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Offline dubllung4

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17 WSM Problems
« on: February 23, 2014, 09:32:09 AM »
I posted here awhile back when I did the rechamber and initially I was very happy with the turnout.  Every test round fired and ejected great, but when I actually shot the gun for accuracy I ran into a major problem.  I am shooting the 25 grain ammo because that is all that I can find around here and every round tumbles or "keyholes" badly at 50 yards.  This was an original 17 HMR with no other work done.  Has anyone had similar issues?


On a side note I have a full box of 25 grain bullets and would love to find someone willing to trade or point me in the right direction to find some 20 grainers to see if that would fix my problem. 


Thanks
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Offline snapcrackpop

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Re: 17 WSM Problems
« Reply #1 on: February 24, 2014, 10:34:45 AM »
Can you rotate the spent cartridge 90 degrees and reinsert it into the chamber?

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Offline dubllung4

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Re: 17 WSM Problems
« Reply #2 on: February 24, 2014, 10:50:47 AM »
The gun would not close with a spent case rotated 90 or 180 degrees.  Does that mean it was reamed off center?
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Offline YRUpunting?

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Re: 17 WSM Problems
« Reply #3 on: February 24, 2014, 11:01:33 AM »


I don't recall ever seeing 25 grain 17HMR ammo for sale.  I'd guess the keyhole is because the bullet is too long.
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Offline dubllung4

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Re: 17 WSM Problems
« Reply #4 on: February 24, 2014, 11:26:47 AM »
This is a 17 WSM not a 17 HMR.  I am going to have to talk to the gunsmith who did the rechamber, I think snapcrackpop is on to something.  1 in 9" twist is used on a lot of .17 call centerfires that have no trouble stabilizing a 25 grain bullet.  I think there may be more than bullet weight causing the bullet to tumble, but I am interested to hear what snapcrackpop has to say.


Thanks
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Offline NONAGONAGIN

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Re: 17 WSM Problems
« Reply #5 on: February 24, 2014, 12:30:15 PM »
Your barrel is a 1-9 twist...see the FAQS page...it won't stabilize the longer 25 gr bullet.  You will have to shoot the 20 grainers if you want to hit anything.  An oblong chamber will make your rifle shoot lousy groups NOT cause a bullet to go in sideways...that is a stability problem.

I rechambered a 17 HMR NEF barrel to 17 FB then put it on a center fire frame...it shoots the 20gr Hornady V-Max's into tiny groups at ~3500 fs...don't know how long the barrel will last as it is series 1100 steel...not the best for hi-velo cartridges.
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Offline snapcrackpop

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Re: 17 WSM Problems
« Reply #6 on: February 25, 2014, 06:01:08 AM »
Savage BMag and Winchester 1885 both have the same 1:9 twist rate.  The bullet weight is not the issue.

A poor chamber cut could certainly cause keyholing.

Mine is also poorly cut.  Only option it to have it rechambered to a 17 Hornet or larger.
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Handi VP 22/410, 410, 20, 17M2, .223, 357MAX, 50cal ML SS w/MU plug

Offline dubllung4

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Re: 17 WSM Problems
« Reply #7 on: February 25, 2014, 09:41:04 AM »
I did not expect the bullet weight to be the issue.  Is your gun keyholing as well? 



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Offline snapcrackpop

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Re: 17 WSM Problems
« Reply #8 on: February 25, 2014, 10:28:47 AM »
Nope.  But I'm only getting 1.5 to 2" groups at 100.  
Here is my 50 yrd

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Handi VP 22/410, 410, 20, 17M2, .223, 357MAX, 50cal ML SS w/MU plug

Offline dubllung4

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Re: 17 WSM Problems
« Reply #9 on: February 25, 2014, 11:32:46 AM »
I would be happy if mine grouped that well.  I will have to talk to the smith that did the work and see what he has to say.  I may rechamber to a centerfire or I may just get rid of the barrel with a full disclosure.  Thanks for the input snap!
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Offline Fred243

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Re: 17 WSM Problems
« Reply #10 on: February 26, 2014, 05:45:06 AM »
The 17 Remington is another option, it's a .223 Remington necked down and uses a 1:9 twist also. 25gr pills will do a little over 4000 fps. Below is a link to some 17 WSM 20gr ammo, they have quite a bit but this one is for 100/$69.00  rounds which is the least number of rounds I saw. All the other options are for 200 rounds and up. I don't know what this means but on Midways site it says the 17 WSM Winchester Super X 25gr load is discontinued and the other two loads won't let you back order them and the date due to be in stock says unknown. Seems a bit odd that something so new has ammo already discontinued and the other two loads can't be back ordered.



http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=395942739
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