Range report on two 17HMR rifles

S

stubblejumper

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I fired both my Cooper LVT and my CZ452 American both in 17HMR for the first time today. The wind was gusting from 20km/hr to 33km/hr, but I was anxious to do some shooting, so I headed out to the range. I sighted in both guns at 50 yards, then decided to shoot some groups. I shot the CZ452 first, and the result was two five shot groups both measuring .430". Considering the wind, I was pleased with the results. I then fired three groups with the Cooper LVT that measured .270", .370", and .390". One group have four shots in .130", and another group had four shots in .200", so again I was pleased, given the wind. As well , the wind was actually waving the target backboard slightly, which didn't help. Given the conditions, I didn't bother shooting at 100 yards, as it would have only been a waste of ammunition. Hopefully the wind will die down, tomorrow or Sunday, so I can shoot the Cooper without the wind. As for the CZ452, I only want one 17HMR, so it is listed on the EE.

The Cooper LVT

cooperlvt.jpg


The CZ452 aMERICAN

cz17.jpg


The CZ groups

cz17group.jpg


The Cooper Groups

lvtgroups.jpg
 
I have one of those LVT's in 17 machII that I bought a few years ago, love that SS over walnut combination. Mine has been to Sask twice for quite a bit of gopher action. FS
 
I was out again this morning with the LVT. The wind was still at 20kph, but I was on a different range where there is some protection from the wind, and the targets weren't moving. Five shot groups at 50yards ranged from .270" to .350" this morning. I shot plenty of sub .250" three and four shot groups, but there always seemed to be one shot that opened up the group. Hopefully, it will be calm and windy next weekend, as I have located three different loads to try. So far, I have only shot the Hornady 17gr load.

Today's groups.

new17LVTgroups.jpg
 
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Still windy, but I wanted to see if the gun showed a preference for different ammunition. It didn't like the 20gr XTP load, or the Federal Premium 17gr v-max, but it really appears to like the 17gr Winchester Supreme loads. After the first fouling shot, the first group went into .290". I was very patient to try and shoot between the wind gusts, and the next group measured .200". The first four shots of the following group went into .110", but I got a little anxious, and rushed the fifth shot, opening the group up to .300". I am going to try early in the morning if the wind lets up, to see if I can back up these groups.

lvtwingroup.jpg
 
Yesterday's .200" group was apparently no fluke. This morning I shot my best 50 yard five shot group with a rimfire. It measured .170" and is shown below. It was much calmer this morning, with only a 10kph breeze, so I decided to try a couple of 100 yard groups with my last ten rounds of the Winchester loads. They were a bit disappointing measuring between 3/4" and 1", but still not bad for a rimfire. When I find some more of the Winchester loads, I will try some more 100 yard groups.

lvtbestgroup.jpg
 
Must...resist...temptation...to...call...Clay..
Click to expand...

I resisted the temptation to try the 17HMR for a year, but then I gave in. Now I need a couple of cases of the Winchester Supreme 17gr V-MAX loads. I bought the only box they had at the local Walmart, now I need to find a few boxes to hold me over until I can get a good supply from Clay. Hopefully he finds some at a great price, because compared to the 17mach2, the 17HMR is pricey to shoot.
 
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