17 Remington chamber overall length

[rbreyley]

I have a Remington model 700 chambered in 17 Remington with a PacNor barrel. Using a Hornady cartridge overall length gauge I get a consistent reading of 2.235" using a Hornady 25 grain hollow point. This means the bullet barely seats in the case mouth. I'm guessing the throat may have erosion issues. That said, my CZ527 in 17 Remington comes in close at 2.223" with the same bullet. It is at about 100 rounds of factory ammunition. Are these measurements within the norm for this caliber firearm? I'm new to reloading but not reading micrometers and calipers. I looked at the SAAMI specs for the cartridge but I'm not technical enough to figure it all out from the diagram. Thanks for your information. OH boy, can someone please move this to the proper thread, I placed it in the wrong spot.

[TinMan]

My 17 Remington is a L461 with a 1:10 twist Shilen barrel. With Hornady 25gr HP, my COL is 2.140-2.145", and with Hornady 25gr VMAX, COL is 2.160-2.165". That is measuring COL from head to bullet tip with a dial caliper, not a comparator. There is no way I can touch the lands with either bullet. It still shoots fine, around 1/2 to 5/8" for 5 shots at 100yds. I would just seat the bullets at one bullet diameter and see how it shoots and go from there. Good luck.

[rbreyley]

TinMan.
Thanks for your response. I guess it's not an unreasonable measurement then. I'll just load some up at the book COAL, maybe 005" more and go shooting and see how it does.

[jepp22]

Using the Berger 25 gr HP's in my Cooper 2.238" is touch for case head to bullet tip.

[coyotespotter]

Because you have a replacement barrel, the standard modified case from Hornady may not fit the chamber correctly. When you insert the tool the case may not be case shoulder to chamber shoulder. This will result in a measurement longer than the actual bolt face to lands you are seeking. Brass actually fire formed in the rifle and then modified will give a better measurement. I have a 17 rem with SAAMI spec reamer. With 29 gr WCD bullets I'm seating hunting loads at 2.203 coal. Not sure if the fire at Pac nor will be a CS problem, but if they chambered the barrel, ask for reamer print information.

[rbreyley]

Thanks to all for taking the time to respond. It sounds like it's not terribly off. That means you all put my worries to rest. I will simply load it to the Hornady COAL of 2.150" and shoot it and see how it does. Maybe I can go a little above that too.

[coyotespotter]

Don't trim your brass to minimum lengths, that will help with neck tension and bearing surface contact.

[rbreyley]

Coyotespotter, thanks for that tip. Will do