17/223 loads needed

[bobtails]

I am having a 17/223 built on a big horn action with a Lilja 9 twist barrel. At 24” what can I expect to see for speeds with 30 grain bullets?? I am hoping to get 3800-3900 fps am I being realistic ??

[Bill K]

Originally Posted by bobtails

I am having a 17/223 built on a big horn action with a Lilja 9 twist barrel. At 24” what can I expect to see for speeds with 30 grain bullets?? I am hoping to get 3800-3900 fps am I being realistic ??

Only yourchrony and your rifle will tell you that.

[JDHasty]

Originally Posted by bobtails

I am having a 17/223 built on a big horn action with a Lilja 9 twist barrel. At 24” what can I expect to see for speeds with 30 grain bullets?? I am hoping to get 3800-3900 fps am I being realistic ??

Just one guy’s opinion based on my limited amount of data, but it appears to me you have realistic expectations. I have an 17 Rem Ultra Wildcat w/20 inch barrel that gets 4,150 w/25 grain bullets. Friends are seeing what you hope to get from 24 inch barrels using 30 grain bullets w/the larger case 17s.

But expected velocity sometimes doesn’t materialize. I have a 22-250 that is an excellent example.

[rbreyley]

I don't have any information that is new for 30 grain stuff but I have an old Hornady or Hodgdon manual that has 17/223 reloading data if you need it. Mostly all old powders but hey, it's factory data.

[coyotezapper]

CFE223 and varget work very well in my 17 tac with 30 golds.

[moorepower]

The Hodgdon site list .17-.223 but only 25hp load data. They are getting from 3920's to 3980's with them.

[Esoteric Junkie]

30gr pills and Varget will be your friend. Expect 3750fps with good case life. This combination works great in the 17 Rem and will work equally as good in the 17/223. I would start at 21grs and work up till you hit pressure then back off accordingly. I have shot a lot of 30gr bullets at distance (500-800 yards) and at 3750fps there is no issues with bulllet blow up in a 9 twist barrel.

EJ