Hunting & Fishing Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

[steve123]

I don't currently have one but I'm thinking about buying one again because I have always liked them!

I got out of varmint hunting to a large degree because I got into shooting comps instead but I'm warming up to the idea of revisiting the hunting part of my life again.

I had a 17K Hornet and two 17 Rem's. One was a Contender pistol with 15" barrel.

Please tell me/us about the 17 cal centerfires you've owned and some hunting stories also.

pics if you have them!

Thanks

 

[hiddenmongoose]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

iv used a 17 rem for foxes but switched to the 220 swift.iv used the swift for over 10 years now for a dedicated fox calibre and wouldnt change back. the 17 rem is a high performance round none the less

 

[steve123]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

Good ole 220 swift!

I shot my first coyote with a swift at 500Y no less and yes it was a hail marry shot,LOL. That was 25 years ago before I knew anything about long range. luckily I had just read a article wrote by Rick Jamison about the swift and how he had aimed 18" over a prairie dog to make a hit at that range. Otherwise I would have had no idea how high up to aim.

I'm only wanting to use my next 17 for out to 400Y or so because I have other rifles set up for long range. Mostly for PD's, coyote and the like.

 

[terrell35744]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

I ran a .17 Remington with a 1-9" twist and shot the woodchuck den 30gr gold bullets. I really loved that combo it killed a lot of game. With a bc of .271 and 3700 fps it bucked the wind, flat and no recoil.

 

[Southbreeze]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

Steve-o,

I got into them by accident. I picked up 17FB from a fellow 'hider for my Darling ('08 Rem CDL). She has fox/coyote patrol on the farm while i'm outta the country at work. she hates recoil.

Fast forward a couple years and I have a surprize quad bypass and doc tells me "No recoil for a year...phucker," we're old school mates, so he knows my propensity for effin up!

So, I started shooting her 17 while on predator patrol here at the farm. WOW, this little shit is a lazer. The first shot was a gray fox around 135 yard (using factory rem 20grn accutips) and I watched the fox flip with the bullet impact.

The second kill was a young 'yote at 98 yards from the kitchen door; quartering into me. I hit him high in the shoulder and he went down....no wiggle, nothing. When I went out to grab it, the entire shoulder felt like jello, crackly, curnchy jelly.

It's been 13 months since the surgery and I've killed around 15 predators at varying ranges from 85-175 yards and only a possum has crawled off. I like this little rifle.

I like it enough that I'm debating, rebarreling a shot out 22-250 mauser into either a 17-204 or a 17 rem with enough twist rate to spin up 30+ grn bullets.

I would think that the same things that make the 6.5 & 7mm bullets king, in respect to high sectional density and long for caliber bullet flight characteristics would apply to a 30 or 33grn 17 cal bullet. Wicked penetration on meat/bone for 'yotes/foxes/cats.

I'll probably rebarrel a 204 for a faster twist to work on the same idea with a 50 or 55 grn bullet.

The closest thing I can think of is the shift of the russians to the 5.45x39 ammo in their battle rifles. That little 60grn bullet is a bad ass.

Just my thoughts, however scattered and jaded they may be.

Cheers,
Breeze

Here's a couple kill shots
this one was broadside at 105 yards, complete penetration

around 130 yds

here's the young 'yote mentioned above wit the pulverized shoulder

 

[steve123]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: zia shooter 1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I ran a .17 Remington with a 1-9" twist and shot the woodchuck den 30gr gold bullets. I really loved that combo it killed a lot of game. With a bc of .271 and 3700 fps it bucked the wind, flat and no recoil. </div></div>

The no recoil part is the best thing I like about the 17's.

I didn't know about those WD 30gr bullets. I'm gonna look em up right now.

What brand and length barrel was it?

Thanks Mark!

 

[steve123]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

Thanks for the pics, Breeze!

You got me thinking about doing a 17-204. That would be a hot cartridge to try out! I wonder what velocities it would produce?

I had a Cooper 204. One of those guns I wish I hadn't of sold.

 

[Southbreeze]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

Check out this link for 17 cal options:

http://www.saubier.com/smallcaliber/bulletmakers.html

There's another 'hider here that might be doing 17-204 stuff....tstevens

He was the first one that mentioned the round on a post a few months back. It's what got me looking.

Cheers,
Breeze

 

[knockemdown]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

Mornin' Steve,
I have a wildcat .17 called the .17Predator. It falls between the .17/204 and .17TAC in performance, all of which are a noticeable step up from the standard .17Remington. Mine was built by Greg Tannel on a Seven action, 1:9" Lilja #3, 24" tube. It will throw a 30gr Kindler Gold @ just under 4100 fps, mine is a consistent ~4085fps in the summertime using Big Game powder and moly'ed 30 Golds. These are the first two coyotes kilt with my .17Predator...

The .17Predator does require firforming, and used .223 Lapua brass, necked down. Then turn the necks just a tad to fit my specified .199", zero freebore chamber. Here's a pic of the steps I used to make fireform cases. These are sized down just enough to 'crush fit' on a closed bolt.

And fireforming during the summer...

This link has two great articles on the .17Predator

I've only kilt a small handfull of coyotes and one bobcat with my .17Predator, but that reference material above, plus the trailer to the Varmint Safari IV video show how it works on coyotes.
ZERO recoil, and wicked flat trajectory (30Golds, b.c. .27 @ 4100fps)

The one bobcat I shot with it, didn't have a mark on it 30yds, base of neck, no exit...

That all said, doing a .17/204 would be an easier way to go. That would reguire a simple, straightforward necking down of .204 brass with a FL bushing die. And in a rifle chambered with a 'no turn' neck dia, and you'll be rockin' 4100-4200 easy, with a 30gr bullet, Kindler Gold, Nagel, etc. Do yourself a favor, stick with a Lilja barre, too!!!

Good luck

 

[Southbreeze]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

THat's some wicked looking gear KED and thanks for the links. That's some good reading.

I was thinking bout a 22-243, but that 20-250 looks to be the beez kneez. Have you tried the 204 55grn Berger Varmint bullet yet? I could see building a gun around that bullet....

Cheers,
breeze

 

[knockemdown]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

Thanks, breeze!
That is my friend Dave's site. He's a wealth of knowledge about wildcatting and was a great help to me through my Predator build. He's sure done some interesting builds! I don't recall if his .20-250 had the twist to spin a 55 though. Will have to read up on that one, again...
I have another buddy who just finished a .204AI on a 9 twist PacNor, and I'm looking forward to see how those 55 Bergers will run for him! He's a very prolific predator hunter, so there will be no shortage of fur to be tested on...

As for a .22-243, I just got mine running. 1:7.7" Krieger on a Seven action. Took a doe with it last weekend, 70gr TSX ~3550fps.Didn't want to chance using an Amax on a deer, just in case...

 

[steve123]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

Thanks again. Been reading about 17's so much my neck is getting cricked, LOL.

 

[steve123]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

That 17P looks like the perfect coyote cartridge for saving pelts. Nice build BTW and I appreciate the pics and info!

I didn't realized till today how awesome the ballistics are of those 30 grainers going 4100fps. WOW!

 

[steve123]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

Been looking at a CZ527 in 17rem. A SAKO and some others. I can't decide how much $ I want to spend.

Anybody know what the internal mag length dimension is on the CZ527?

 

[Southbreeze]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

y'all need to check out my boy Gary at:

http://www.timberbutteoutdoors.com/

He makes top notch backpack style rifle slings. Too much money in your gear to have it hanging on one shoulder. I've got eleven or twelve of them now and love the shit out of them.

Cheers,
breeze

 

[terrell35744]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

The gun was built by Kevin Rayhill of Stockade Gunsmithing he works on a lot of savage rifles which was what my 17 remington was built on. The barrel was I think a benchmark and the contour was a heavy sporter finished at 24".

 

[steve123]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

Good to know Mark. I'll know what velocity to look for ward to with the 30 grainers in a 24".

 

[steve123]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

Here's my newest thoughts.

I have nearly a thousand Lapua 6.5 Grendel brass that at the rate I'm using them would last me for the rest of my life. Hmmm that might work for a 17

Talk about ripping some you know what. Maybe 25 grainers at 4400 fps, 30's at 4300.

Lets see, get a used CZ527 in 7.62x39 as a doner? I might even shoot it before I send it off for a rebarrel too

Any smart guys out there that can help design a reamer?

 

[shaman]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

If you are into predators with the .17, head to coyote gods forum

 

[eleaf]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

I love my 17 Rem.

 

[hessian]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

I have a 17 Fireball.All I shoot is ground squirrels. I hacked 8" off the barrel to make it easier to shoot out car window.I love it.Cheap. No kick. Very accurate.Hits are entertaining.I'm thinking about an AR in 17 Fireball.

 

[Rocky 1\508]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

I know some guys in alaska,thatcarry .17's on the trapline,with the lighter bullets there's no exit ,so fur damage is minimal...or so I'm told,for coyotes,I like to hit them a little harder,22-250 or up,Ive allways wanted a .17 rem for fox ,and ground squirels though.

 

[1911fan]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

I had one I used on sage rats for a few years in .17 Remington. Running, IIRC, Calhoon Double Hollow Points in 25gr over, umm, no idea. Ran just under 4000fps, flat as a laser, no recoil, and a good center hit resulted in the rat disappearing in a beachball-sized loud of red mist. Too fun.
Mine was used, though, and a fouling pig of a nightmare to clean, which I had to do often. A friend of mine owned a cryo business and told me that a of his business was .17 caliber barrels that people were trying to stop the fouling in.
After the last trip, a six-hour drive and then being unable to hit a rat at 100 yards due to fouling, I spun the barrel off and .223'd the action.

FWIW though, I could run 20gr VMaxes at 4100 though they weren't as accurate. They'd sure disappear a sage rat though!

Currently my go-to varminter is a .22-250AI, running moly'd 50gr BlitzKings at 3940. Plenty of splat factor, and although I'm at book max for the AI I've still got easy bolt lift even in 100 degree weather. I'd like to bump the load, but it's a one-holer at 100 yards.
It's a heavy gun (think braked Sendero) and since I own the reamer I'm building a walking rifle to match it.


1911fan

 

[steve123]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

Thanks for posting guys!

I still don't have a 17 cal rifle mostly because I'm trying to figure out which way to go.

I do have some fun news to share though!

Earlier this week I ordered a 17-6.5G reamer from PTB. It's going to have a longer neck, 40 degree shoulder and .003 neck expansion. I left the rest of the specs up to Dave.

Also a bunch of 17 cal 30 grainers arrived from the Woodchuck Den.

Next will be ordering a 9 twist barrel.

I don't have a single shot benchrest rifle at the moment and have been thinking hard about building the 17G off of a Stiller Cobra action "drop port" with right bolt and left side opening.

Still pondering what stock???

 

[steve123]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires? or 19?

I think I'll hijack my own thread and get off topic.

I'm hoping next month a 19 Badger will be coming. Decided on the CZ527 Kevlar version.

http://www.jamescalhoon.com/

 

[MTyotehunter]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires? or 19?

I had My first custom varmint rifle built when I was 11, a single shot 17machIV built on a converted Rem. 591. I still have it and I still love it! Ive shot a yotes, fox, many gophers and various other vermin with it.

Good to see you guys enjoying the smallbores!

 

[Chopperguy]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires? or 19?

I've also never owned a 17 Centerfire. I was considering building one when I discovered the 20 Vartarg about 5 years ago.

It was all over but the check to the gunsmith after that.

There still may be a 17 in my future. Especially after seeing some of the variety you guys are showing here....

 

[maxscm]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

here's one of my.17's. A Factory Rem .17 with a 26" stainless steel Barrel ,blued action and Bedded in a Old Etronx HS Precision Stock. All with a Baked on Flat Black Finish. Sitting on top is a Older Nikon 6.5x20x44 Duplex. And also in the pic is a Very Unlucky Crow shot with some 30gr Golds.

Another 17. here's a yote that was eating Cow patties for breakfast. she didn't digest the 30gr Gold very well.

 

[steve123]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires? or 19?

Was the gunsmith your Uncle? You were a lucky kid!

 

[steve123]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires? or 19?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Chopperguy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've also never owned a 17 Centerfire. I was considering building one when I discovered the 20 Vartarg about 5 years ago.

It was all over but the check to the gunsmith after that.

There still may be a 17 in my future. Especially after seeing some of the variety you guys are showing here.... </div></div>

It looks like 20 VT has quite a following. The 17KH I had was lacking some oomph. I want a little bit bigger case this time. 20vt and 19B are about perfect for fast PD shooting and 300Y is plenty doable.

 

[steve123]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

Thanks for posting crowkiller51!

How fast are those 30's going?

 

[MTyotehunter]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires? or 19?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Was the gunsmith your Uncle? You were a lucky kid! </div></div>My dad was huge into guns (gun salesman for 30 years) and I was a very lucky kid who mowed a lot of lawns and such so I could have a custom Varmint rifle.

 

[maxscm]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

In that pictured above 26" barrel have pushed them to 3900+ with some VV133. I settled on Varget cruzing at 3600+ But be very careful with a 17 Rem 1/10 grain too much and you'll blow a primer. I ladder test in 2/10 increments.,Wear your Safety Glasses.
My pictured below 700 .17 has a 24" Shilen Select Match 10 twist and i shoot the 20gr Vmaxes at a blistering 4400fps on a cool day, but i back off in the heat of summer to 4300 to keep from periceing primers.It also shoots Varget Powder.Attached to the shilen is a AWC 5.56 Suppressor.
You gotta get a 17!
they are very addicting!

 

[steve123]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires? or 19?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MTyotehunter</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Was the gunsmith your Uncle? You were a lucky kid! </div></div>My dad was huge into guns (gun salesman for 30 years) and I was a very lucky kid who mowed a lot of lawns and such so I could have a custom Varmint rifle. </div></div>

Yep, I can relate. I worked all summer when I was 14 years old to buy a brand new M77 220 swift! Then had to wait til Christmas when I got a Lyman 12x and reloading equipment.

You got me beat though because you got a custom 17!

 

[steve123]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

Very addicting indeed!

Wow 20's at 4300 fps. I bet that makes a pop when it hits, LOL.

Soooo cool having a suppressor on a 17 Rem!

Thanks for the info.

 

[steve123]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks for posting guys!

I still don't have a 17 cal rifle mostly because I'm trying to figure out which way to go.

I do have some fun news to share though!

Earlier this week I ordered a 17-6.5G reamer from PTB. It's going to have a longer neck, 40 degree shoulder and .003 neck expansion. I left the rest of the specs up to Dave.

Also a bunch of 17 cal 30 grainers arrived from the Woodchuck Den.

Next will be ordering a 9 twist barrel.

I don't have a single shot benchrest rifle at the moment and have been thinking hard about building the 17G off of a Stiller Cobra action "drop port" with right bolt and left side opening.

Still pondering what stock???

</div></div>

I found out today that Stiller doesn't make the Cobra anymore, Rats. I had my heart set on that action so I need to think about what other action to get.

I found a company that makes high figure laminated hardwood stocks. Kinda pricey though.

 

[MTyotehunter]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

Here Is my 17MachIV built on a remington 591 action by Dennis Olson, Plains MT.

 

[steve123]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

Truly a unique custom and a very nice family heirloom.!

It amazes me that the 591 action is strong enough to convert to a 50,000 psi centerfire.

 

[knockemdown]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

That is a gorgeous rifle!

 

[MTyotehunter]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

Thanks guys, its a fun rifle to show off!

 

[steve123]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

I found a good deal on a CZ 527 in 17Rem.

Looks nice but doesn't shoot as good as I'm used to. The best load was 25 grain Hornady HP's at 4015 fps into 1.1 moa.

 

[so467]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

growing up I shot a 17/222 and a 17 rem. using the 20gr bullet could not tell how fast but the chipmonks disappeared when hit. my neighbor and I would laugh every fall squirrel hunting because the woods was so quiet. shot alot of groundhogs with it using the 25gr also. great little round wish i still had that 17 rem.

 

[RonA]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

I just had a Ruger #3 made into a .17 Squirrel. I like the .17's but prefer to keep them small. I've always had to deal with temperature sensitivity with every .17 I've had(.17 Rem, .17 Mach 4) and this little Squirrel seems to be the same. If I want to shoot out to 400 yards with a sub .22 cal I would stick with .20 cal. .20 Tactical is excellent on Coyotes, .20 Vartarg if smaller game is the target.
RonA

 

[steve123]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve467</div><div class="ubbcode-body">growing up I shot a 17/222 and a 17 rem. using the 20gr bullet could not tell how fast but the chipmonks disappeared when hit. my neighbor and I would laugh every fall squirrel hunting because the woods was so quiet. shot alot of groundhogs with it using the 25gr also. great little round wish i still had that 17 rem. </div></div>

I can't wait to shoot a vermin with a 17 again!

I shot a Rockchuck in Idaho at 250Y with my Contender. We don't have chucks here in AZ so I was exited to have gotten it.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[steve123]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RonA</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I just had a Ruger #3 made into a .17 Squirrel. I like the .17's but prefer to keep them small. I've always had to deal with temperature sensitivity with every .17 I've had(.17 Rem, .17 Mach 4) and this little Squirrel seems to be the same. If I want to shoot out to 400 yards with a sub .22 cal I would stick with .20 cal. .20 Tactical is excellent on Coyotes, .20 Vartarg if smaller game is the target.
RonA </div></div>

Hi Ron,

What velocity are you getting with your 17S? Fun little round I bet.

This CZ isn't a minute of PD rifle at 300Y so I might end up putting a different barrel on it. I'll have to think about which cartridge I'll do??? I didn't get the 19 Badger I was considering so I might do a smaller 17 close to the 19 Badger in capacity.

I have a 17-6.5 Grendel reamer being made and am planning on building it in a Benchrest rifle. I'm hoping for .3 moa with 30 golds at 4200 fps or so. That's going to be my 300y to 500Y PD rifle.

Got me a 20x47L project going as well for my tactical rifle. It should push 55 grain Bergers at 3900 fps. It'll be my past 500Y PD rifle. Both the 17-6.5G and 20x47L reamers should be here any day. I'm exited as I have most of the stuff ready for the 20x47L.

 

[steve123]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

First kill with the CZ 17 Rem.

He was only 90Y so no challenge but I was surprised he was out sunning himself in January.

 

[jagged77]

Re: Who likes 17 cal centerfires?

I just picked up my first 17 rem, an older r700 stainless. Managed to get 200 factory rounds cheaper than buying new brass so currently burning through that at the moment. Best groups are around 1MOA, am hoping that reloads with 20 gr vmax's will improve things. Will try and get out foxing one night this week with it, am looking forward to seeing the results!

 

[texote]

I think I'll hijack my own thread and get off topic.

I'm hoping next month a 19 Badger will be coming. Decided on the CZ527 Kevlar version.

http://www.jamescalhoon.com/

Steve
You get that badger yet? If so what you think of it?
I have been eyeing it for a while now

 

[warbird2006]

I have Savage in 17HMR, yes I know, its not a centre fire rifle, but it is great. I can get gophers on 200 years easily.

 

[John_in_WYO]

700 SA / BC Alaskan Medalist II / LVSF Barrel .17 Remington / Bushnell 3-9x40 Banner


It's a good coyote calling rifle