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.
This Rifle won't Shoot! Diagnosing the issue(s).
- Thread starter TheCZKid
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- 17 mach iv 17m4
TheCZKid
Silver $$ Contributor
Well, I was able to test a ladder of H335 with the new 20 gr Flat Base Hollow Point Varmageddon bullets, hoping this would be the missing mojo, to get to small groups. The results were disappointing, to say the least. Next step, probably go to my local gunsmith, bring my targets and load data, see what he's got to say. I'm out of patience and solutions, need a new set of eyes on the problem. I'm hoping he has a 17 caliber compatible borescope.
The Varmageddon is a long bullet! What other 20 grain bullets have you tried?
TheCZKid
Silver $$ Contributor
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
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Try the 20 grain Vmax. I know that one shoots well in mine.
TheCZKid
Silver $$ Contributor
I already did, for now I'm not sure what I'll do with it, other than ask my gunsmith what the heck he can find to explain how it shoots, then go from there... the action and stock are nice, it's got good bones for another build.
I’m thinking like a few others. That rifle needs a new home! That thing is going to be a “problem child”
L.Sherm
Silver $$ Contributor
When you figure out problem childs you actually learn something.
TheCZKid
Silver $$ Contributor
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.
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
Gold $$ Contributor
From what BoydAllen said and referenced, it sounded like the way they are put together could be part of or the problem.
L.Sherm
Silver $$ Contributor
I dont know about that on factory rifles, my nephews Rem 700 SPS unbedded 22-250 started doing exactly what the OP's is doing so I pillar bedded it in a laminated Boyds stock now its literally 1 hole gun
TheCZKid
Silver $$ Contributor
I've been thinking about your comment.
The guy that sent me the rifle ended up sending some fired brass to me, I just got it today. And it's older Remington, probably shot 20 years ago, so it's oxidized. That made me notice something. Here's a couple photos of the rim of the necks on that old RP brass, there's dents and shiny areas.
And here's the tops of some brass I made, and shot today, same scarring, dents, shiny spots
So, I'm wondering if the neck cut in the chamber has some material that is hitting the rims of the necks, leaving these marks? And, if so, I would think that would impact the accuracy.
Might trimming the brass, to bring clearance to these obstructions, be the right move? Or what?
dhagerty40
Gold $$ Contributor
Those dents and shiny marks are normal if the ejector is installed in the bolt on an XP100. it is caused because the ejector is putting upward pressure on the case and when ejecting, it will drag itself across the top of the chamber making the dents and bright spot.
TheCZKid
Silver $$ Contributor
If I wanted to verify correct trim length, would I just remove the ejector / spring?
Do that and use something like a Sinclair chamber length gauge on a trimmed piece of brass.
SINCLAIR INTERNATIONAL Chamber Length Gauge, 22 Caliber SKU: 749000811
Check out SINCLAIR INTERNATIONAL Chamber Length Gauge, 22 Caliber SKU: 749000811 available Online at Brownells Today and many more Case Length Gauges products are available in our Reloading Department.
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