17 Wildcat bolt action question

[AndyA]

I have been reading Dick Saunders book on 17 Wildcats and one caught my eye.



The 17-32 Jet. He really liked this cartridge . My problem is he shot it in a Ruger #x single shot rifle and it is based on 22 Remington Jet brass. Jet brass is not available and since the Jet is based on 357 mag pistol brass, I have a different source for brass. I can make the form dies so that is not the issue, I want to use a Savage Grendel bolt head to do this rifle on a donor Savage rifle and was wondering if the extractor will support the case head enough to lean on it some. The rimless version could not duplicate the velocity of the rimmed case as primer pockets opened up so this is the reason I want to do a rimmed version.

I am NOT doing this because there are easier options, I am doing this because this is my passion.

If you do not want to post on an open thread, PLEASE pm me so I can bounce ideas.

Thanks,
AndyA

NO the book is not for sale. It is not mine.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

You may be better off using an action for a rimmed case such as a 788 or an encore or number 1. Keep us posted on the progress

 

[JSH]

Curious just how hard one is pushing it if the rimless won’t hold up.
I see there is a 17 Mach IV listed, I would not think there was a lot of difference of the Jet. With the taper of the Jet case as I recall, I would think it no less a problem child in a 17 than it was in the revolvers.

 

[NorCalMikie]

I am NOT doing this because there are easier options, I am doing this because this is my passion.

THAT'S what it's all about!! PLEASE keep us posted.

.357 Mag brass isn't much different than say a .223 or .308. Extractor snaps over the rim. Just a matter of opening up a smaller bolt head to fit the case head.
Did the same for the 6.8 SPC. Opened up a .223 to fit. Worked like a champ.
Only difference is I go ejector less. Brass stays on the bolt head till "I" pick it off.
No brass chasing that way.

 

[ZenArchery]

I was going to ask for the book. ! Also love the .17. New build in about 3 weeks.

 

[L.Sherm]

Curious just how hard one is pushing it if the rimless won’t hold up.
I see there is a 17 Mach IV listed, I would not think there was a lot of difference of the Jet. With the taper of the Jet case as I recall, I would think it no less a problem child in a 17 than it was in the revolvers.

The 17 Mach4 is based off the fireball case it will push a 20 or 25 grain bullet pretty good, I think Cooper did or still does offer it.

 

[JSH]

Yes sir I have one, 17FB.
Comment above by the OP that the rimless would not handle the pressure as a rimmed case would was what I referred too.
I have necked 357 mag and maximum down to .224 years ago for a friend, a task I care not to repeat. On paper and across the chrono there was zero return for effort put forth.

 

[AckleymanII]

A gunsmith friend of mine in San Diego built several of the 17 Jets. He was shooting the 25's at 4000 on the ground squirrels in the almond orchards N. of Los Angeles. The gunsmith was using a Martini action. He blew a LOT of primers as tiny increases in powder spiked pressures.

If you like a Winter project, try a 17 Javelina, once you get it dialed in, you will be happy, plan on turning necks as this gives incredible consistency in neck tension where the 17's really show out.

 

[AndyA]

Thanks for all the replies. When thinking Jet brass think of it as being formed into a miniature 30-30 style cartridge. It does not have that long shoulder anymore. That is why you could do it from .357 mag brass.
"There is quite a lot of work involved in making these cases."

Dick was able to propel 25gr projectiles to 4000+ with great brass life. "Cases where fired 12 times and trimmed as they had only grown .009. After firing another 23 times they had only grown .003"

"At 4304 fps the Hornady bullets would come apart in flight and very seldom hit the target."

He was using about 19gr. of powder whereas with a 17 Rem to get to this level you need about 24gr.

He used a #3 Ruger Action for this but also a Martini Cadet for some of the others.

 

[AndyA]

Here is the book I have been reading over and over and over.........

 

[NZ_Fclass]

oh..fun!
I would have a look at the 256 magnum - ie a 357 necked to 25. May be a style of case easier to form that the odd Jet - but hey - if you can form it, why not. The Savage extractor should work over the rim, and be reasonable easy to grind to fit. They are certainly available in 2 different lengths - the 223 one is longer ( from the ball detent to the extractor tip) than the 308, which has to be ground on the other end if used for the 223 bolt head. Not sure the sizing for the Grendel bolt face.. I recently changed my Mod 10 from 223 to 6SLR using a PTG bolt head. The extractors are the same width. Keep us informed, please

 

[L.Sherm]

Can you even get the Jett brass anymore?

 

[AlNyhus]

I'd encourage you to check in over at Saubier.com
There aren't many .17s that the guys over there haven't tinkered with.
Good shootin' -Al

 

[hogpatrol]

May be worth a call, has jet still listed.

https://shop.reedsammo.com/Rifle-Brass_c29.htm