New 17FB.

[kenbro]

Got my 17 FB with 8 twist barrel couple weeks ago.

One shot to get on paper, then 10 shots with factory 20 gr ammo at 100 yds produced a 1" group. Cleaned barrel for first time after these 10 shots. Then fired more shots using 25 gr bergers and IMI8208XBR.
18 grs = 1/2" group, 18.2gr = 7/8", 18.4gr = 1/4", 18.5 = 1 11/16" and 18.7 = 9/16".
Since then I have increased the powder load and 19.2 grs (hodgdons max) gave a 1/4" group @100yds.

Fired some over the chrono this morning for these results from a 21" Pac-Nor sssm barrel: 20gr factory ammo, 3 shots, 3745/3693/3613.
25gr Bergers with 19.2 grs xbr, 3642/3633/3623 and 3613. 4 shots.
19.3 gave 3703 and 3663. 2 shots.
one at 19.4 gave 3724.
one at 19.5 gave 3724. No pressure signs.

Does anybody think I could get a few more fps if I buy some H4198 or R7?
Thanks,Ken.

[jwcrabb]

Alot of guys, including me, use Benchmark. I get 3750 with a 25g VMAX so that may buy you some speed.

[Coyotejunki]

I use Benchmark and H322 with 25gr bullets. I think I am around 3700 too.

[kenbro]

Thanks for those replies. My barrel is 21", what length are your barrels? Also, I suppose the 8 twist might have some bearing on what speed I can get?
Ken.

[noveske crusader]

I loaded some new discontinued Berger 25 grn. Match Target bullets last week for the first time for my .17 Furball. Rem VTR.

I was surprised to chrony only 3463 f.p.s. with 18.0 grns. of H322, rem 7.5 @ 1.800" col

I shot my first red fox at almost 200 yds., shot him drt. sitting, facing me in the chest and I was also surprised to see a pass through.....bullet left skid mark beyond the downed fox.I guess the velocity at that range was not enough to open up the bullet to stay inside the fox.

Regardless there was very little fur damage.

[william t. oviatt]

Ken,
You might boost that a little. But, that is pretty good for that load and 21 inch barrel and an 8 twist!
I bet you will be very impressed with the explosive target performance with that recipe! You may give a little on fps with the 8 twist, but I found it pays you back in terminal performance...Would like to hear your experience on this issue!!??
Bill

[darrel]

You can NOT miss them fast enough to kill them and speed doesn't necessarily tighten up groups; usually does the opposite. Too fast
though can "loosen up" a gun real fast once you hit max and go too
far! Then you don't have anything left; maybe even a few less fingers!!

[Alycidon]

Having been introduced to the concept of downloading by the smith who built my 20BR I would be looking for best accuracy at around 3400-3500.

Downloading makes a very sweet shooting rifle.

A

[Dean2]

I find the 8208 real good on 30 grain bullets but Benchmark is as accurate and far faster than I could get out of the 25 grain bullets. I think 8208 is just too slow, even with my 26" barrel. With Benchmark I can get the 25 Vmax over 3900 fps and still group in the 2s. I think you will find this useful.

http://www.saubier.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14551

[Jim D]

Don't overlook. Ramshots Xterminator ! For sure !

Jim