My 17 TCM AI Story

Waskawood · #1 05-12-2016, 05:12 PM

This project has been a long time in coming together and it still isn't complete. I started out building a 17 VHA using a Pierce single shot action, a benchrest stock, and a 1.250" straight barrel. To make a long story short, I couldn't get it to shoot as well as I thought it should. About this time 22 TCM brass became available at a reasonable price. I always liked the 17 Shrew so I decided to re-chamber my barrel to some sort of 17 based on this brass. After considerable planning with fellow forum member Bowfisher we decided on a 17 TCM with a 40 degree shoulder. JGS ground a reamer to our specs and we named it 17 Vortac. When my gunsmith re-chambered the barrel he discovered that there was a tight spot in the barrel. I tried everything under the sun to get it to shoot, finally giving up and ordered a barrel from a different manufacturer. When I removed the action to send it to Hilltop Gunsmithing I noticed the front action screw was binding in the pillar. I got the barreled action back last week and drilled out the front pillar to relieve the stress. I am now developing a load and have had much better results. I have reached velocities of 3600 fps using Accurate 1680, WW296, and 300MP. Now to see what kind of speed I can get safely and accurately. I attached a couple targets of my better groups and a critter who stopped by to take a peek.

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17 Vortac (old picture not fire formed) 17 Boomer 17 Shrew

SShooterZ · #2 05-12-2016, 06:12 PM

Glad to see it finally come together for you Waska. I know you had some challenges with it. That sure made some nasty critter mess. What bullets are you shooting through it?