17HM2 Sportster Range Test

[unclemike]

RANGE TEST   
   Today I went to the range with 4 types of 17HM2 ammo to test for accuracy. The CCI black tips won.


The Four Loads Tested
   5 = Eley blue tips
   6 = 17 Aguila
   7 = CCI black tips
   8 = Hornady red tips


EQUIPMENT
   The weapon used was a NEF Sportster single shot rifle, modified. I introduced this rifle on this forum back in January, here [http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,249683.0.html].
   The scope is a Mueller Target model 8.5-25x44mm. Mil-dot reticle. Big bruiser, but convenient for range testing. I set it for 22x for this test, the highest setting without blurring.
   I sat at a bench rest and used a removable bipod to steady the rifle. The targets were 3" x 5" index cards with 1" Shot-n-See stick on dots. The distance was 100 yards. The conditions were alternating sun and clouds with gusting winds.


PROCEDURE
   Prior to testing, I fired 10 practice shots with Eley ammo to rough zero the scope. Then I fired 10 shots of Hornady ammo to fine zero the scope. I made no adjustments to the scope after testing began.
   For testing, I fired 5 shots with one type of ammo at one index card. Then I ran a dry patch through the barrel, took notes, and took a little breather before moving to the next test. I repeated this a total of 8 times.
   I threw out the first 4 tests due to lots of misses, presumably because of the gusty winds. (Couldn't possibly be because of my poor shooting technique, now could it?)
   The winds calmed a bit for the second 4 tests. Only one miss. CCI gave the best results.


RESULTS
   This testing (and previous experiences) has convinced me that even a little wind is bad for the 17HM2 round. I'm also convinced that the CCI black tips are my rifle's preferred ammo.
   I hope to order in some more CCI soon and return to the range for further testing.


RANDOM NOTES
   I realize that technically the 17 Aguila is not a 17HM2 round, but rifles chambered for the latter can shoot the former. In my testing, the Aguila shot about 1.5 inches low compared to the CCI.
   Curiously, both Eley and Hornady shot a little high compared to the CCI. Interestingly, Eley drifted a little right, while Hornady drifted a little left.
   Finally, Eley is generally the cheapest of all the loads I'm aware of, but it is also the dirtiest. Frequent cleaning of gun necessary to maintain accuracy.

[unclemike]

UPDATE
   Went back to the range today for continued testing. Same rifle, same distance, same scope settings. No Aguila ammo this time. No clouds. Wind slightly less than yesterday, but could build to a healthy breeze.
   Repeated procedure as before -- shoot 5 shots, run dry patch through barrel, change ammo.
   Any pattern I thought I was seeing before vanished today. Either my shooting technique is pretty shabby, or 17HM2 ammo is VERY wind sensitive.

[PHATINJUN]

I shoot the Hornady's only. Your 1st scan cci is about what mine does when it get's dirty. I have yet to have to clean a bbl or even run a patch down before 150 rounds and most of the time it will go past 200. So for the most part I only clean after 200. Then it takes about10-20 rounds to come back it to perfect. On windless sessions it will put every round in the dot til dot is gone...many here get that accuracy .It is quite wind sensitive. My personal opinion is forget the cheap stuff it is mostly junk (dirty) powder. I think maybe Eley makes all the brass but I am probly wrong . Try just the CCI Eley and Hornady and work with that. My Mueller gets blurry @20 I shoot on a bag under the hinge and don't even put my arm forward of the hinge just get comfortable under trigger gaurd then work very hard on your breathing...they will tighten up. Kurt

[gcrank1]

Dump the 'removable bipod' and do what Kurt says then wait out the wind, even put some flags out (just light fabric ribbons on a stick will do, one at, say 25yd and the other at 75). Try to make each shot at the same conditions.

[unclemike]

   Thanks to both of your for the advice. I use the bipod because I'm too lazy to carry sand bags and other such "heavy" equipment to the range. Maybe I'll have to change my ways.
   I've just about used up the Eley and will NOT be getting more. Too dirty. At 50 yards I'm getting fantastic groups with the Hornady. Even impressed other shooters on the line. But 100 yards is a bit much, at least with any kind of wind.

[gcrank1]

I have it on good report from a couple of very good shooters here that the wind will mess you up with the 17s, thats why waiting it out will pay you 'group dividends'. BTW, they are pretty thrilled with them anyway.

[gendoc]

yep, i like mine very much with eley's
i jus listed a different  one in tha WTT adds