Author Topic: What 17 cal Centerfire  (Read 1613 times)

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Offline dubllung4

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What 17 cal Centerfire
« on: February 25, 2014, 09:49:05 AM »
It looks as though the rechamber that was done to my 17HMR barrel has been cut poorly causing the bullet to keyhole.  It seems like the only option at this point is to rechamber the barrel to a 17 cal centerfire cartridge and put it on a SB2 frame.  I looked through the FAQ's and did not see much on 17 cal centerfires.  What cartridge would you recommend?  I don't have a good use for a .17 centerfire but it would likely be used on coyotes, groundhogs, and other small varmints.  I will reload for whatever cartridge I end up with, so brass needs to be readily available.
Thanks

Offline tacklebury

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Re: What 17 cal Centerfire
« Reply #1 on: February 25, 2014, 09:56:05 AM »
I'd think .17 Hornet would be a good one.  Hornady is producing ammo and has plenty of components for that one.  Plus you can neck down .22 hornet cases also.  ;)
Tacklebury --}>>>>>    Multi-Barrel: .223 Superlite, 7mm-08 22", .30-40 Krag M158, .357 Maximum 16-1/4 HB, .45 Colt, .45-70 22" irons, 32" .45-70 Peeps, 12 Ga. 3-1/2 w/ Chokes, .410 Smooth slugger, .45 Cal Muzzy, .50 Cal Muzzy, .58 Cal Muzzy

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Offline Spanky

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Re: What 17 cal Centerfire
« Reply #2 on: February 25, 2014, 10:17:39 AM »
What happened with the rechamber?
I'm with Tack on the .17 Hornet. Sounds like a hot little number and pieces and parts are easy to find.



Spanky

Offline snapcrackpop

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Re: What 17 cal Centerfire
« Reply #3 on: February 25, 2014, 11:01:55 AM »
Unless you take extra steps of precaution, the ejector notch can easily cause the rechamber to get off centered.  :-(

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Offline snapcrackpop

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Re: What 17 cal Centerfire
« Reply #4 on: February 25, 2014, 11:06:42 AM »
What does it cost to mail a barrel out to rechamber and who?

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Offline dubllung4

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Re: What 17 cal Centerfire
« Reply #5 on: February 25, 2014, 11:43:31 AM »
Spanky I am really not sure what went wrong, I will have to talk to the gunsmith who did the rechamber.  He has been a smith for 35 years, has done thousands of chambers including full custom builds for bench rest shooters.  He has done stuff in the past for me and I have always been thrilled with the quality. For some reason 25 grain bullets are key holing at 50 yards, and it appears that it is because of a poorly cut chamber.  A spent case rotated in the chamber will not allow the gun to close, so there are definitely issues.


I really am liking the looks of the load data on the 17 Hornet, I may need to go that route.

Offline YRUpunting?

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Re: What 17 cal Centerfire
« Reply #6 on: February 25, 2014, 11:54:15 AM »


Just my opinion.  But you shot ONE kind of ammo and assumed the rifle won't shoot.  You've assumed the rifle won't shoot, you have not proven it.

Offline quickdtoo

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Re: What 17 cal Centerfire
« Reply #7 on: February 25, 2014, 12:50:43 PM »
If the smith die the 17WSM by hand, it's just about guaranteed to be out of round, it needs to be done on lathe. Wayne York does rechambers, he's done 17 Hornady Hornets for members here, has done many rechambers for me and others.

Tim

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Offline dubllung4

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Re: What 17 cal Centerfire
« Reply #8 on: February 25, 2014, 01:08:59 PM »
It was done on a lathe with a high quality 4 jaw, centered on the bore.  It is clear something went wrong though with the cases not chambering after being rotated.


I will try to find the 20 grain ammo before I do anything with it but I am fairly sure it is not an ammo problem.  I am not just getting bad groups, the 25 grain bullets will not stabilize and are therefore key holing.  Every other 17 WSM has the 1 in 9" twist so the ammo should not be the problem.


Offline dorothy daily

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Re: What 17 cal Centerfire
« Reply #9 on: February 25, 2014, 01:53:07 PM »
17 mach 4 or 17 fireball is also an option.

Offline snapcrackpop

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Re: What 17 cal Centerfire
« Reply #10 on: February 26, 2014, 01:27:39 AM »
Question : Did you shot the HMR before the conversion, and how did it perform?

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Offline gcrank1

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Re: What 17 cal Centerfire
« Reply #11 on: February 26, 2014, 04:57:31 AM »
Im finding it hard to believe that a chamber off center by a bit is causing complete keyholes. I agree that you want to kick a bullet downbore as straight as possible, but once a jacketed bullet is out of the case, down and out of that rifled tube it isnt likely the chamber that is going to be making them go sideways.
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Offline Badnews Bob

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Re: What 17 cal Centerfire
« Reply #12 on: February 26, 2014, 07:08:17 AM »
I personally am not a fan of sub calibers. .223 is as small as I go, But if I were to do one I think it would be something like a .17 K Hornet.

If want more than that I'll step up to a .22 K Hornet or .222 or .223.

Yep Hornet would be my choice.
Badnews Bob
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Offline jeepmann1948

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Re: What 17 cal Centerfire
« Reply #13 on: February 26, 2014, 11:24:44 AM »
I think the 17 Hornet would be the best choice IF it will clean up the chamber of the 17wsm.The large choices would be better suited for a barrel of better steel than a Handi rimfire (it is relatively soft 1021), meaning barrel life would be shorter due to flame cutting of the throat.
Just my opinion
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  it's where you hit em "

Offline don29

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Re: What 17 cal Centerfire
« Reply #14 on: February 28, 2014, 06:28:01 AM »
Im finding it hard to believe that a chamber off center by a bit is causing complete keyholes. I agree that you want to kick a bullet downbore as straight as possible, but once a jacketed bullet is out of the case, down and out of that rifled tube it isnt likely the chamber that is going to be making them go sideways.
My 2c

if the bullet enters the rifiling 'crooked' won't it exit the tube in a 'wobbling' manner? like a poorly thrown football? the nose and tail will NOT be flying on a perfect lateral plane?

Offline gcrank1

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Re: What 17 cal Centerfire
« Reply #15 on: February 28, 2014, 07:02:30 AM »
Ever see that wobbly football go absolutely sideways at reasonable close range, if at all?
The only times Ive had keyholes at 50yds has been with undersize bullets for a bore that were basically getting spit out without spinning. I know I havent 'seen it all', but I have seen a lot, and thats why I say it is hard for ME to believe a chamber off by a bit is causing this. It would have to be grossly off, so much I think that you could perhaps see it. Running a chamber cast would be worth while, and you can use canning wax if you dont have Cerrosafe. Seeing the chamber in '3-D' is helpful.
"Halt while I adjust my accoutrements!"
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We are only temporary caretakers of the past heading toward an uncertain future
22Mag UV / 22LR  Sportster
357Mag Schuetzen Special
45-70  SS Ultra Hunter with UV cin.lam. wood
12ga. 'Ol' Ugly OverKill', Buck barrel c/w  SpeedStock  and swap 28" x Full bird barrel, 1974