Author Topic: 17 HMR 21 tapered barrel. Keep it? (Read 598 times)

Tacoma · « **on:** April 19, 2005, 04:30:34 AM »

I just got a new unfired 17 HMR factory barrel,( 21" tapered with sights) that I'm not sure what to do with. I guess I really wanted a 23" bull barrel but couldn't pass up the deal I got on this one. Now , i'm wondering if I should sell this one off (unfired) and buy the bull. Does anybody know if there will be a significant difference in accuracy between the tapered/bull barrel in this cal?
Does anybody have a 21" tapered barrel in this cal that can comment on accuracy?

skb2706 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 19, 2005, 09:07:21 AM »

If it were me I would take it out a "bust off" a few with it. You aren't going to change the value significantly and who knows maybe its a shooter. I prefer full bull barrels on my Contenders as I think it makes a better balanced gun ...but thats just me.

DropTheHammer · « **Reply #2 on:** April 21, 2005, 06:51:34 AM »

Whether you shoot a few out of it or not, you can sell it for close to retail on ebay.

coopershooter · « **Reply #3 on:** May 04, 2005, 01:24:12 PM »

i bought a 23in bull barrel. the .17 caliber hole is so small, the barrel is heavy. i wonder if the tapered one would balance better? iv,e done enough shooting with the heavy one to say it,s a little too heavy(at 23inches). a shorter bull would make sence.
i would shoot the tapered barrel and if it,s accurate enough for you, keep it.
good luck. coopershooter

pharmuse · « **Reply #4 on:** May 04, 2005, 03:58:41 PM »

I just recieved a 16" bull foxridge barrel for my contender. Shot it today for the first time. I have a cheap 3x9 tasco and the gun was easily shooting 3/4 groups at 100. I had one group of 3 just over 1/2 with most falling in between. I'd never shot the 17's and was amazed how accurate it was. Most of my contenders with handloads don't shoot this well. Buy a box at wally mart for $9 and have a great day shooting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

JoeRobbins · « **Reply #5 on:** May 06, 2005, 01:37:01 PM »

I have a 21" Factory 17 HMR barrel and find it to be very nice. I've used it a couple of years up in S Dakota on prairie dog hunts and if you like Contenders, you'll probably like this one.

It shoots MOA or better with Hornady VMax, about 1 1/2 with CCI HPs and about 2"-2 1/2" with the 20 grainers.

Good enuf for me and the gals I hang around with... :grin:

Joe