Big Al Posted October 19, 2014 Report Share Posted October 19, 2014 Im becoming more and more interested in this caliber. Ive done a fair bit of research and spoken to a couple of 17 Rem owners, I like the idea of the caliber, it will fit into a nice place between my 22LR's and .223 and do everything my 17MHR could do and then some. I like the idea of a light high velocity/highly frangible bullet in some of the places I shoot from a safety point of view and also the lower recoil. Ballistically I know its not a 204 Ruger but to 300yds it will give me a flat shooting rifle that will deal with the wind as good, if not better than my .223 to that range. Im looking for opinions, both good and bad on this caliber, its availability for reloading components (I was surprised at the cost of brass) and ease/difficuly in reloading, barrel life/cleaning, ability as a foxing gun and just anything to help me to decide. Reasons not to go this route would be as useful to me as reasons to so don't hold back! What has been your experiences of the .17 Remington, good or bad? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
visiter1 Posted October 19, 2014 Report Share Posted October 19, 2014 Im becoming more and more interested in this caliber. Ive done a fair bit of research and spoken to a couple of 17 Rem owners, I like the idea of the caliber, it will fit into a nice place between my 22LR's and .223 and do everything my 17MHR could do and then some. I like the idea of a light high velocity/highly frangible bullet in some of the places I shoot from a safety point of view and also the lower recoil. Ballistically I know its not a 204 Ruger but to 300yds it will give me a flat shooting rifle that will deal with the wind to that range better than my .223 with the 55gr load its currently running. Im looking for opinions, both good and bad on this caliber, its availability for reloading components (I was surprised at the cost of brass) and ease/difficuly in reloading, barrel life/cleaning, ability as a foxing gun and just anything to help me to decide. What has been your experiences of the .17 Remington? I just got one mate going out tonight after fox with it il let u know how it goes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
srvet Posted October 19, 2014 Report Share Posted October 19, 2014 I have been using one for a while and really like it. As a vermin cal it is amazing. A lightning bolt with no perceived recoil that switches quarry like rabbits and corvids off decisively. I currently use mine for fox as well and have no complaints My last night foxing yielded two victims. The first at about 70 yards and the second at over 150 yards. I don't think it kills fox as decisively as my 308 or 7mm RM but I wouldn't expect it to! I am using Berger 25g match bullets and Viht 140. Have had no problems getting components but did have some headspace issues with a badly made semi custom that has been decisively sorted by Ronin's skill and attention to detail Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fizzbangwhallop Posted October 19, 2014 Report Share Posted October 19, 2014 Had my Tikka 595 synthetic since August last year and I've put more rounds through that than any of my other rifles, bought from Thesmi (and he's regretted it ever since) and trying it out beforehand I took the cap off an empty coke bottle at 100m off the bonnet of his vehicle. Stuck a picrail on it to be able to swap to a DronePro 10x after dark and it's been absolutely lethal on foxes, the vast majority of them have dropped on the spot like a sack of spuds and I struggle to find an exit let alone an entry wound. I use 25grn Bergers with N135 and the only thing I found when up in Scotland foxing in April/May is that you need a clear line of sight to your target, we had a couple in rushes which weren't clean first shot kills and switched the Drone to a .243. Mine..definitely a keeper. Atb Fizz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raifuru Posted October 19, 2014 Report Share Posted October 19, 2014 Having had a few over the years, the main problem with the 17 Rem is the BS on the net. They are not particularly hard on barrels and no harder to keep clean than most other small CFs, You have to be careful with rods as when the brushes are new, they can be very tight indeed. 3 groove barrels do clean better IMO My favourite was a 595 with a Pac Nor 1-9 three groove barrel. That shot 30 Bergers beautifully and 25 Bergers or Hornady HPs (nearlyy identical bullets). I found the 20 V-Max not great for foxes and had a few issues, but for crows and bunnies they are excellent out to 200-250. Generally Rem 7.5s are best, but the CCI BR4s can give you an edge with some loads. I had a few early primer piercings with the Federal softer primers. I also found that factory OAL was best and I think that was 2.150 with 25s, I spent ages on the OAL but the factory recommendation seemed to work best. They are good guns and not as finicky as people sometimes state. Best powders I used were Varget and Benchmark, but others swear by 135 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherlock Posted October 19, 2014 Report Share Posted October 19, 2014 I have been using the 17 rem since the mid nineties and had five 17 rem rifles. Currently I have a Tikka 595 with 9 twist Pacnor tube fitted and zip a 25 grn Vmax . The 17 rem has a trajectory akin to a 220 swift with NO recoil and using a very frugal 22/23 gns of powder. One thing that anybody using this cal will confirm - it punches well above its weight. It hammers vermin and drops even the biggest fox with authority. I use mine out at 400 yrds regularly on vermin and have killed several fox at ranges around 300 yrds - ( the furthest being 315 yards ). As for not being a 204 - NOT true , I have owned both - Here's how they pan out at 300 yrd in 5 mph cross wind 204 - 40gr Nosler (BC 0.240) @ 3750 fps - Drop = 7.3 Drift = 4.8 204 - 32 grn Vmax (BC 0.210) @ 4150 fps - Drop = 5.8 Drift = 5.0 17 Rem - 25 grn Vmax (BC 0.230) @ 4040 fps - Drop = 5.9 Drift = 4.6 Last point about the 17 rem - the cal is not barrel burner - unless you really try to squeeze every last FPS out of the case. ATB S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toby Posted October 19, 2014 Report Share Posted October 19, 2014 I have a Sako 75 that I rebarreled to 17 Rem. Very happy with accuracy and effect on my main quarry, foxes. I use Berger MEF bullets over Viht N 150 powder. 99% of the time the bullets dont exit the fox, good for fur hunting. I havent used the 20 VMaxes as I heard reports of splashing on fox and dont need to find out the hard way...It is definitely a niche cartridge and you almost have to handload as ammo isnt as readily available as say a 223. I toyed with the idea of getting one for a long time before taking the plunge but have not regretted it since. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garyw Posted October 19, 2014 Report Share Posted October 19, 2014 i have one a tikka 595 i shot out the factory barrel now [3000+] it now wears a lilja -i have used the same load for nearly 15 yrs 20 vmax-n135. shot a lot of foxes with it over those years i will use it at least once a week now the nights are dark with nv, buy one and dont look back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrelsniffer Posted October 19, 2014 Report Share Posted October 19, 2014 Been using a 17rem for past 10+ yrs now with same barrel from new shot hell of a lot through it since, i use 25gn vmax Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snaggletooth Posted October 21, 2014 Report Share Posted October 21, 2014 Are there any factory rifles still being produced chambered in 17rem, or is it now only a custom option? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
247sniper Posted October 21, 2014 Report Share Posted October 21, 2014 Are there any factory rifles still being produced chambered in 17rem, or is it now only a custom option? Cooper rifle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snaggletooth Posted October 21, 2014 Report Share Posted October 21, 2014 Cooper rifle. Cheers, was surprised to see that even Remington had discontinued them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbal Posted October 21, 2014 Report Share Posted October 21, 2014 Cheers, was surprised to see that even Remington had discontinued them. Maybe....few remain in production for ever...the 17Rem was introduced in 1971,and had moderate sales at best,though some local markets did better. Sales were further reduced by Remington's own 17 Fireball,which was not that far behind the 17Rem(250 fps). Probably the 20s etc eventually just overtook the 17s,as in 204 Ruger,as factory options.The cartridge remains as special/specialised as it ever was,of course. gbal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snaggletooth Posted October 22, 2014 Report Share Posted October 22, 2014 Maybe....few remain in production for ever...the 17Rem was introduced in 1971,and had moderate sales at best,though some local markets did better. Sales were further reduced by Remington's own 17 Fireball,which was not that far behind the 17Rem(250 fps). Probably the 20s etc eventually just overtook the 17s,as in 204 Ruger,as factory options.The cartridge remains as special/specialised as it ever was,of course. gbal I see what you mean. Very similar trajectories for both, but the 204 has about 200ft/lb more energy at 300 (20gr v 32gr) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Dogge Posted October 22, 2014 Report Share Posted October 22, 2014 Up to 300yd I think the trajectory differences between all centerfire rounds are pretty modest. I chose 17Rem for relatively low noise (it is a little quieter than .223) and the increased safety margin of the small, frangible, bullet. I think 17 Fireball may be a more logical choice, it seems to do practically everything 17Rem will do, more efficiently with a longer barrel life. People say it can be a pain to get to reliably feed, but others say it is not a problem if the rifle is built right. For top end performance with a tiny bullet at absolutely screaming velocities the Rem does deliver. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbal Posted October 22, 2014 Report Share Posted October 22, 2014 +1 on The-dogge 's main point.With the exception of the Hornet,most cf rifles up to 6mm,are 5/5 at 300 yards,with 200y zero (drop 5 inches,drift 5 inches in 5 mph wind). The hotter numbers trim an inch off,the slower add an inch on. So it's as well to remember that 'flat' is a pretty relative term at short range. What does differ is energy at all distances;and performance beyond 300y. Powder capacity and bullet BC become the important differentiating factors for energy and performance,with corresponding cost,noise and recoil. gbal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
English Posted October 26, 2014 Report Share Posted October 26, 2014 Another big fan of the .17 Rem with the 25gn vmax or 25gn Bergers. I actually became "hooked" after shooting an American Friends .17 Mach 4 ( The Wildcat that effectively led the way for the .17 Fireball - virtually the same calibre commercially produced). However back then (2004) the only way to get a rifle and the brass was to go the custom route at considerable expense? At that time the .17 Fireball wasn't around and if you like the .17 Remington was an alternate choice that was to be had? I'm using one of the old short action Sako's and wouldn't want to part with it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Al Posted October 26, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2014 Please correct me if Im wrong but Im of the opinion that Fireball brass is harder to get than .17 Remington and it takes much more prep work, i.e. necking down .221 Fireball cases. Combine that with the slightly reduced performance has me leaning towards .17 Rem. I do like the idea of a lower powder charge for the Fireball and hopefully longer barrel life but would I be disappointed at the reduced performance and difficulty in reloading? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbal Posted October 26, 2014 Report Share Posted October 26, 2014 Al, 17 Fireball brass/ammo will be harder to source than 17 rem brass/ammo but clearly buying Rem 17 Fireball brass is much easier than necking down 221Fireball brass....itself not all that easily come by. 200 should last quite a while though. Performance is down in the 17 Fireball compared to the 17 Rem thus(factory ammo0: 17 Fireball 20 V max @ 4000 fps 17 Rem 20 accu tip @ 4250 fps A bit smaller case of course,so could download the 17FB more than the 17Rem and retain a useable load,I would think.Not much in it,though-and top end performance is somewhat reduced as might be the minimal recoil and noise....but both are 300y rifles,really. I would not hold out for much barrel life difference,but neither are serious burners. gbal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickenthief Posted November 2, 2014 Report Share Posted November 2, 2014 What the 17HMR 20gr will do at the muzzle (2550fps) the 17Hornet will do at @200yds, the 17FB at 250yds and the 17Rem at @300yds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbal Posted November 2, 2014 Report Share Posted November 2, 2014 What the 17HMR 20gr will do at the muzzle (2550fps) the 17Hornet will do at @200yds, the 17FB at 250yds and the 17Rem at @300yds. An interesting way to compare/contrast. Fine for corvids,rabbits.....assuming they can be hit (wind). Energy of course is a different matter:the 17HMR is around 75 ft lb at 200 (and a non issue beyond that),whereas the 17 rem is around 465 ft lb at 200y,so fox capable;and 325 ftt lbs at 300y,which is getting marginal for fox.(cf below: The 204 40gVmax is 675 ft lb at 300y,and the 223 50Vmax 525 ft lbs,at 300y Some mischief might be avoided or reduced if drop/drift,energy,and quarry size were considered together. Then the major variables reduce to shooter skill,and rifle accuracy,and ethical success rate (stalkers make 90+%). gbal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave thorniley Posted December 11, 2014 Report Share Posted December 11, 2014 hi ive been shooting 17rem for 24 years its a sako vixen with a pacnor on its sweet on fox crow rabbit its had three tubes on in all that time and they are not tubeburners I use 24 gr viht135 with a 25gr berger awsomea good tip is to use a 22 cf bore guide and 1.18th patches the 17 patches they sell are to loose recoil is none existant the only bummer is lack of good cases rp cases are s%^&*t and can anybody tell me why 17rem cases are so expensive here I buy mine in the states $27 for 100 here I was asked to pay £72 anyway anybody after a great little shooter get a 17rem you will not regret it enjoy dave. oh ps if your gonna shoot 25 gr vmax you want a 1in9 twist or they will tumble in a 1in 10 merry xmas boys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherlock Posted December 12, 2014 Report Share Posted December 12, 2014 the only bummer is lack of good cases rp cases are s%^&*t and can anybody tell me why 17rem cases are so expensive here I buy mine in the states $27 for 100here I was asked to pay £72 HI Dave. Nosler are now making 17 rem brass - I have never used them myself, but I would expect Nosler to better quality than RP cases. I believe they cost about $80 in the US - so about £50. That isn't too bad - certainly when you compare it to the extortionate £118 being charged by the jokers at the Midway UK Comedy Club. http://www.midwayuk.com/418724 ATB S Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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