17 Fireball

[Mike in Oregon]

Soon I'll be reloading for a custom Ruger No. 1 chambered in 17FB. My question is what brass are you guys using that is readily available? I'm looking to buy 1K pcs.

Respects,
Mike

 

[L1986]

I think about your only option that is somewhat available is nosler. All I’ve ever used is Remington. The older stuff is quite good but the more recent brass I got was terrible. I’m sure nosler will work fine.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

I think about your only option that is somewhat available is nosler. All I’ve ever used is Remington. The older stuff is quite good but the more recent brass I got was terrible. I’m sure nosler will work fine.

Thanks.
That's what I have been seeing in regard to Nosler. It was recommended to use Remington. You can't find it. Remington will not return any of my emails either. Makes me wonder if something is going on with Remington. I still have time. Just curious on options and what to stay away from.

 

[tjtjwdad]

I use Remington 17 FB brass in my 20 VT. I bought it years ago and it was pretty good. When I got my 221 Fireballs later on, I use Lapua 221 FB brass. Dunno' about Nosler brass but if you can get Lapua brass in a Fireball cartridge that would be a good option.

 

[ArtinNC]

I use Remington 17 FB brass in my 20 VT. I bought it years ago and it was pretty good. When I got my 221 Fireballs later on, I use Lapua 221 FB brass. Dunno' about Nosler brass but if you can get Lapua brass in a Fireball cartridge that would be a good option.

Nosler is some of the worse brass I ever had .

 

[L1986]

Nosler is some of the worse brass I ever had .

That’s unfortunate…I’m down to one last fireball rifle and 300 pieces of NOS Remington brass…that should get close to lasting the barrel but regardless I’m done with the round. Sure is a shame because it’s a great little round but just not worth the hassle anymore

 

[tjtjwdad]

That’s unfortunate…I’m down to one last fireball rifle and 300 pieces of NOS Remington brass…that should get close to lasting the barrel but regardless I’m done with the round. Sure is a shame because it’s a great little round but just not worth the hassle anymore

In years gone by on this site, I have seen where someone converts 223 brass to 20VT brass. That may be worth looking into but...I'm presuming 20VT & 17 Fireball brass are the same except the neck size. It maybe worth a shot because those Fireball cartridges are fun.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

That’s unfortunate…I’m down to one last fireball rifle and 300 pieces of NOS Remington brass…that should get close to lasting the barrel but regardless I’m done with the round. Sure is a shame because it’s a great little round but just not worth the hassle anymore

Don't say that I've only just begun with the cartridge!

 

[Mike in Oregon]

In years gone by on this site, I have seen where someone converts 223 brass to 20VT brass. That may be worth looking into but...I'm presuming 20VT & 17 Fireball brass are the same except the neck size. It maybe worth a shot because those Fireball cartridges are fun.

I heard that about 221 brass as well. IDK, may have made a mistake getting into the 17FB..??

 

[Rick in Oregon]

Mike, I've been using Nosler brass for my 20VT and my 221FB. Still have an unopened box of 221FB brass that I'm saving for my VT when I need it, but so far it appears my 1,200 cases of R-P, Nosler and Lapua are all still going strong.

The only gripe I've got with Nosler "ready to load" brass is that the guys in the shop that detail the stuff go hog wild with the length trimmer, and all of it, no matter the caliber is about .010" short of SAAMI min spec. Not the way to go.

I've talked to Nosler about this with no effect, but the brass is good stuff, all made in Redmond OR on the equipment they purchased from Silver State Armory in WA a few years ago. Other than my length whine, it's decent brass, so that's one option available to you.

Another option is the CZ Kid, a good friend here in Sunriver who converts LC 223/5.56 brass to VT. If you strike out with commercial stuff, Doug makes some very good FB/VT brass, all sized and annealed, ready to load. Doug frequents this forum, so a PM will get to him if you're interested.

 

[Skunce]

I think if enough of us contact Starline they may consider producing .221 brass.

 

[Rick in Oregon]

I think if enough of us contact Starline they may consider producing .221 brass.

Now that's a very good idea! Can't hurt.

 

[Skunce]

I've made all of my 20 Vartag brass from 556 or most recently .222 Starline. I start with a 300 blackout die with the expander removed, next a 221 trim die, then rough cut to length with a chop saw. Next it's sized in the Vartarg die without an expander, then annealed, expanded, trimmed and neck turned. I've never tried staring with 300 Blackout brass maybe that would be easier. Others on here may have experience using Blackout brass.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

Mike, I've been using Nosler brass for my 20VT and my 221FB. Still have an unopened box of 221FB brass that I'm saving for my VT when I need it, but so far it appears my 1,200 cases of R-P, Nosler and Lapua are all still going strong.

The only gripe I've got with Nosler "ready to load" brass is that the guys in the shop that detail the stuff go hog wild with the length trimmer, and all of it, no matter the caliber is about .010" short of SAAMI min spec. Not the way to go.

I've talked to Nosler about this with no effect, but the brass is good stuff, all made in Redmond OR on the equipment they purchased from Silver State Armory in WA a few years ago. Other than my length whine, it's decent brass, so that's one option available to you.

Another option is the CZ Kid, a good friend here in Sunriver who converts LC 223/5.56 brass to VT. If you strike out with commercial stuff, Doug makes some very good FB/VT brass, all sized and annealed, ready to load. Doug frequents this forum, so a PM will get to him if you're interested.

Good looking out Rick. I sent you a PM on the other site.

 

[L.Sherm]

Get ahold of CZkid on here he makes VT out of LC brass he may make you some 17 fireball not alot to do but neck it down to 17 cal really.
If he doesn't want to do it p.m me we might be able to work something out.
No promises but.

 

[danny]

Nosler is some of the worse brass I ever had .

Worse than what?

Danny

 

[232]

I am going to self promote my 20 Vartarg brass here as well. I have (plenty) some smaller lots (100 to 180 or so) available and am able to do more if you need. Starting on another 5 thousand.
Brass is formed from same year NEW Lake City Nato brass. Inside flash holes deburred. Formed and necks turned to .0125 on an Autodod. Annealed on a regulated Giraud, trimmed, lightly chamfered and deburred to 1.394, washed and tumbled. Inspected many times along the way for consistency.

It would be perfect to be transformed into 17 fireball or 17 mach IV with a little work.

Here is an example of 1,000 that is going out to a fine gentleman on Tuesday. This makes around 5,200 plus that he has gotten from me so is must not be too bad.
(some of his friends have purchased from me also)

Just another option.
Contact me if any interest, or would like to discuss possibilities.
Thanks

Check out some of my other posts on the vartarg for reference

 

[tjtjwdad]

Now that's a very good idea! Can't hurt.

they make 300 Blackout brass, seems they could make Fireball brass but I imagine they will need a demand for it...money talks

 

[AndyA]

Sleeping Giant Brass makes 17 and 221FB from Lake City brass. They are currently out of stock on the 17FB but have 221FB in stock that you could neck down.

 

[ArtinNC]

Worse than what?

Danny

Winchester ,Remington When turning the necks the brass was way thicker on one side . That is the sign of bad brass . I would rather have Win or Rem than Nosler .