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Just wondering what your experience is with ammo and the 93R 17 HMR - I've tried the Hornady 17gr V-Max and the Federal Premium 17gr V-Max and just wanted some guidance before spending anymore money on "test" ammo. Both of the above I mentioned would only keep a baseball size group at 50 yds...
Two things, first of all, make sure you do a good clean on your barrel. Next double check that your stock has been properly torqued to spec. In my experience, doing these things, and then using 20gr ammo (CCI and hornady) yielded the smallest groups in my savage 17HMR's.
What is recommended inch lb settings on action screws for these?
If wasn't clean and action bolts not torqued right, I still don't believe it should be shooting baseball size groups at 50 yrds. I would check the scope and bases first. Then send it back if that wasn't the problem. I can hit quarters all most all day at 100 yrds with 20 grn XTP. also to add, i adjusted trigger down as low could go and just torqued the screws back down to what I felt was good.
I was still only using the 17 gr V-max but was playing around with the action screw torque and got them shooting pretty good. I found a spot at 10 inch lbs on each that would keep them in a quarter at 50 yds. Going to try the 20 gr stuff next and see if that tightens it up any more. If not I will give savage a call...
Thanks for the help thus far guys!
What 20 gr bullets provide the best expansion?
I do not think you will see much difference between brands in the expansion of the 20 grainers. They are all "harder" than the 17 grainers, and pretty much the same from what I have seen.
My 93R17FV shoots the Federal Premium 17gr V-Max better than anything else. 3 shot groups at 50 yards average 3/8-1/2", with several of 5/16". Have not shot groups at 100 yards since 40-70 yards is where it is used.
I took an allen wrench to the range with me and shot 3 shot groups at different torque settings. If I was to guess I would say I have 12-14 inch pounds on the front screw and 5-6 on the rear screw. I do not bother with a torque wrench, since I want them set for whatever yields best accuracy. Neither are what one would call tight. I think Savage recommends 18 front and 9 rear.
I'm getting dime sized groups at 100 with CCI "Green" 16 grainers but they open up to nickel/quarter sized groups using any of the 17 - 20 gr. stuff. Don't hesitate to try the lighter stuff. It really paid off for me.
Mine shoots the 20 gr Hornady's best consistantly but not by much bottom is the 20 gr if I remember correctly.
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/...3/IMAG0137.jpg
http://i1107.photobucket.com/albums/...1403/17HMR.jpg
15 in lbs is the recommended starting point from what I've been able to find out. We shoot Hornady 17 gr VMax.
My son shot this 1 ragged hole 10 shot group with his at 50 yds, measured just under 1/2". The 4 holes with the marks thru were me getting his scope zeroed.
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/g...ps4f3a9b9e.jpg
This 4 shot group at 50 yds measures 1/4" with the flyer. The 3 together measure 3/16".
http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/g...pscf251bf2.jpg