Rifle Build ?'s Pac-Nor vs. Lilja etc.

VirginiaCoyote

VirginiaCoyote

New member
Ive been wanting to "build" a .17 remington for some time. Just to have one. I've saved some money and am ready to start. I want to build something that looks nice, shoots excellent, and I can go out and shoot coyotes, fox, cats, groundhogs etc. I also do my own re-loading. So I have some questions for those of you who have experience in this area.

First I was going to start with a remington 700 action. Just because it seems readily available and from what I've researched a lot of "first time" builders do this. Do any of you have any other suggestions?

Second, as far as what barrel to go with? From my research I've found a lot of individuals who talk about Pac-nor and Lilja barrels. What experience/recomendations do any of you have in this regard?

Do some companies manufacture certain calibers better than others?

Lastly in building a custom rifle what other steps or things should I look out for along the way?

I know some of my questions may sound dumb, but thanks in advance for any and all information.
 
None of your questions sound dumb. It sounds like you actually did some good research and picked up what was being laid down, and left the bad on the table. Hard to filter internet "info".

In short, PN and Lilja are KNOWN to make good .17s. And a 700 is a great place to start. Now if you'll just listen to me, and filter out the rest..........
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Pac Nor and Lilja are great choices and I second what 2muchgun said. I have a Lilja in 17 Rem. and I am real happy with it.
 
yea, what he said.
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I would suggest a 17-223 or a 17-204 for the chambering. Get a set of Redding S-dies for 223 or 204 depending on the chamber you choose. Get the bushing needed also for the 17's neck. Then get some good 223 or 204 brass.

17 Rem brass is harder to find and more expensive.
 
Even though I have been a .17 Remington owner and shooter since the late 70's I too would have to say that you may be better off going for a .17/223, a .17/.204 or my favorite the .17 Predator. You can get .17 Remmy speeds and then some and all you need to do is neck down .223 brass and fireform it and you done. More here: http://www.rmvh.com/The%2017%20Predator%20cartridge.htm

I have lots of .17 Rem brass and loaded ammo so I am good in that department. But if I was making me a new hot stepping .17 caliber today I believe that I would leave the factory .17 Remington alone and go with one using the .223 or .204 brass.
 
My only other advice is to pick the right smith. One that not only does reputable work, but one that you are also comfortable with. When you are new at the game, the right choice isn't often readily apparent. After a while, you will be able to tell a good smith from a poser just by talking to him. Choose wisely..........
 
Originally Posted By: RePetePac-Nor + 17/222

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Does the 17/222 retain that looong neck? Or Is it trimmed a bit?
 
You didn't state what you'd be using the rifle for and barrel contour you want....

Pacnor and Lilja are both button rifled barrels. For heavy varmint/benchrest contour barrels button rifling works super. Button rifling usually has less break in time and fouling since the barrels are generally smoother and are hand lapped, however the button rifling method adds a lot more stress to steel compared to cut rifling.

If you are building a walking varminter/predator rifle with a contour up to #3 I'd go with a cut rifled barrel - Krieger, Bartlein or Brux.
 
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Originally Posted By: GhostmanYou didn't state what you'd be using the rifle for and barrel contour you want....

Pacnor and Lilja are both button rifled barrels. For heavy varmint/benchrest contour barrels button rifling works super. Button rifling usually has less break in time and fouling since the barrels are generally smoother and are hand lapped, however the button rifling method adds a lot more stress to steel compared to cut rifling.

If you are building a walking varminter/predator rifle with a contour up to #3 I'd go with a cut rifled barrel - Krieger, Bartlein or Brux.

Does Krieger, Bartlein, or Brux make 17 caliber barrels?

My Lilja is a #1 contour and I have had zero problems with it. It seems to shoot as well as I can.

Kimber17Targets.jpg
 
Originally Posted By: GhostmanYou didn't state what you'd be using the rifle for and barrel contour you want....

Pacnor and Lilja are both button rifled barrels. For heavy varmint/benchrest contour barrels button rifling works super. Button rifling usually has less break in time and fouling since the barrels are generally smoother and are hand lapped, however the button rifling method adds a lot more stress to steel compared to cut rifling.

If you are building a walking varminter/predator rifle with a contour up to #3 I'd go with a cut rifled barrel - Krieger, Bartlein or Brux.

Interesting info... When's the last time any of these 3 cut rifled makers made a .172" ?

None currently make them, that I'm aware of.
 
Ghostman,
I would like to use it to hunt coyotes, groundhogs, fox generally everything we here at PM like to hunt.

K22,
Just wondering, I think a may have seen a photo of your .17 a while back in a thread. Would it happen to be built on a kimber 84M platform?

Thanks guys I really appreciate all of your ensight.
 
All great advise here for sure

Only thing I would add is to consult with your gunsmith before ordering parts. Some want one thing, others may want something different. For example, some smiths want the holes drilled and no pillars installed so they can install them, others have wanted me to order stock with Mcmillan installing the pillars.

Also, you can give the smith your parts list and they can tell you if everything will work together.

Lots of great guys here that can help you out
 
Originally Posted By: Tim NeitzkeVC, what kind of finished weight would you like ?
Somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 lbs.

Dirty Dog that's a nice lookin' iron you have there my friend
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any more pics?
 


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