17 Fireball Reloading?

[VarMitt]

Got a new 17 FB and wondered what others have used for reloading. I understand the 17mach IV data is a good starting point, but I'd like to hear from those who have reloaded the 17 FB. I read "tuck2's" recipe (19.0 gr BM/ 25gr HP) and he likes it. It appears folks are leaning toward the 25gr. bullets over the 20gr. I would appreicate any comments concerning bullets, powders and successful reloading data. Also, has anyone found a source for buying 17FB brass? Yesterday, Midway finally got some and had it for virtually 10 minutes and it was gone! The price for factory loads is ridiculous!!!!

[WrzWaldo]

I have had best results with the 25 V-Max with H4198, H4227, and H322.

Look here for the 17 Mark IV data. This is the load data I use. ----> http://wrzwaldo.org/Reloading/Public/17 ... 20Data.htm

[22shooter]

I just purchased a .17 FB in a Remington model 700. It is a fun little cartridge to shoot. I just ordered some brass from Midway. They said it is due to them on the 9th of April.

[Hotshot]

I have ordered a chambered barrel in 17 FB for my Savage 12FV. I think it's a dirty trick of Remington to delay the supply of brass for more than a year after they introduced the cartridge. Their loaded ammo is readily available at $25-30, but empty brass is not. I used to be all Remington and now I don't even want their name on the headstamp of the cartridges I shoot.

[Rick in Oregon]

I agree that Remington really blew it with not having brass available for a new cartridge of their own, and factory ammo is priced rediculously to boot.

In the meantime, you can always form 17FB brass from 221FB brass, and just use the 17FB F/L die to do it, but you'll most likely have to turn the necks after forming because they'll thicken up from the forming process.

I've been forming 17 Mach IV brass from 221FB brass for years with perfect results, but I need to mention that I'm using a Redding form die set, which reduces the .224" diameter down to .17 caliber in two steps, one takes it to .20 cal, then to .17 caliber. You'll also want to consider annealing if you do this, not a big deal, and worth the time involved to avoid split necks on the formed cases. By doing this, you will not be dependent on the factory for your brass supply.....except that 221FB brass is also getting hard to find also. The answer here is to just use 223 brass, but then you'll have to neck turn for sure. Just a thought to avoid the factory brass dependency issue.

[Odawgpw/204]

I have one, just started reloading for it
a few good combo's nothing solid yet

Remington IMO didn't drop the ball, they did it intensionally. I think you will see this more and more with every new cartridge that is to come.

Rick,

I have some of those 221fireball formed into 17MIV

is it possible to fire form them into 17RFB

looks like the shoulder angle is a little steeper on the 17rfb, and the neck a bit shorter on the 17MIV

[Rick in Oregon]

Odawpgw/204: I've read in several reliable places that if your 17M4 brass will chamber in your 17FB, it's okay to fire in the new rifle.

Many times one will not chamber in the other, due to the 17M4 not being standardized by SAMMI, thereby many variances in chamber dimensions have been encountered. Makes sense, it's the same issue as the 22 K-Hornet vs. the 22 Ackley Hornet and the 17 caliber versions also.

Check to see if your formed M4 brass chambers, and if it does, you should be okay until you find some factory 17FB brass.....and that could be a while as we both know. If it works out, you'll be set to form a bunch of brass for the new rifle. Let us know how it works out.

[Sidewinderwa]

I just ordered 100 17 FB cases from Lock Stock & Barrell for my brother. They have them in stock now.

[VarMitt]

Got 250 cases yesterday at Huntingtons (Oroville, Ca). It was pricey, $41.60/hundred; but it beats waiting until August for Midway to get another shippment--maybe! I'll post the loading and target data ASAP. Thanks to all for your comments---Doug

[Odawgpw/204]

Here are a few groups I recently shot @ 50yds
the black dot in the center is roughly the size of a dime
I loaded some more w/ 19grs of H335 and didn't have the same group
fact it was worse than the first one pictured

[Rick in Oregon]

Odawgpw/204: Two other powders you'll want to try for that Pet Load would be H-322 and N-133, both very popular in the 17M4.

For my 17M4 and the 25gr Berger, I use 18.6grs in formed R-P 221FB cases, Rem 7-1/2's and get 3,810 fps with field accuracy that runs right at .350" consistently. I use 18.3grs for fireforming, and also for hot weather shooting. The rats can't tell the difference. Both VERY accurate loads in my Sako Vixen/Shilen barrel.