Midrange 17 M4 loads?

[Dan C]

Anybody have any favorite 'somewhat reduced' loads? I am looking to run a 20 or 25 Vmax in the 3400 fps range give or take. I have never done this type of Mach IV load, but may start with N-120 as I have a bunch of it and see how it runs at somewhat reduced pressure. These will be used for Montana gophers and I'm looking for low barrel heating and as low recoil as possible for midrange use.

[Bryce]

Hi Dan,

I used a similar load in a 17 Rem for bunnies around farm buildings, try and keep the boom to a dull roar !

Anyway ........ around 10 - 12 grains of what you guys call (Australian made) H4227 did a nice job and shot well with a velocity around the 3000fps range. I'd say around 10 grains in the Mach IV would be about the speed range you want.

Given 11 - 12.X grains N120 is the range for 20 and 25 grain bullets in the 17AH logically the same in a Mach IV would get what you want. That said, I have read that N120 is a very limited application powder, fast burn rate and needs high pressure to work well. It may not be as versatile for moderate loads as H4227 may be.

Not a lot of help.

Bryce

[WrzWaldo]

Hey Dan,

There is some H4227 load data in this thread --> http://www.saubier.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1191

I have some 25 V-Max's loaded with 11 grains of it for my 17 Fireball and hope to shoot/chrono them this weekend. I also use H4227 in my 221 Fireball.

[ray h]

Dan, due to a rummor I heard last year, would you mind telling me which week you plan on going so we can avoid all the rain and snow??

[Dan C]

You're a funny guy Ray. I have my fingers crossed! Bryce, I had read something like you mentioned about 120 working best at full pressure. I am looking at a little more velocity than I meant in the original post. 37-3800 with 20's or 34-3500 with 25's. 17 AH speeds basically. I am going to give it a whirl anyway, but I have a partial jug of H-4227 as well to play with.....thanks for the help guys.

[JoeZ]

In the Lee manual Lee lists 2 loads for the 17Rem using 4350 and 4831. Chamber pressure and Velo were about what you were looking for with close to 100% capacity. Might look at going the other way and going with a slower powder. Please post what you come up with, be nice for fireforming and keeping the heat down.

25.0 of IMR4831 3330 with a chamber pressure of 33,500

24.5 gr of IMR4350 3470 with a chamber pressure of 39,000

Both Loads listed with a 25gr bullet and are compressed.

[Johnly]

16.0 grains of H4227 and a 20 gr. V-max delivers 3500 fps and 17.0 grains delivers 3700 fps. I'm getting excellent accuracy and the smaller powder charges help to keep the barrel temperature down to reasonable levels.

I think your 17MK4 load goal is spot on.

John