what do you consider the most efficient 17 caliber centerfire
- Thread starter foxhunter
- Start date
rickiesrevenge
Active member
I wish bee brass was cheaper and available. I could see an argument for an improved bee case. But I haven't owned one. Probably the most efficient 17 case I've owned was a 17 jet from bullberry. It was and improved 22 jet necked down. Very similar if not the same as Saunders 17-32 jet. 20s would easily do 4200fps from that case. I never found the upper limit!
Another case that gets decent speed with small charges is the 17 Ackley Hornet.
Another case that gets decent speed with small charges is the 17 Ackley Hornet.
Bullseye69
Active member
Ive had efficient results with my 17 K Hornet. Just wish the case was stronger. When you get them up around 4100 they don't last long.
But keep them around 3800 and they seem to do fine.
But keep them around 3800 and they seem to do fine.
Had always heard that, on balance, the 17MachIV is the most efficient through a wide range of bullet weights.
I'm unaware of any factual testing, though.
Here's a semi-custom H&R/Shilen in 17MachIV......that I bought from Todd Kindler, over 35 years ago. .
Kevin
Bullseye69
Active member
That's a beauty!!
Jeepers! My .17 Rem looks pretty "pedestrian" compared to some of the rifles you guys are posting!I forgot to mention another 17.......said to also be quite efficient.
The 17 Javelina.......
Here's an O'Brien Hultgren Grade.......with ivory inlay in relief.
Kevin
The inlay.....
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Bullseye69
Active member
These guys do have some beautiful rifles.
Only good wood guns I've got are my shotguns.
Only good wood guns I've got are my shotguns.
EMC_Custom
Member
I loaded my 17 Remington Contender down to 17 Mach IV/ Fireball levels for years. It shot tiny groups, and a pound of IMR 4895 lasted a long time that way
M_Strohmeyer
Member
Eric Mayer likes the 17 KAK. 5000fps.
Admittedly, I only own two 17 caliber rifles (Anschutz 17HMR and Savage 17Hornet), and they both perform admirably when pressed into service on all manner of varmints at the appropriate range. But the OP asked about the most efficient centerfire cartridge, so my vote goes to the 17Hornet. I replaced the stock barrel with one from Lilja and when I do my part, it easily reaches out to 350 yards.
The following picture was taken in the Big Horn Mtns of WY and as you can see, it got the job done.
The following picture was taken in the Big Horn Mtns of WY and as you can see, it got the job done.
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17VLD
Active member
Very impressive Paul, l bet that Lilja is a 9 twist and you used a 25 or 20 Vmax. Do tell us about your loading please.
It seems to me Ackley and Todd Kindler both thought very highly of the 17Mach1v so im inclined to vote for it as most efficient 17. I do love the 17 Hornets and Bees though.
Back in the day we had lots of 17 caliber bullets to choose from,today not so much. I feel obliged to mention how well the 20vmax shoots in my 17 Ackley Bee and think I need to lay into quite a few thousand more while they are still easy to get. I always wished Hornady would make a 30 vmax for bigger 17s,but judging by your picture it may not be needed.
Matt
It seems to me Ackley and Todd Kindler both thought very highly of the 17Mach1v so im inclined to vote for it as most efficient 17. I do love the 17 Hornets and Bees though.
Back in the day we had lots of 17 caliber bullets to choose from,today not so much. I feel obliged to mention how well the 20vmax shoots in my 17 Ackley Bee and think I need to lay into quite a few thousand more while they are still easy to get. I always wished Hornady would make a 30 vmax for bigger 17s,but judging by your picture it may not be needed.
Matt
Matt - Yes, the Lilja barrel is a 9 twist and the two rock chucks pictured fell victim to a 20 grain V-Max. However, I've not yet taken the leap and delved into reloading this caliber nor any of my other centerfire rounds. Therefore, I'm relegated to using factory loads and having to be satisfied with the results. Yes, I understand and accept this does leave me well short of realizing the full potential of this and other rounds. Perhaps I will finally see the light and take that step at some point, but as I've mentioned to others who have also provided encouragement, for me it's not so much an issue of the cost but being able to strike a balance between taking on another hobby and the time and effort to master the process.
17VLD
Active member
Wow Paul with results like that I can not fault your decision one bit. As a young man wanting to shoot my Grandfather's WW2 1911 and thinking factory ammo was too expensive I got a Rockchucker press and some Sierra 185s and proceeded down a very deep rabbit hole. For myself I find the time at the reloading bench is a very relaxing endeavor and a big part of the fun found in shooting. Sometimes it can become a bit tedious and I find myself gravitating towards the rimfires for a break. I am sure when and if you choose to tackle the reloading aspect you will find it fun and very rewarding.
Matt
Matt
Bullseye69
Active member
I had to start reloading when I couldn't find factory 7-30 Waters ammo anymore. That's what lead me done that rabbit hole.
