.17 REM. / .17FB / .17 Mach IV

[RAMOS]

Any input on choosing one over the others? Looking for squirrel/crow gun good to 250 yards. Most likely in a Cooper. No consideration for factory ammunition. Much consideration for efficiency and accuracy. Have also (somewhat) thought about the Calhoon .19's. Any and all feed back appreciated. Thanks.

[wirelessguy2005]

all of the rounds that you mentioned would easily accomplish what you are asking for. I personally love the .17 remington, however its old school and in many ways has been beaten out by the .17 fireball. Being a new design the .17 fireball is more efficient and gives you almost the same performance as the .17 remington while using less powder and making less noise. I will also mention that the brass for .17 fireball is less expensive than the .17 remington. If you can afford it i would recommend you purchase both. I love both rounds and will always own both of them. Just my 2 cents.

[lanenebraska]

Any input on choosing one over the others? Looking for squirrel/crow gun good to 250 yards. Most likely in a Cooper. No consideration for factory ammunition. Much consideration for efficiency and accuracy. Have also (somewhat) thought about the Calhoon .19's. Any and all feed back appreciated. Thanks.

17 Rem all the way You would only save 15 bucks per 500 cases--or .03 cents a case compared to the Furball Pick up the CZ 527 Varmint with a good scope, and you're all set

Or you could break down and get a .204, and save about $170.00 on 1000 Winchester cases start-up costs, and add just a tad more powder. IMHO the 204 is WAY easier to reload, and Much more cost effective.


But........ I DO LOVE my 17Rem

[RAMOS]

Thanks for the information guys. I should of mentioned that I do have a .204 and don't plan on ever being without one!

[Sidewinderwa]

I would go with the 17 Fireball from the calibers on your list. It will be easier to get brass with the correct stamp for the Fireball than the nearly identical Mach IV. The Fireball burns powder more efficiently than the 17 Remington so there is less powder residue in the small barrel so you will not have to clean it as frequently as the 17 Remington. I believe that Remington dropped the 17 Remington this year. If you are getting a Cooper, check out the 20 VarTarg they have. I have a Remington 17 Fireball and cannot get it to group under an inch very well. That is with a new custom stock, action worked on and a trigger job. My 20 VarTarg will shoot 1/4 inch groups at 100 yards.

[Randy Shelton]

I can not agree with Sidewinder more! I have Cooper Model 38's in 17FB and 20 Vartarg. The 17 is a pleasure to shoot but I can't get it to group as well as expected, even when using Cooper's test load of 20.1 grains of H335 behind a 20 grain V-Max bullet. The 20 Vartarg shoots less than 1/4" at 100 yards using 18.2 grains of H4198 puwder behing a 32 grain V-Max bullet. I have shot over 1000 rounds in each rifle and the 20VT is WAY easier to clean and rarely copper fouls. The 17FB takes some scrubbing to remove powder fouling. I would leave the 17 Remington behind, mine sits in the safe. A friend has a Mack IV and he has to turn necks and fireforn the brass. Vartarg brass is simple to form from 221 Fireballs brass but needs to be fireformed to blow shoulder to 30 degrees. Remington 17FB brass is available from most suppliers. Best of luck which ever way you go.

Regards from California,

Randy

[RAMOS]

Yes, the .20VT sure looks interesting. It just may be the best choice for me. I don't like to miss a shot but, when it happens I want to know that it was my fault. Thanks to all.