17 Fireball and PA groundhogs!!

[davemuzz]

I put together my "Sabage" 17 fireball for the wintertime fox hunting....but just to keep the gun in shape ;D I take it out on occasion and whack fat 'ol groundhogs with it. Now, shooting the 25gr. Berger bullets leaves tiny entrance holes and usually no exit holes. The second one I believe I "caught" him a bit on the edge of his side.....which "exposed" his rib cage a bit. BUt the first one is a bit female that was only at 60 yards. Anyone want a groundhog coat??? ::) :P

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a212/davemuzz/784679235_photobucket_43997_.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a212/davemuzz/784679235_photobucket_43664_.jpg

[andy221]

Hi, glad to see another 17 fireball shooter, they sure are fun to shoot aren't they. I cant wait to use mine on the whistle pigs. I'm trying to work up a good load for my 17 fireball and I have been having some trouble getting consistent groups. I was just wondering what load combination is you are using? Also I was wondering do you get a lot of bullet run out because I am getting about .005 even with a redding competition seater die? what kinda groups are you getting too? Thanks.

[davemuzz]

Andy,

I'm using H-335 (And I'll have to get back to you with the charge amount) and a 25gr. Berger Target (not Varmit) bullets. I've been getting 1" groups from a bench at 200 yards when I do "my part". I'll look at my load data and OAL and post it here for ya.

BTW....here's one I hit at about 60 or 70 yards. BANG....and down in a heap!!!

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a212/davemuzz/784679235_photobucket_43664_.jpg

[andy221]

NICE! are you doing 3 or 5 shot groups. thanks a lot for the info

[andy221]

and hopefully i can get mine down to half MOA

[andy221]

also what do you do for case prep? are you outside neck turning and separating the cases by weight?

[davemuzz]

Andy,

Ok....I looked at my loadbook notes and here is what gives my 17 Fireball an average of 3650fps:: 18.2gr. of H-335, 25gr. Berger Target (not Varmit) Bullet, Brass trimmed to 1.40, and total OAL of 1.850.

I don't do any neck turning on the little 17 neck....heck...there's hardly any brass there now!!!! I use Hornady dies, but I honestly think that any quality die set will do ya just fine.

I hope this helps

Dave

[andy221]

thanks

it sure does. I will give it a try