17 Rem. Fireball vs 20VarTarg

[choper101st]

While looking for a 17 FB rifle to convert to 20VT got hit with a bunch of people wanting to know why I would do that. So what are the differences in both rounds? I am not crazy about not finding ammo available for 17FB as well as brass---so it looks like I would be resizing 221 brass either way. When I checked on rifles for sale in 17FB very pricey. So help!
Wayne

[philip]

I`m no help, i have one of each.......

[chigger]

Have one of each also... both are great rounds.
I'm thinking if your already working the brass to make 17 fireball / machIV then keep the barrel of what you have. Pro's of the vartarg... I'm not sure yet, I've only had mine a year and don't have a solid answer to if it's better or not.

Looking forward to what others say on here for this.

[Hotshot]

Happy to give a report on my findings with both cartridges. I had 5 17FB's and 4 20VT's. I still have a 20VT and I love it.
1) My 2 factory and 3 custom 17FB's were very picky to load for.
The 20VT's have all been very accurate with variety of loads.
2) I shoot prairie dogs. The 32gr VT loads hit with authority well past 200yds
The 20gr FB loads were flat shooting and easy to make hits beyond 200,
but the energy is very disappointing.
3) Least important but something I consider is that I use 204R to 600 and
20BR out to 800yds. All my loads for the 3 cartridges are 32V-Max or
39B-King bullets and I use the same RCBS Comp bullet seater for all 3.

One experienced opinion worth every cent you paid for it!

Regards, Mark

[Joe McNeill]

If you want to shoot both why not make your gun a switch barrel gun? I have been looking for a 17 FB but refuse to pay the $900+ that many think they're worth these days. Since Remington is going back into production of the Model 7 this year in 17 FB, I'll wait until they are available.
Regards,

Joe McNeill
SW Arkansas

[sandforc]

I have one of each, too. My 17FB shoots great and I can see the hits in the scope but it has a certain "crack" to it (not a kick) that feels like someone is thumping me in the head with a rubber mallet each time I pull the trigger. It wears me out pretty fast. I plan to try another bullet and powder this spring to "tune it out" so to speak. Does anyone else feel this? My 20VT doesn't do this.

[choper101st]

Well it is like this----I doubt with my eye site and age I will hit anything out past 200 yards (if that). I already own and reload for .204 but I hate the recoil and muzzle blast, but accurate as all get out. I wanted a round that would complement the 204 with less recoil (where as I can see my hits).
I have decided for the same amount of effort either way to reload I am going with the 20VT I have found a Rem 700 SPS Varmint .204 as new (50 rd's through it) I can pick up for about $565.00 and have gunsmith re-chamber.
Wayne

[Jim D]

So far we're just gathering opinions,
It really depends on what you're going to do with it.

The 17fb is flatter shootin, the 20vt has more energy when you get out there.
I bought the 17fb for fox, but a 20vt will work just as good.

17fb brass and rifle, are commercially made, if you can find them! You'll have to make the 20vt brass and rifle.
The 20vt brass is slightly easier to form than the 17fb.

Resale of the 17fb is higher, because it's better known.

I believe you won't go wrong with either one.

I like both better than the 221fb.

Jim

[sicero]

Load that 204 with 18 or 19 gr of H4895. Problem solved. Kenny

[L461]

I have both
Really enjoy shooting them and if pressed I am not sure which I would prefer
Thank god a bloke can have more than one firearm.