This Rifle won't Shoot! Diagnosing the issue(s).

[SecondsCount]

I didn't read all 8 pages in this thread but I have a 17-222 that will not stabilize a 25 grain bullet. It shoots good with 20 grains and under.

 

[TheCZKid]

Well, I was able to test a ladder of H335 with the new 20 gr Flat Base Hollow Point Varmageddon bullets, hoping this would be the missing mojo, to get to small groups. The results were disappointing, to say the least. Next step, probably go to my local gunsmith, bring my targets and load data, see what he's got to say. I'm out of patience and solutions, need a new set of eyes on the problem. I'm hoping he has a 17 caliber compatible borescope.

 

[SecondsCount]

Well, I was able to test a ladder of H335 with the new 20 gr Varmageddon bullets, hoping this would be the missing mojo, to get to small groups. The results were disappointing, to say the least. Next step, probably go to my local gunsmith, bring my targets and load data, see what he's got to say. I'm out of patience and solutions, need a new set of eyes on the problem. I'm hoping he has a 17 caliber compatible borescope.

View attachment 1680649

The Varmageddon is a long bullet! What other 20 grain bullets have you tried?

 

[TheCZKid]

The Varmageddon is a long bullet! What other 20 grain bullets have you tried?

No, the flat base HP version is under .5 inches, one of the only ones I could find that are short and light.
Of the bullets I have on hand, here are the lengths, I have not shot them all, but was hoping:
Hornady 25 gr FB tipped Vmax - .669
Hornady 15.5 gr NTX BT Tipped - .598
Hornady 20 gr FB Tipped Vmax - .590
Hammet 25 gr BT HP - .580
Hornady 25 gr FB HP - .564
Berger 25 gr FB Varmint HP - .561
Nosler 20 gr Varmageddon FB HP - .495
Varmint Nightmare 20 gr FB HP - .486

 

[SecondsCount]

No, the flat base HP version is under .5 inches, one of the only ones I could find that are short and light.
Of the bullets I have on hand, here are the lengths, I have not shot them all, but was hoping:
Hornady 25 gr FB tipped Vmax - .669
Hornady 15.5 gr NTX BT Tipped - .598
Hornady 20 gr FB Tipped Vmax - .590
Hammet 25 gr BT HP - .580
Hornady 25 gr FB HP - .564
Berger 25 gr FB Varmint HP - .561
Nosler 20 gr Varmageddon FB HP - .495
Varmint Nightmare 20 gr FB HP - .486

Try the 20 grain Vmax. I know that one shoots well in mine.

 

[STS]

I don't know if anyone else has mentioned this since I haven't taken time to read all of this, but I'd slug the barrel to see if there is a significant loose spot near the crown.

 

[Clancy]

I think I’d sell this thing for the price of the action and get on with life.

 

[TheCZKid]

Try the 20 grain Vmax. I know that one shoots well in mine.

I already did, for now I'm not sure what I'll do with it, other than ask my gunsmith what the heck he can find to explain how it shoots, then go from there... the action and stock are nice, it's got good bones for another build.

 

[snert]

Did anyone in this thread mention trimming that case back a bit?

 

[Bottom Fodder]

I’m thinking like a few others. That rifle needs a new home! That thing is going to be a “problem child”

 

[L.Sherm]

I’m thinking like a few others. That rifle needs a new home! That thing is going to be a “problem child”

When you figure out problem childs you actually learn something.

 

[TheCZKid]

I'm actually learning from this process. It's the first XP-100 action I've dealt with, and my only other Remington is an early 700 hunting rifle in 30-06. This is the most trouble I've had with a rifle, and it's because it's used, and I don't know what's wrong.

I talked to the owner on the phone, a member here on AS. He sent me photos, and I had the details, so I sent him my money. But, he actually passed away before he shipped it, and his friend stepped in for his widow, and sent it, a few weeks after I paid for it, so it's been problematic for a while now.

I have learned how to make 17M4 brass from Lake City, like I do for my 20 Vartarg, but with even more difficulty involved. Learned how to remove the firing pin and ejector, to find the lands.

So, it's just frustrating it has some sort of major problem causing it to shoot erratic, and hopefully I'll be able to get that solved, with help from my gunsmith, or a buddy close by, but it's not a total loss. It's been interesting to have this thread, and get a lot of comments, most are good and people here are helpful, a nice community of fellow shooters.

 

[jelenko]

the action and stock are nice

From what BoydAllen said and referenced, it sounded like the way they are put together could be part of or the problem.

 

[ArtinNC]

((((Consider all the factory rifles that have no bedding at all. There is no way poor bedding can cause the extreme accuracy issues he's having.))) THIS IS TRUE , but you know he will never get the accuracy that he wants with out the gun bedded right !!