.17 Grendel

Arhoades

Arhoades

Member
I’m considering a straight neck down 6.5 Grendel to .17. I started thinking about it, does anyone have suggestions on what to use for a seating die? I thought maybe my rcbs .17cal seater with the window cutout would work but I don’t think it will. Am I stuck with custom?
 
There are universal caliber specific seating dies. But I'm not a fan of them.

Just spit balling, but if you could get a .17 or even .20 or .22 stem on a Grendel die that would work and probably work well.

- DAA
 
Maybe use the 6.5 stem, a little release agent on a 17 bullet, and some JB in the stem to form fit to 17?
 
Hornady with the sliding sleeve is pretty much universal. Give them a call, one for a 17 hornet/17 fireball might work.
 
Get you a lee Grendel seater and pay the $10 for shipping for a replacement 17 caliber seating stem. You can add other things off their website to off set the $10. It's just how they do their warranty claims but you can use it for replacements. That's what I did for my 20 prac. Replaced a 223 seating stem with a .204.
 
I don’t think you will see much if any return for your effort over a 17-223 or 17-204.
I mention those two as they are pretty much straight forward and a some what popular wildcat.
Your seating window die should work with the correct extended shell holder.
 
jshks said:
I don’t think you will see much if any return for your effort over a 17-223 or 17-204.
I mention those two as they are pretty much straight forward and a some what popular wildcat.
Your seating window die should work with the correct extended shell holder.
Click to expand...
I have a few 17-204’s and they are great, just one small problem. After I got a suppressor I’ve experimented a little with barrel length. I ended up using 22” barrel length as I feel it’s a good compromise. But it has to be stood on pretty heavy at that length to get ~4000fps. Using Norma brass, which is great, no pressure signs but the primer pockets don’t last too long. I think it all could be fixed if Lapua would make .204 brass. Anyway, that’s the idea behind the 17grendel. I’m not sure if I’m going to do it or not, seems like a bunch of work for a small gain. I’d prefer a bolt gun and the only one I know of is the howa mini action. I checked water capacity on the unfired 6.5 Grendel vs the fired 17-204 brass and the Grendel had 3gr more water capacity. But it’s unfired and not necked down yet.
 
What powder were you using in the 17-204? I would guess you speak of 25 grain bullets?
My 28” 17 Remington shocked me with CFE223+25Vmax, a book start load gave me what they showed for a top end load. I am tinkering with loads still, it getting it narrowed down to a couple of powders, trying for a full case and 3900 FPS is my goal. 4000 and above just seemed higher on diminishing returns for what it does to the throat.

I had toyed with the idea of chopping my barrel. I am to much of a speed freak to give up any. Bought a lightly used 17 Fireball that only sees 20 grain bullets. It has been outstanding to work with, 4100 FPS seems to be where it likes to run.

I have been really happy with both for prairie dogs. I do have some heavier Berger’s I would like to try on coyotes at some point.
I have read so much on 17 cal stuff a lot of writings from years past and a fair bit from present, I have put to bed. Oh they move in the wind, but far from what some would have you believe like a “feather” or a Walmart sack caught on a barb wire fence, I refuse to even discuss it anymore.

I will dig out my sensational 17’s book and do some looking.
Good luck with your project.
 
I am going to have to dig in my notes now, My 17-204 with a Lilja 1-9 barrel was built just for the 30 gr bullets to basically do what a 17 Predator does without stepping on it so hard pressure wise. Seems I get around 4000 with a 22" barrel, maybe 24" , been so long since I did loads for it, I use Varget and 30 Nagals and Kindlers.

I just had a 17 Rem built, but had my buddy run a 17 Rem reammer short, actually came out about .035" headspace short. He shortened a 17 Rem FL die for me also, so I use 223 brass and 25gr Bergers or Hornadys, I am guessing it is doing 3900 or so with a 22" barrel. Shoots great, hoping to take it out west in a week or so.
 


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