17 Squirrel keyhole

[farmer44]

Finally got to shoot my 17 Squrriel and at 35 yards with 20 grain H-VMAX my bullets are keyhole and I mean a horrible group perhaps 3 inches.
These are not my reloads but was told there loaded in the middle of the powder range which I dont think its a powder issue. Any input would be welcomed.

 

[Codeman]

I would check the twist rate of the barrel, perhaps they aren't spinning fast enough to stabilize?

 

[rickiesrevenge]

It could be a twist issue, but most .17 caliber barrels made now are 9 or 10 twists. They should stabilize the 20vmax with ease. I've shot 25gr vmax and had them tumble in 10 twists but never 20gr's. I'd recommend you check the twist with a cleaning rod and make sure they're actually 20gr bullets and not 25s.

When I shoot 25's in my 8.5T 17AH with trail boss they're stable at 50 yards but aren't at 100.

Aaron

 

[farmer44]

when I purchased the gun I got 50 loaded rounds with it. Today is the first live shot it and I already posted results . I'm sure other 20 grain bullets because I pulled them and wait I'm going to shoot the others off reload them and hopefully he had an issue with the powder he used etc. there's not a lot of options if it won't stabilizer 20 grain bullet I want have to find out what the issue is

 

[Gabe22BR]

A 17 gr. might be better. Don't know how fast your pushing the 20's...

 

[farmer44]

OK but there aren't a lot of options as far as bullet weight. So really don't know if I could compensate for the twist

 

[farmer44]

Gabe22BR where might I get some of those?

 

[LCazador]

Measure your twist rate with a cleaning rod and a tight brush. You'll need a 9 or 10 twist for the Hornady VMax bullet. If your twist is not adequate try the Berger 25g flat base hollow point bullets. They are much shorter than the Vmax. They work very well for me in a 12 twist barrel! You're stabilizing length not weight!

 

[farmer44]

Berger is only showing a 25 gr bullet weight on there web site.

 

[swd]

Is the barrel coppered up? I had a 17 Rem that shot great until it copper fouled and then everything went out sideways.

 

[Catfish]

Was Molly coated bullets shot in it? I had Molly foul a 17 Rem. barrel to the point it was over 4 moa. No solvent would take it out. Did salvage the barrel by fire lapping it, but that was hard on the trought. But it sounds more like twist to me also.

 

[farmer44]

I did a major cleaning on it last night and heading to the range hopefully today to try it again. I do not believe that moly bullets were ever used in it but like it say I bought it used. I have no idea what I can try if these 20 gr. wont stabilize I cant seem to find anything lighter out there that is available.
But I do appreciate all the feedback.

 

[LCazador]

Berger is only showing a 25 gr bullet weight on there web site.

My mistake that should read 25g flat base hollow point.

 

[farmer44]

Got that message on the 25 grain.
Here are my results with my loads after a good scrubbing.
as you can see horrible group at 30 yards plus the keyhole issue. I guess I will have to try the 25 grain

 

[farmer44]

Would anyone have a load for IMR 4227 and a 25 grain bullet. I hate to a full pound when I have 4 lbs. of this

 

[swd]

Powder won't fix the key hole, you definitely have either a bullet or barrel problem. You might slug it with a pellet and see if it's loose at the muzzle or has obvious loose and tight spots.

 

[farmer44]

Yes I agree but I want to change bullet weight to 25 grain thats the reason for the powder question.

 

[Tommie]

Wow. That's seriously bad. Is it possible the barrel isn't a true 17 caliber? I realize that sounds crazy but that level of keyholing looks like more than just insufficient twist rate.

 

[farmer44]

I am going on what is stamped on the barrel. I will check the twist later on today

 

[farmer44]

Twist is 1-12 do you think this is my problem?