Cleaning when checking loads in a 17

[dougie53]

Hi All,

I have recently acquired a Tikka M55 in 17 Remington and I have loaded up some rounds using Varget, 0.5 grain incremements with 5 rounds per load level. I know 17s foul more easily than other calibres I have shot before (mostly .308). I am planning on cleaning the barrel between loads to ensure each group gets a fair chance to perform. Is the fouling powder fouling, or copper fouling? I'd rather not have to use copper solvent between groups, I was planning on just patching it through with some G96 solvent each time but am wondering if the wiser 17 owners can help me out. Thanks.

 

[rifleman700]

As long as you break in the barrel properly, barrel fouling should not be an issue. Alot of the fouling in 17's comments I believe have just been comments that have been repeated for decades without any basis. 17 barrels, even factory barrels are better than ever. I own 17 remington, 17 fireball and 17 hmr all with factory barrels and they all shoot great with minimal fouling. The 17 centerfires were broke in with Final Finish.

 

[m-saunoras]

just a word of caution, i wouldn't go up .5 grain increments in a .17 anything regardless of published max loads. in a .17 a .5gr can be a lot of pressure

 

[dougie53]

My max load is 0.5gr under the published max load for Varget, and I'm checking for pressure signs after each shot.

 

[dougie53]

I couldn't say how well the barrel was broken in as I bought it secondhand from a shop without any history. I have given it a good clean with Tetra copper solvent and some G96, so it sounds like just a patch with some G96 between load types should be enough?