more questions.... 17 remington vs 17 Mach IV

[steve_77]

I know ive asked this question before - about 17caliber shootin - its come down to the draw and now im just trying to find which 17 would be right 4 me (17 remington vs 17 Mach IV). After talking to several individuals - Ivs been hearing great thing about 17 Mach iv - it seems like thats the way to go - my only concern is the brass forming process. i was hoping some prople here could assure me that making the 17 Mach IV isnt too bad; i just want it to be easy and not spend too much time forming cases...it sounds cool and all but dont even get alot of time to go hunting - so i didnt want to spend too much energy forming cases - but if its easy & stuff (hoping i wont have to fireform) -- i guess ill go with it... otherwise might opt for the 17 REM. But anyhow listed below are a few questions i was hoping a few of you can povide some insight on b4 i make my decision.

1. do i really have to fireform mach IV or is - just using case forming die's and a 17 Mach IV full length die good enough?

2. does Lapua makes 221 fireball brass? (thats like the only brass ive grown to like...) - if not what other companies offer good brass?

3. can i really load the Mach IV for long shots up to about 17 remington velocity and load down so to 17HMR levels so that report is like that of 22mag or less?

4. i was thinking 22" barrel length for my encore - any comments ?

5. how heavy of slug can i shoot 30gn? or opposite - how light should i go? 15gn??? or is that too light?

6. do i have to anneal the cases?

7. shoud stick to moly coated bullets for it - 2 prevent copper fouling.

Hope to hear back from you guys and hear what you think -- thanks in advance - steve

[EVAN III]

Moved to reloading fourm...

[MarinePMI]

Hmmm....

1. No and Yes (Full length die and seater die w/ plug removed will size brass). A form die is a good idea however. Bullberry sells a generic "double ended" form die for about $35. It sizes the neck down to .204, and then lets your full length die do the rest.

2. Don't know.

3. Not quite up to speeds of the .17Rem with 30gr'rs, but pretty close (coyote won't know the diff) and yes, down to .17HMR speeds (caution this subject has been brought up before, Bluedot loads work, but watch for pressure signs and remember to clean as usual).

4. Sounds decent

5. 30gr (with 1-9" twist) opposite end of the spectrum I don't know. I'd imagine you could shoot 15's but they would have to be for up close as the BC is about that of a golf ball.

6. No. .221 brass is too cheap to worry about it.

7. Depends on your personal preference. .17's do foul more, but I believe it's just due to the smaller bore with the same size machining imperfections we see in other bore sizes. This means the barrel has to have a few hundred rounds down the tube for it to settle down (JMHO). As AMMOe keeps telling me I need to make a Foul Out type kit for this thing.

[steve_77]

Evan - sorry for posting in wrong forum.

Marine PMI - so you recommend a 1 in 9 twist for 17, or is that just for the heavier bullets (30gn, 25gn) -- i thought the default twist rate for 17 was 1 in 10? And also what is this "Foul Out type kit" you mentioned?
steve

[MarinePMI]

Steve,

The industry standard twist tends to be 1-10 (since Remington is the only domestic mass producer of a .17 cal centerfire they set the standard). Depending on velocity some 1-10 will stabilize the 30gr'rs, but it's a crap shoot. I only mentioned the 1-9 because you stated a question involving the 30gr bullets. 1-10 will stabilize 25gr rounds with no problem (unless it's one of the recent Lemongton's...errr...Remingtons that have been recalled for some exceptionally rough bores).

The Foul-Out kit is essentially a reverse electro plating system, that removes copper from you barrel via an electrical current till all the copper is gone. 15 mins, and you're done...no copper.

[EVAN III]

Steve, no sweat, I just thought this topic would get more attention here.

[wildbirdhunter]

I have a 22” barrel in 17 rem for my Encore from Bulberry and the chamber and nick are tight making for a lot of fun reloading for it. I have done almost the same amount of work on the cases as you would a 17M4 case.
WBH