Cheapest way into a .17 Hornet ?

[Wolfdog91]

So in y'all opinions what would be the cheapest option for a guy wanting to get .17hornet ? Just seems like a really cool little caliber to play around with but nothing I'd really wanna spend a ton on.

 

[SShooterZ]

It won’t be cheap but I’d find a CZ.

 

[DickE]

Got Lathe?

 

[Kittitas George]

I have a 17 Hornet, Ruger #1 re-barreled by Blagg Rifles in Pendleton, Oregon. Wonderful, rifle shoots well and no recoil. A very good 250 yard gun. But, brass and ammo in my area is un-available. I don't shoot it very much for that reason. I had Blagg Rifles re-barrel a 40X to 222 Rem. for me, component are readily available, I was able to get everything cases, bullets and powder. I really like the 17 Hornet, but.

 

[Wolfdog91]

Got Lathe?

Lol I wish , that or a gunsmith down the road I cold annoy constantly!

 

[ebb]

What KG said, a 222 or a 223. The hornet case has a multitude of reloading issues that you will want to avoid. If itty bitty is what you must have look into a 22TCM, they have also been necked down to 17 and 14.

 

[TrapperBR549]

Contender?

 

[nakneker]

I bought a used one here built on Browning Abolt, originally a 22 hornet. Feeds great and is a lot of fun. The sidewall/neck on hornet brass is prone to crushing, I’ve just been neck sizing with no issues. I’m not sure there is a cheap way to into the 17 hornet. Ammo is hard to find and expensive, reloading components can be hard to find too, mostly brass and dies. It’s fun though.

You can get the same amount of joy from other small cartridges and have a much easier time reloading for it. 20-222 is one of my favorites as is the standard 222.

 

[No manches"]

If the dollar bill is an issue ,keep to 223 with a 40grn bullet super fast and accurate.

If the intent to fall in to the .17 caliber realm there are several rifles to choose from.
Savage model 25, CZ 527 or rugers.
I have two .17 caliber rifles ....some one Said they have reloading issues. Nahhh!
If you know reloading and love to do it, it's a breeze. I know the old brass had issues with primer pockets ,but the new brass is good.
I have learn a lot from .17n's

And if you do fall into the .17n's and Hornady Hornet is what you desire. Make sure is a 9twist barrel and throw away the 20grn bullets...
The 25 hit like bulldozer's.

 

[JSH]

Cheapest way into a 17Hornet is to get a 17 Fireball, load it down to Hornet speeds or up full throttle. Exactly what I did and I don’t regret it one bit.
FYI I had a 527 in 17 Hornet. Imho to much work to get good accuracy. The 17FB I found way easier to get excellent accuracy.

Get some popcorn, am sure someone will be upset.

 

[snert]

Do you have a Contender? If so, I have a 17FB carbine barrel....

 

[ben lurkin]

Cheapest way into a 17Hornet is to get a 17 Fireball, load it down to Hornet speeds or up full throttle. Exactly what I did and I don’t regret it one bit.
FYI I had a 527 in 17 Hornet. Imho to much work to get good accuracy. The 17FB I found way easier to get excellent accuracy.

Get some popcorn, am sure someone will be upset.

I have both. I doubt the fb will be any cheaper or any more available than the Hornet. I think Ruger and Savage are still chambering the hornet. I’m not aware of anyone chambering the fireball these days.

 

[No manches"]

^^^^
My thoughts exactly....
Don't know how a .17 fireball would cheaper?

 

[JSH]

My 527 sold for $1700, I tried to sell it for over a year before CZ discontinued it, rifle,scope, dies ammo and brass I wanted $800 for the package at that time. Ended up splitting everything up, I did not gouge folks, I offered it to a few and the made an offer.

Brass is better and easier to come by, Nosler just had some a while back.
Cheap, get an axis and slap and after market barrel on it.

If you don’t want to piece on together I get it.
I honestly like the cartridge and had a LOT of fun with it. I just found the 17FB soooo much easier to work with and achieve excellent results. YMMV