17 HMR FMJ shot like shit today

[JelloStorm]

So shooting at 50 yards today with my 93r17, it would place 17gr Vmax about .25-.3 moa three shot groups no problem.

Trying the CCI 20gr FMJ resulting in about 2" high, Every shoot, it seemed, was 1" from the previous one. After about 10 shots, at 50 yards mind you, my groupings were a shitass 2".

Meanwhile switching back to Hornady 17gr VMAX resulting in same, sub half-MOA groups.

I just don't understand how a rifle can be so picky as to the ammo type. I really want to start using FMJ's because the VMAX just devastate squirrels too much during small game season but it looks like I'm fucked.

Gun is early model 93r17 with non-bull barrel, but has accutrigger.

I'm getting a new FV model with a bull barrel in a few days so hopefully this comes through, as simply "take headshots" does not always fly here in PA where you get maybe a full second to take aim and fire on grey squirrels.

 

[mrbooks10]

Re: 17 HMR FMJ shot like shit today

My marlin xt-17 is the same way, it will shoot sub moa easy with hornady 20gr xtp but will shoot horrible with hornady vmax and then about 30 times worse with the winchester 17 gr vmax. Never tried the fmj because i couldnt ever find any. I guess im going to start to have to look out for some.
One question, did your gun ever shoot fmj well? if it was some drastic change then thats one thing, but if it never shot it well, your going to have to deal with it.

 

[bobtodrick]

Re: 17 HMR FMJ shot like shit today

Read what is written here and on forums like Rimfire Central. It's the nature of the beast with rimfires.
I have a 93FVSS (.22WMR).
I've tested 6 ammo types. At 100yds the best has been .75"...the worst 3-4".
Use what works.

 

[huntinherrington]

Re: 17 HMR FMJ shot like shit today

My marlin 17HMR with SS bull barrel loves CCI 20 gr FMJ. I was also rippin up squirrels so I swapped to them. My cousin has a savage and it doesn't like the FMJ.

 

[chemist1]

Re: 17 HMR FMJ shot like shit today

My marlin loves anything with a 17 gr pill (sub moa at 100). I am lucky to hold 2 moa with 20 gr bullets at the same distance.

 

[SmallBoreSnipers]

Re: 17 HMR FMJ shot like shit today

My Marlin likes the CCI TNT HP's. Haven't found anything yet that it likes better. 17's are very picky.

 

[Gray]

Re: 17 HMR FMJ shot like shit today

Most 17 chambers are cut for a 17 grain sharp ballistic tip similar to a Berger VLD type bullet going around 2550 fps, when you put a larger 20 gr bullets shaped more like a Sierra Matchking, they don't seem to like it. At least everyone I've tried them in.

 

[JelloStorm]

Re: 17 HMR FMJ shot like shit today

Well, I'm going to take a second crack at it this weekend.

I gave the bore a complete cleaning to see if maybe it was fouled up enough to affect the 20gr FMJ.

I would think the lighter, 17gr VMAX would be MORE adversely affected by changing barrel conditions.

The Savage has a 1/9 twist, and maybe one of the barrel gurus on here can elaborate if this twist rate isn't fast enough to stabilize a 20gr bullet. A 3gr increase is still almost a 18% increase in mass.

Maybe cleaning the bore will get me some higher FPS and help stabilize it, but we'll see this weekend. I'll post 17gr VMAX and 20gr FMJ comparisons hopefully this Sunday.

JS

 

[redbullitt]

Re: 17 HMR FMJ shot like shit today

My savage actually really liked the 20g fmjs. FWIW I dont think I ever cleaned it really more than once (curious if it would shoot better). Might have gotten a patch or two for oil before storage, but thats it.

Usually ran about 1.5 moa @ 100 with most 17g BTs, but under moa (sometimes better) pretty consistently with the 20g CCI FMJ. It liked the hollow point TNT ones too, but man they put a hurtin on squirrels. Loved them for varmints though lol.

I think I shot just about everything though; definitely picky rifle.

What is your cleaning regimen? Mine sucked, hard for at least 40 rounds after I cleaned it well. Once it settled down it was good to go, so maybe something to keep in mind.

 

[1slow01z71]

Re: 17 HMR FMJ shot like shit today

My X17 loves Hornady 17gr Vmax, anything else its all over the paper.