.17 Hornet Reloading

[rob4586]

From what I can find on the net both are 1:9 twist rate. I can see no reason why 25grain will not work. Its going to be either a powder issue or a prep issue.

I changed from H110 as I could not get the speed I was looking for 20grain was around 3000fps, changing to n120 has raised it to 3485 fps.

I think Needle points are where you should explore further. I gave him my data and he did his magic on quickload. This was for both powders and the results are spot on for both. If I had more calibres I would get quickload as i have been so impressed.

Ditto - the Americans seem to be getting reasonable groups using 1:9 twist albeit using powders I cannot get my hands on.

We've ordered some H110 for now. We will try and achieve the accuracy we want, at which point we may look to speed up slightly. Off I go to measure H2O capcity etc.

Thanks again chaps, a true wealth of knowledge.

Regards
Rob

 

[Fox Red]

My pal has a 17 Hornet. Also finds it very difficult to get consistent reloads.

Through a process of elimination and lots of experimentation we determined it to be the brass. The 17H brass we played with seemed very weak and probably why the factory offerings shot much better.

What perhaps didn't help was using Lil Gun, but we wanted to extract the most from the cartridge.

Having seen the trials and tribulations I'm happy to stick with my 22H. Much simpler and a joy to reload for. The 40gr V-Max at 3,000fps can do anything the 17H can with a few more clicks on the elevation turret and is arguably more capable on foxes.

Good luck

 

[xavierdoc]

My CZ527 Varmint likes homeloads using S&B or PPU brass, 25gr Vmax and DO63 powder, BR4 primers.

I won't give my load but suffice to say the accuracy is good and velocity is frankly astounding when compared to the measured 20gr Hornady factory load (which is much slower than box speed.) Brass life good. No pressure signs.

AA1680 and DO63 used to be the same thing (made by Explosia) and data can be used interchangeably if working up from min listed charge in sensible increments.

 

[rob4586]

My CZ527 Varmint likes homeloads using S&B or PPU brass, 25gr Vmax and DO63 powder, BR4 primers.

I won't give my load but suffice to say the accuracy is good and velocity is frankly astounding when compared to the measured 20gr Hornady factory load (which is much slower than box speed.) Brass life good. No pressure signs.

AA1680 and DO63 used to be the same thing (made by Explosia) and data can be used interchangeably if working up from min listed charge in sensible increments.

Good morning,

This is really interesting. I’ve a few questions, if you don’t mind, so I’ll send a PM.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[Liveonce]

I must have just been lucky, when I got my savage 17hornet last summer I used Hornady 20gn vmax for awhile and they did all I asked.
When I started reloading for it I initially used vectan SP3 which I had previously been given by somebody who gave up loading .410. I purchased the cheap 17gn vmax BT bullets with a view to fire form some 22hornet to 17hornet but was surprised at the accuracy I was getting and have continued using the SP3 and 17gn vmax BT ever since.
They have been accurate enough out to 150yards at night on the rabbits.
So have not found it difficult to get a load that works but have not got a hangover for benchrest accuracy.

 

[Cooter]

Hornady brass fell apart after two reloads so I changed to resized 22 hornet brass, which held up far better.
N110 or N120 are both excellent powders, DO63 was great but very hard on cases.
Pm guesty for detailed info as he really worked hard on his 17 and more than matched any factory ammo.