Author Topic: Length and rate of twist question...... (Read 1038 times)

Nunk · « **on:** October 12, 2004, 06:26:08 PM »

I am buying a .223 and having it rebarreled to either a 17 Rem, 17 Mach IV, or 221 Fireball. I will be ordering a barrel. I would like the gun to be a great fur gun. In other words, I can shoot fox and coyotes and not have a huge exit wound. I will be using a light bullet, from either 25-42 grains, no bigger. I need some suggestions on the how long the barrel should be, I can get it as long as 27", and what rate of twist to get. The company is offering 1:9 twist only for the 17's and 8, 12, or 14 twists for the 221 Fireball. What are your thoughts on which is the best caliber of the three and do you have a suggestion for length and twist? How about bullet weights? I'll shoot some whistlepigs with it, but it will be my primary fox/yote gun out to 200 yards. Thanks!!

Catfish · « **Reply #1 on:** October 12, 2004, 08:49:53 PM »

The .17 Rem. is the best fur cal. you listed. With a 25 grn. bullet from about any manufacture it will not leave an exit wound. The .17 Rem. is a good 300 yrd. youte gun.

roper · « **Reply #2 on:** October 13, 2004, 03:09:09 AM »

My 17 rem and 17mach4 have 1/10 twist barrels and I've only shot the 25gr bullets think the 1/9 would work better with the heavier bullets. Also got a 221 with a 1/14 twist barrel and that rifle has only had 52 gr bullets used and if I was to do that project over again id go to a 1/15 twist barrel for the lighter bullets think get better velocity and bullet to case capacity. The 17mach4 has a 22' barrel more for a light walk around rifle and the 17rem and 221 have 26" barrel on 40x actions. I'm lucky to have more than one varmit rifle so I don't have to get one rifle to do multi task. In the 22 cal I use BR match bullets for varmit shooting so alot of my barrels are 1/14 twist for those 52 gr bullets and have afew 1/12 twist for the 55/60gr bullets. I always talk to the barrel manufactor about what I want to shoot bullets wise etc and see what he says kind of like when I order a 30 cal barrel from Broughton got to talking to Tim and he sold me on his 5c barrel and that is a great barrel in my 300wsm. Well good luck.

Nunk · « **Reply #3 on:** October 13, 2004, 04:42:09 AM »

Thanks fellas. Keep them coming.

Roper - do you like your Mach II? I am leaning toward the Mach II or the Fireball. I was thinking if I'm going semi-custom I might as well have a semi-custom caliber. Plus, everybody has told me 17, I'm just looking for something a tad different, but will get the 17 if I like it when it's all said and done.

I should have said that I am a lefty and I can't get any of those 3 calibers in a standard gun, hence, buying a .223 and having it rebarreled. I personally think the .223 is too much for fox fur and want to go with one of the three calibers listed. I plan on keeping the bullet gr. weight low to avoid fur damage as well but having quick humane kills is always top priority. I know there is a gun and bullet weight that will do both. Just want to hear some opinions.

Thanks all!

roper · « **Reply #4 on:** October 13, 2004, 09:30:02 AM »

Nunk, I like both 17's I got but don't think I would go over 25 gr bullets for the 17mach4 if anything I'd got lighter just because of the case capacity to me if you wanted to shoot heavier 17 cal bullets I'd go with the 17rem case. I think you would be happier with the 17 rem and I use the 17mach4 mainly for pd shooting now if for coyotes I use the 17rem. You get into the 22cal alot more pelt damage. I'm heading out for about 9 days of elk and deer hunting so if need anything I'll answer back after the 25th. Got to try out that new 300wsm.

Nunk · « **Reply #5 on:** October 13, 2004, 01:26:14 PM »

Thanks Roper. Best of luck!! I have a 300 Winny so let me know how you make out!!

I should have mentioned as well that I don't reload and have no desire to. It will be strictly factory ammo for me. I am hearing good things about the 22 Hornet too. Interesting.

Thanks.

Dand · « **Reply #6 on:** October 13, 2004, 10:47:29 PM »

Don't have personal experience with the hornet but a friend does and I've done a fair bit of reading on it. Its my impression that hornets can be real tricky to get to shoot accurately, and case life can be a problem.

I can't imagine going with a semi wild cat cartridge if you don't reload.

Nunk · « **Reply #7 on:** October 14, 2004, 06:44:37 AM »

Hi dand - I'm not too concerned about getting factory ammo. It's out there. I don't know if this helps or not. Here's what's available...

Remington

17 - 25 gr HP
17 - 20 gr Accutip

22Hornet - 45 gr PSP
22Hornet - 45 gr HP

221 Fireball - 50 gr Accutip Boattail

Cooper Ammunition

17 - 20 gr VMax
17 - 25 gr HP

17 Mach IV - 20 gr VMax
17 Mach IV - 25 gr HP

22Hornet - 37 gr HP
22Hornet - 42 gr HP

221 Fireball - 37 gr HP
221 Fireball - 42 gr HP

So, there are factory loads out there fellas. What's your thoughts? I have a lot of people telling me to reload. I don't reload and have no desire to. Hope this info helps you guys out with an opinion. Thanks so far!!