17 Ackley/K Hornet

H

hornetguy

New member
I'm thinking of getting set up to shoot a .17 caliber, using the Hornet case. It looks like a choice between the Ackley and the "K" version, with the Ack being slightly more available, and probably slightly more powerful?
I'm looking for info from anyone that shoots either of these rounds.. all the good/bad/ugly about them. I've heard that 3500 fps is attainable? Have you ever tried downloading to .17 HMR/Mach 2 levels? How is the muzzle blast, compared to, say, a .22 Hornet, or .22 Magnum?
I'm wanting to get setup to do a semi-stealth cartridge with practically ZERO chance for riccochets off dirt. (other than just bullet fragments, of course.. ) Prarie dogs will be the targets, at ranges out to maybe 200 yards. Most shots should be more like 50-100 yds.
I like the ballistics of the .17 HMR, but don't like the fact that it's not reloadable, and it's a touch pricy.
I already shoot the .22 K-Hornet, so brass is readily available.
 
you know you can hear an echo in here...here...here

I bought an old Contender barrel to add to my Contender collection many years ago... an old factory octogon 10" in 17 K Hornet... my buddy ( retired tool & die guy ) built himself a 10" barrel in 17 Ackley Hornet...

you know the case maybe holds one more grain of powder in the Ackley...

we've never put the 2 together & shot through the chrony, accuracy is slightly better on his maybe, but we haven't really shot each others to see, & he's probably a better shot than I

I've said this before, but if I had to start over, I'd go with the 17 Fireball, since the brass is more stable, there are factory cases available ( no need to fire form cases

another option would be the new rifle from Savage in 5.7 X 28... I have an order in for one if they can ever get the bugs out & release one to the public
 
thanks Mag...

I thought about the fireball version. There is a lot to like about having ready-made brass. I assume (since I can't check while at work) that the dies will not be considered a "custom" item, either. Almost a hundred bucks is a little spendy for just a form die :eek:
I have never read anything about loading it down... I know that it's possible to load MOST cartridges down to lesser levels, but I just have no experience with the little 17. :confused:

I'm still wondering about the cost/time comparison to just buying the 17 HMR. If bullets cost 7-8 dollars per 50, and primers are 2-3 cents apiece, with powder about 4 cents per shot ( 2 dollars per 50?) it seems like I'm right at the cost of a box of 17 HMR's...

I know that you lose the versatility of loading what you want, but I'm thinking my needs for a 17 will be in a fairly narrow window.
 
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