17HMR 17gr v-max loads

[stubblejumper]

After reading a response from the CCI rep that all 17hmr loads using the 17gr v-max are supposedly identical except for the headstamp and bullet tip color, I decided to compare some 17gr v-max loads by Hornady, Winchester, and Federal. I weighed ten rounds of each load, and the Hornady and Federal load both averaged about 40.1 grains, which supports the claim made by the CCI rep that they could be the same load. However, the Winchester Supreme loads averaged 42.8 grains, so obviously something is different with this load. Some people might suspect that the difference is simply a lot to lot variation, but I have compared loads from different lots of both Hornady and Winchester, and the difference seems brand specific. Besides a difference of over 6% is huge for a simple lot to lot difference.

It actually makes sense , considering that my Cooper shows a difference in accuracy, as well as a different point of impact for the Winchester loads. Other people are also reporting differences in accuracy, and velocity between the different brands.

If you have any of the 17gr v-max loads, how about weighing a few, and posting the average weight.

 

[Kelly Timoffee]

Did you find variations also in bullet weight , powder weight and case??

I am just curious where the differences are showing up.

 

[stubblejumper]

I didn't pull the loads apart, I just weighed complete cartridges. Regardless of where the difference is, the difference is there.

 

[Kelly Timoffee]

Maybe I will do some destructive testing, just bought a 17HMR and all the different Hornady loads.Haven't shot yet, but now I am very curious.

Besides, it'll be something to do in an evening.

 

[stubblejumper]

I am looking forward to your findings. The difference in accuracy was significant enough to me, that I am having Clay bring in 4,000 rounds of the Winchester Supreme load, even though I can buy the Hornady load for around $25 per brick less. The Hornady loads are averaging sub 3/8" five shot groups at 50 yards in my rifle, but the Winchesters are noticeably more consistent in my rifle and,the result is some amazing five shot groups as shown below.

 

[Kelly Timoffee]

Well here are my discoveries:

15.5 gr NTX
38.8 weighed complete

5.2 powder
17.9 brass
15.5 bullet

38.6 total sum

17 gr V-Max
40.3 weighed complete

5.3 powder
17.6 brass
17.1 bullet

40.0 total sum

20 gr XTP
43.0 weighed total

5.2 powder
17.7 brass
20.1 bullet

43.0 total sum

Haven't checked to see tolerances between shells of the same package.That will come later.

I am sure that the loss was during my destroying of the brass to remove the bullet.

 

[stubblejumper]

I just compared some fired casings. The Winchester Supreme casings are running about 2.5grains heavier than the Hornady/Federal casings. That is a lot of difference considering the weight of the casings. So much for identical components.

 

[Kelly Timoffee]

Guess a guy is going to have to try as much ammo as he can, 15% difference in case weight seems like a lot to me as well.

At least the powder charges were somewhat consistent and the bullet weight are close to advertised.

I'll check between loaded rounds of the same batch and see what I get from the Hornady's.

I just compared some fired casings. The Winchester Supreme casings are running about 2.5grains heavier than the Hornady/Federal casings. That is a lot of difference considering the weight of the casings. So much for identical components.

 

[Kelly Timoffee]

Here is tonight's finding between different batches:

1 box of 15.5 gr NTX(lead free)
Range 38.3-39.0

38.6 approx 30% of batch
38.7 approx 30% of batch
38.8 approx 30% of batch

1 box of 17 gr V-Max

Range 39.8-40.3
40.1 approx 40% of batch
40.2 approx 40% of batch

1 box 20 gr XTP
Range 42.7-43.2
43.0 approx 95% of batch.

Just have to see which ones will group the best, hopefully one of them because the local supply is only Hornady at this point.

 

[cal_h]

ht tp://www.varmintal.com/17hmr.htm

lots of good 17hmr info

 

[diemaco]

Just weighed a few, not sure how accurate my scale is but I got:

39.8 remington 17gr
40.1 federal 17 gr
40.0 hornady 17 gr

I averaged between 4 rounds for each

 

[Kelly Timoffee]

Here is today's results in high wind.

I tried 15.5 , 17 , and 20 grain Hornady's

The 17's and 20's were not even worth mentioning.

Here is the results of the 15.5 gr Hornady's @ 110 yards.
Was actually extremely surprised that the lightest grouped the best for me.Guess that is why we have to try all available ammo.2 separate groups on the target.