17 Fireball, Just get a bigger hammer!

[TRSR8]

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.

When I ran a MK IV out of a couple rifles 4000fps was no sweat with 25 gr and 4 different powders.

 

[TheCZKid]

I thought about getting a .200" bushing for the intermediate step.

I tried a bushing as an intermediate step, I could not get the end of the brass to go into the bushing. It just hit the bottom of the bushing and stopped. I found a Bullberry die a while back, and was able to use that, as it has a longer tapered area, like a funnel, and it was usable.

Since I am getting (shipping today from Texas to Oregon) a 17 Mach IV I have developed a new method for making 17M4 brass from LC 5.56 brass. You can start with the Redding 221FB #1 forming die, then I use the Redding 20VT S Type bushing die with the guts removed. Then, anneal the neck. If I don't anneal a this point, the brass neck has too rigidity, and the case just collapses into the shoulder, and it's ruined.

Then I use the 20 Vartarg body die. Gives a long skinny neck. Then I chop it off with chop saw to 1.410", and chamfer the outside of the neck... then finally use a 17FB or 17M4 body die, and size neck to 17 caliber, and bump shoulder to correct length.

Then trim to 1.40" and neck turn to correct thickness of neck. If you don't neck turn, it'll be about .015" thick neck, most likely too thick for most chambers. Mine will need to be .012" to fit.

Another option, is buy some formed 17 Fireball brass from Sleeping Giant Brass. They make it from LC mixed years. Then neck turn, final size with your dies, good to go!

 

[L.Sherm]

Bullberry the Contender people make or made, I'm not sure they're still business, a double ended sizing die.

Those are the cats azz ive had 3 for 20 years making 17 Badger, 20VT, 20SCC and 17 Javalina

 

[17cal Fan]

Late to the party but will share some of the stuff I've learned. 17FB is in fact incredible, I run it for PD's with 20gr Noslers and 8208 powder. Simply amazing. Built on a Marlin X7 action with a 25" heavy barrel, and Boyds thumbhole stock. Couldn't find much 17FB brass when I put it together so I bought the Redding form die to take 221FB brass to 20 cal and then full length in the 17FB die. No issues.

Built a 221FB on a Howa Mini that is my coyote gun. Shooting 34gr HP Dogtown bullets. Failure to feed has been an issue but resolved for the most part by building an epoxy ramp on the front end of the plastic follower, no adjustable lips on the plastic mag. Had the barrel powder coated and it has proven to be very durable.

I have an AR in 224 Valkyrie and it was taken to the PD fields once. Just not as much fun as the bolt guns. A little hard to see impacts and it's like handling a chainsaw with all the rails and slots. I don't love it enough to spend the money to make it more user friendly.

 

[DRK]

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.

Since I now own this rifle, it will be interesting to see how it compares to the L461 in 17 FB I have with about a 26" barrel I built last year.

This one will likely get threaded for a can & used locally to whack wood chucks & other varmints. Plenty of speed for that inside of 300 yds.