17 Fireball

[coyote222]

I should be getting my 17 Fireball MGM Contender rifle barrel in a couple of weeks. I have CFE BLK powder, Berger 25 gr bullets, and CCI 450 primers on hand. Anyone loading the FB using these components? I have read that CFE BLK works best with 20 gr bullets. I guess because of a higher load density. 85% load density for 20 gr bullets vs 75% load density for 25 gr bullets. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Jason D Hostetter]

CFE BLK isn't particularly sensitive to case fill, it gives the highest velocity in the small 17s. If you want good case fill and better SDs, I suggest VV N120 or RL7, with H4198 coming in behind those, if you can find it. For a ball powder with good case fill and velocity, AA2200 is what you want to look at. 450s work, but aren't necessary with sub 20grn charges, especially with the extruded powders.

 

[snert]

^^^^
This

 

[SD guy]

I have not used CFE BLK in the 17 FB. If it were me, IMR 8208 XBR, would be the first propellant I would try with the Berger 25's. I would be more confident with the CFE BLK with 20 grain projectiles & lighter. Bench Rest & IMR 8208 had been my favorite propellants in the 17 FB YMMV.

Suppose you can give it a try just may work rather well.

Jasons recommendations have merit as well.