CZ I'm getting has 10 twist, I had an older 17 Mach IV with 12 twist, and wished it was faster, which I also sold a while back.

1:9 twist.

 

[swd]

I built a 26" 17 Mach IV for a friend which is essentially the same thing as a 17FB. It was crazy fast! He was getting something like 4600fps with 20gr VMax's.

 

[AP2020]

I built a 26" 17 Mach IV for a friend which is essentially the same thing as a 17FB. It was crazy fast! He was getting something like 4600fps with 20gr VMax's.

Nice!

So one thing I haven't quite wrapped my brain around is how much more velocity is realized with longer barrels.

Intuitively, with such a small case capacity, one would think a 20" barrel is all that would be needed.

I need to look at the pressure curves in Quickloads again to confirm!

 

[Gundog]

I've used this same "fix" on my 221 Fireball and 20 Vartarg Ar's.

 

[AP2020]

I've used this same "fix" on my 221 Fireball and 20 Vartarg Ar's.

Nice!

I had searched high and low for a solution!!

 

[Rick300]

20 Vartarg Ar's.

OOOH, now you got me thinking. This forum can get expensive!

 

[AP2020]

OOOH, now you got me thinking. This forum can get expensive!

Haha indeed!

Btw, that avatar got me!!! Lol

 

[swd]

Nice!

So one thing I haven't quite wrapped my brain around is how much more velocity is realized with longer barrels.

Intuitively, with such a small case capacity, one would think a 20" barrel is all that would be needed.

I need to look at the pressure curves in Quickloads again to confirm!

I have a Cooper in Mach 4 with a 24" barrel and I stopped at 4250fps with the 20 VMax with outstanding accuracy. Absolutely zero pressure signs. H335.

 

[AP2020]

I have a Cooper in Mach 4 with a 24" barrel and I stopped at 4250fps with the 20 VMax with outstanding accuracy. Absolutely zero pressure signs. H335.

Nice.

Which brass?

 

[swd]

Nice.

Which brass?

Remington 221FB necked down. This was before the 17FB was available.

 

[AP2020]

What's your process to do the necking down?

I may source some 221 Fireball brass.