Pleasant surprise

[MrMajestic]

I had purchased a 26" 10tw CM Varmint Contour barrel chambered in .17 Remington Fireball from EABCO several years ago and was getting 1/2 MOA pretty consistently to 200 yards. I could get 4100+ fps with the 20 gr. V-Max and 3950 with it's big brother, the 25 gr. using N133. It quickly became a go-to rifle when noise constraints allowed and ranges weren't expected to exceed 300 yards. I was a bit concerned when the 25 grain would exit large Chucks at all ranges so that limited it's use also. Many sources stated that the 25's stability was questionable in a 10tw barrel and although I didn't experience any problems the seed was sown so I order a 3 groove 9tw from PacNor. I am now getting a very consistent 1/2 MOA and much to my surprise the 25's no longer exit Chucks! I expect that it is from the increased rotation aiding in fragmentation. Now the gun's use is only limited by it's report which does come in to play in my populated area of SC PA! The 25's anchor the Chucks decisively better than the 20's from my .17 Ackley Hornet which chronograph at 3575 FPS. I included a picture of my last kill yesterday, #35 for the season, and my little Fireball! ;D

 

[Nomad47]

Re: Pleasant surpise

Jeez, the chucks grow big in SC PA. Shame about the noise. I've had a couple complaints about the noise from my muzzle braked 6SLR & 6XC. I let it go in one ear and out the other.

 

[MrMajestic]

Re: Pleasant surpise

Nomad, the complaints or the noise? ;D
It was a nice sized Boar taken from a "new to me" farm. Another Amish farmer who's property I hunt told him I shoot Grundsows and he told him to send me over. The meadow is bordered by train tracks which as we know is a chucking paradise! The problem is that it is very tight to remain 150 yards from an occupied building in that location. The FB sounded like a Howitzer when I touched it off and next visit I will use the .17 Ackley Hornet and perhaps even the .17 Mach2 as the ranges aren't long there. There are some in the Alfalfa fields and I can use the FB or even the .223 AI for those. I shoot for enjoyment and don't want it spoiled by a visit from the local Cops or the Game Commission. I know you understand.

 

[Nomad47]

Re: Pleasant surpise

LOL, the complaints. But I am experiencing hearing loss (especially the high frequencies) and the wife blames it on the shooting. It didn't help any when Walt Berger showed up at our motorhome wearing two hearing aids. He said his hearing loss was from shooting. I tried to tell her that he has shot more rounds in one year than I have in a lifetime.

 

[tedster]

Re: Pleasant surpise

That's one large rodent!

In relation to sound problems, don't you guys use screw on "sound moderators" for hunting? I know they don't help with the sonic boom from the round, but they don't half cut the noise for the shooter behind the rifle.

Here in the UK most hunters seem to use them, probably due to the overcrowding of our little island.

 

[5spd]

Re: Pleasant surpise

A smart man builds on Savage actions....nice rig there!

 

[MrMajestic]

Re: Pleasant surpise

In relation to sound problems, don't you guys use screw on "sound moderators" for hunting?

I have a .223 suppressor purchased and am presently processing the paperwork for the necessary ATF stamp. Although not all States allow their use for hunting Pennsylvania does. It should help out a lot in the populated areas to keep the SWAT teams off my back! :