Time for a new 17 cal barrel

[DanS]

I am in the planning stages of a 17-204 build. I already have a CZ punched out to this and love it. I am thinking of a #3 or 4 contour SS, 1-9 twist at 24".

Now the common question. Which barrel?

I had 2 Lothar Walthers and they shot great, plus I hear that the SS alloy they use is tougher. It may last for more rounds.

Lilja has always gotten good reviews.

Shilen, I have several and they are hit and miss.

Pacnor, again I have had several and they all shot good, but I hear they are soft.

What are all your opinions?

 

[pacificman]

Well you know what they say about "opinions"....LOL I am not familiar with all the makes of barrels but wish I were. I do have a Pacnor in 17 Remington on one of my rifles and will replace this Pacnor with another Pacnor. This barrel is the most accurate I've owned. The throat is gone and this thing is still shooting itty bitty groups. I have read that they all will wear out...and faster with hot loads. I would love to see them last for thousands of rounds instead of only a few thousand. I will also say I am building a 20vartarg and will be putting a Pacnor on this one too. Hope you find a good barrel and let us know how it shoots.

 

[RwBeV]

Your building a rifle that is known throat burner, any one of the premium barrels would work well. Pacificman is right you know what they say about opinions, I have had premium barrels that wouldn't shoot for crap and cheap barrels that try and put the bullets through one hole. You just never really know till you get it on the gun. Pick a barrel and get your project started that's the only real way to find out.
Bob

 

[johnmyers]

I've had 2 Liljas chambered in 17MachIV and they have both been very good. I would suggest a 1:9 twist so you can shoot the 30gr Kindler Gold, they are an unbelievable little bullet on varmints and predators. I was told several years ago by a very good gunsmith that Lillja was best in a small caliber. If I ever do another 17 it will be another Lilja. You may want to check out a 17 MachIV you will get up to 3800fps with the 30s and a real efficient case that runs pretty cool.

 

[DanS]

Thanks guys. I had two 17 Mach IV's and multiple 17 Rems. Now I have a 17 HH, 17 Rem, and a 17-204 just for the 30's.

Kind of curious which had the best rep for accuracy and life of barrel.

 

[johnmyers]

Thanks guys. I had two 17 Mach IV's and multiple 17 Rems. Now I have a 17 HH, 17 Rem, and a 17-204 just for the 30's.

Kind of curious which had the best rep for accuracy and life of barrel.

I would take a MachIV over any 17

 

[hogpatrol]

What about the .17 Fireball? I have two (not remington barrels) and they shoot very well.

 

[johnmyers]

Fireball is same as a MachIV

 

[moorepower]

You can always nitride the barrel.

 

[WyleWD]

The 3 gunsmiths that I'd trust to do a 17 all tell me that Lilja is the way to go if you're doing a 17.

Agree with Johnmyers that the 30gr HPBT Kindler golds are a terrific bullet to use if you have a 9 twist. WD

 

[cinosortin]

Any of you seventeeners know of a set of 17-223 dies fo sale
Thanks , Rich

 

[L.Sherm]

Brad at CRT reloading has a 223 Redding FL bushing die just us nthe correct bushing and you should be good to go, better hurry I think he only has 1 left.