Shot this today at ben averys in phoenix. 5 shots at 200 yards with a 20gr vmax and exterminator, lapua brass. Savage 10 action with 20" mcgowen 8.5 twist clocked dead on 4100fps. After shooting this I moved the load up and down 2 tenths and moved the seating depth around and the load still stayed so Im confident with it. This would not of been possible without the help of this forum through out the years so just wanted to say thanks!
Dont underestimate the 17 fireball!
- Thread starter vmaxpro
- Start date
NorCalMikie
Gold $$ Contributor
Looks like you've got a winner!!
Yes I agree very good shooter there for sure!
Nice shooting and by the way I never underestimated it! It's a Chuck killing machine out to 300 and some! I shoot the 25 grain V-Max at 4023 fps average from a 26" 9tw.
Whats crazy is with xterminator I get 4100fps and zero pressure at 19.2 grains. I pushed it 4300 and just started to get some cratering. I check the chrono with a 22lr and its there and the drop calculations add up. Id rather shoot the 25's, but when I load up 2 tenths at a time I get a .7" group, then 5 in one hole, then it opens up again. Thats too close for me, does that mean its the wrong powder for that bullet? With the 20's, no matter what load, it never shot worse than in the .4s from 18.2-20.2
I run VhitaVuori N133. The 20's are extremely fragile! I've had them open up on grass in front of the Chuck at 3925 fps from my .17 Ackley Bee. JMHO
Now that you mention it, when I look at the back of the target with the 20s compared to the 25's and even 30s, I swear the 20's are coming apart from the paper and cardboard
I have a pound of x-term and I keep saying I'm gonna give it a try. I can't ever seem to remember it when I'm sitting down to load up some 17 fireball rounds. I'm shooting the 20gr at 4000 fps with IMR 4198.
My 17FB likes 19.7 grains of X-Terminator pushing a 20 gr VMax. 4198 was not as good in my rifle. It took me some time to find this combination. If my varmint rifles will not shoot 1/2 inch or less groups, I am not interested in it.
WyleWD
Silver $$ Contributor
Did you ever consider trying some 30gr boat tails in that rifle? I'm sure glad that a friend of mine put me on to them. They have a BC high enough that when you get your load worked up and put it into a ballistics program.... you'll be stunned. Very impressive terminal ballistics too. JME. WD
Yes, Ive tried the kindler 30's and this rifle hates them. Nothin less than 1 inch. My other fireball shoots them excellent. Same twist, just 26" not 20. Both mcgowens too. I gave up on them in this gun.
I really love this gun! These little 20's amaze me. These were shot at 300 yards with about 3-5mph breeze. Earlier I was testing the tracking of the scope which is the random shots and the group shift. I didnt think these tiny little bullets had it in them. Gonna work up some loads for 25 vmaxs and hollow points next week. I thought I had the 30's tuned in..wrong. That load totally fell apart at 200.
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What's your case capacity in h2o with the Lapua brass?
I have a confirmed PD kill with the .17FB at 498 yards in NE a few years back. That was just about all I needed to experience. Just had it out this weekend shooting PDs and one of my buddies was contemplating having one built. Had a few 400+ yard kills but in the 150-300 yard range it is as simple and point, aim, click and you've got a dead dog.
I'm shooting a 20gr V/ZMax using Remington brass, Rem 7 1/2 primer and WC844 (H335). I'm hitting 3850 if I remember correctly but would have to check my book. Just a fun, fun, rifle to shoot and it was built by Bob Green so I'm sure that helps too. Shilen Match grade barrel, 1:9 twist on a 700 action in an HS precision stock.
Yep Bob Green does excellent work , he built my .17 fireball and it shoots , Stevens 200 action trued and a factory rem stainless fluted barrel that he rechambered from .17 ren to the fireball. I shoot the 25gr Bergers with H4198 .
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