Originally Posted By: kmcdonou
The 17 fireball seems ideal, except quality premade brass isn't available. I could reform from 221 fireball brass from Lapua, but I am not sure how many steps that would take. Is it one step through a resizing die?
Sounds like you are into reloading. This is very doable for you then IMHO. this can be a very Satisfying, rewarding IMHO.
This is what you would be considering with the 17 fireball. Pay through the nose for mediocre brass when you could find it. Or form the 17 FB from .221 or .223 brass.
Defiantly not a 1 step process to form the 17 FB brass. Down side here is accuracy will not likely improve much if any over factory brass. Brass life may well exceed 17 rem Fireball brass if you learn to anneal your brass and head space correctly.
Would not suprise me to much if the same could be true with remingtion brass Anneal properly anneal frequently and head space no more than .002 and a moderate load may allow the factory brass to shine very well.
Personally I would encourage a guy to give forming the 221 FB brass a go if you can afford the time and this fits your personality type. Can be quite an educational experience.
As for equipment you could get by with as little as a Redding or RCBS 2 die 17 fireball set. Though the RCBS Gold medal seating die may be highly recommended. Gold medal seating die will improve how consistently straight you seat your bullets. Dropping the bullets in that side window takes away nearly all frustrations that might come up with handling small bullets with fat fingers.
Oh powder thrower should not be overlooked with the 17's either. 4" Drop tube is a must. Harrels offers the only commercially available 4" drop tubes I am aware of, Very nice clear poly tube I think. Clear tube is Nice to watch and see that your powder had truly made its way into your case. If not you just give the a few taps to settle the powder into your case.
Now if you choose to make your brass from .221 FB brass you will serve yourself well to get a tube of Flitz polish. With the polish a 40 or 44 caliber brush and a cordless drill you may polish up your dies to hugely improve the forming process.
The trick many miss out on including initially myself is using your Redding or RCBS bulllet seater as a first step forming die Don't overlook polishing this die as to tell the truth this is not what this die was designed for. Though this has worked amazingly well for many.
Having polished this 17 FB bullet seater 3 to 4 minutes. You simply clean things up well and proceed to use this die for the first of 2 steps to reduce the 221 neck and sholder down to your 17 fireball neck. Imperial sizing wax or Unique case lube is your friend here. You will do well to do just a few cases till you get things figured out all the way through. You will be looking to set your sizing dies up to allow a very slight crush fit when closing your bolt to control where your case expansion / growth takes place in the shoulder area only.
If you look up Varmint Al's websight he does a great write up on case forming and annealing. Well worth reading should you choose to tackle this small project.
When you get done that expensive Remington Ammo / Brass doesn't seem near as expensive if your time is worth $2.00 per hour
Depending on your chamber neck diameter, you could end up needing to turn necks as well. If I remember correctly most are able to get by with out turning necks when starting with .221 FB brass.
If this all seems INtimidating to you then you may wish to ponder what velocity you want from your 25 gr Hollow point. 17 Hornady Hornet with a 1710 25 gr HP will Give you up to roughly 3300 FPS In a 17 HH. without all the brass forming Grief.
Or the same 1710 25 GR HP will give you up to roughly 3800 FPS from the 17 FB And for the coyotes You may even consider a Heavier 30-grain Gold, 25 or30-grain Nagel for 3600 ish FPS.
Do a search over on Saubier Fourm on forming 17 FB brass and bullet options including the Hand swaged Nagel or Todd kidner Gold bullets.
Note: that Same 16249 RCBS Gold Medal seater works great with17 Remington, 17,Fireball & with the extended shell holder for 22 hornet 17 Hornet to.
Currently firearms, Ammo & brass are in good supply for the 17 Hornet. Not so-much
with the 17 Fireball.
As mentioned earlier Bullet choice will make more difference than caliber. As always don't over look shot placement. Stay behind that front shoulder.
With the 17 FB I would encourage you to look at Benchmark powder.
17 HH the go to powder may be H322 or Accurate 2200.