I did a search to see if many of you were using lighter bullets in your .17's. Almost all posts described using 20-25gr bullets.

All I have shot is 25gr. I inherited a stash of them. But I'm thinking of trying a lighter bullet to get more velocity.

Have any of you tried lighter bullets with good results? Or was wind drift just too bad?

Mine didn't want to shoot the 25gr Hornady's. When I switched to the 20gr V-Max, I instantly got a 1" group. After a little load development, I now have it shooting consistently between .5 and .75". 20gr is about the lightest I would go. No real reason to go any lower, especially for woodchucks.

My main target is Prairie Dogs, which are a bit smaller. Not that it matters.

How fast did you want to push it? The bullet I'm shooting is pushing almost 4300fps. You may have to go lighter if you want to go much faster than that. Not sure how it will fly though.

I've had to load pretty mild with my old Martini Cadet action. I'm pushing 25gr at only 3100fps. I get sticky extraction beyond that.

This is a weird wildcat--.357mag pistol brass necked down to .17

Dave,

Ross Seyfried used that wildcat in his recent article on the .17's, in a Martini.

I would imagine the 20 grain V-Max would be a PD liquifier, even in that unique .17-357. The ones I've seen were flat based, too.

My experiences with both the Hornady HP and Remington HP were more than a few years back (1971). The Hornady was a very tough bullet, the jacket was very thick. The Remington had a bonded jacket, not sure if it still does. I really had to drive them fast for good results.

JB

Dave R: Have you had the chance to play with the 15 and 18 grain Bergers? They are quite popular amongst .17 rem users over here as they are devestating against winged vermin and tend not to riccochet.

[ 08-15-2003, 19:08: Message edited by: British ]

JB: I'm not sure which brand of bullet I inherited, but it IS flat-based, and weighs 25gr. It does tend to both kill and autopsy the Prarie dogs, so it is performing well at 3,100fps.

Where can I get a copy of that Ross Seyfried article? I've been looking for that. Is it online anywhere?

BRITISH: I have not tried those 15/18 grain Bergers. That's the kind of input I am looking for. Are they worthless in wind (which is almost a constant here in Idaho) or are they no worse than the 25gr. class?

[ 08-15-2003, 19:55: Message edited by: Dave R ]

Dave R: A couple of loads for the light Bergers are as follows:

15gr Berger over 25 grains of RL15 = @4300 fps

18gr Bereger over 25 grains of RL15 = @4100 fps

Needless to say, they certainly zip along. I wouldn't say that they are useless in the wind providing you do your part and keep within 200 yards. Hope this helps .

British, I have yet to take a shot at over 200, so I'll give them a try at some point. Thanks.

I shoot 25's in my Cooper, but shoot the lighter bullets in a Savage, as the throat in that one is much shorter than the Cooper. Both are 17 Mach IV's. Accuracy is still there, and shot a few 'hogs with the 18's this spring. I also use a Blue Dot load with the lighter bullets, for yard work and they are excellent. Velocity with an 18 is under 2400. I have a good supply of Hammett 18.6 bullets, hope I live long enough to shoot them all........ Try a box of the Bergers, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

R

I tried the 15gr Bergers in my Ackley Bee with 2400 and 4198 some time back, and was not impressed with the accuracy. However, after using RE7/20gr Vmax, I think I'll revisit the little Bergers..

[ 08-17-2003, 16:43: Message edited by: Pedestal ]

I've used the Hornady 20 and 25gr. in my .17 Rem. My best results come with the 20gr. VMAX and Varget 23.0grs. It prints .446" or so in my rifle. I can't get it every time since the rifle as you probably know, is a finicky beast. I try to stay around 3900fps. It seems to be a happy middle ground. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal