3 Different 17HMR Ammunitions on test!

[Frenchieboy]

I had very little to do this afternoon and it was far too nice to stay in so the wife and I went for a drive up to one of my permissions to try using 3 different 17HMR Ammunitions in my rifle to see what difference (If any) there was. I used Hornady 17gr Blue Tips, Hornady 17gr Red Tips and Remington Premier 17gr Gold Tips. I have ny rifle (A CZ 452 Varmint with a shortened 16 inch barrel) zeroed for using Hornady Blue Tips so I kept the scopes on the same settings so that I could not only conpare any difference in the POI with eact type of ammunition but I could also compare the group size of each to find out which my rifle prefered.

This was only a rough test and because of the possible variables it can not be described as scientific or conclusive, it is just a rough guide but it does show a difference. Obviously different rifles prefer different types of ammunition so what mine likes yours might not, however I have discovered that my rifle gives a marginally tighter group using Hornady Red Tips so that is waht I will be using and zeroing to as standard once I have used up what is left of my stock of Blue Tips.

 

Well, that's more than enough waffle from me so here is the video of how I did it so you can form your own opinions!

Sorry moderators but the Youtube video does not want to embed so here is the link till I can find out what the problem is!

 

Edited September 4, 2010 by Frenchieboy

[SimonT]

I think a good follow up to this would be to setup an impact test of all 3 types of ammo...Just out of interest do you know who much the poi would be off if you used 20gr..

[Frenchieboy]

I think a good follow up to this would be to setup an impact test of all 3 types of ammo...Just out of interest do you know who much the poi would be off if you used 20gr..

 

That sounds like a fair idea, any suggestions as to how to set up this "impact test"?

Unfortunately I can not answer your question as I have never used any 20gr in this rifle mate.

[DR JAMES]

Dont use the 20gr in my CZ I use the 17gr as I have done tests with these in different manufactures and its like you say one rifle seams to like one kind yet another rifle the same make and model seams to like another kind. Myself and 2 other M8`s who have CZ`s all have found that the Winchester 17gr the best for grouping.

In your test did you allow loads of time for the barrel to cool down cos if you didnt then this will have an effect on the grouping with the rem!

When I have done my tests I have put a warmer through first then 3 shots into a target then the next day do the same all the way through what i am testing this i have found to be the best way of getting the results i wanted. As for the Rem! I found them to group alot better in mine than you did in this video.

Well done any how nice video :blink:

[Conygree]

Can't watch U-tube at work, will have a look later .

 

I started with blue tips in my CZ 16" but found 20g gamepoint grouped best - most find the other way around. For me its say 1/2" at 100yds. I tried an impact test by stacking x3- 2" PAR plank off cuts at 100yds out, and both 17g and 20g just showed their tips. The odd bit was neither expanded in the planks.

 

I was zeroing up one sunny day with blue tips when I hit the wood screw holding the target -one of those that changes colour when hit, the spray for fine metal fragments across the target stopped me using them for dog food - so I use 20g gamepoint but they often don't expand in a bunny even head to butt shots.

 

My main problem zeroing up is trying to get to the target box before my over keen gundog trashs the box. I now use some small 1" dia dayglow stickers from work on planks, and at night/low light leave a torch on the ground to show up the target.

Edited November 18, 2010 by Conygree

[Vermincinerator]

When i first got my CZ 452 20" varmint i took three brands to the range with me, Hornady Blue tips, Remington Gold tip and Federal Black tip.

Zeroed at 100yds the Federals grouped just under an inch, the blue tips only marginally worse but the Remingtons patterned like a shotgun!

Trouble is the Federals were given to me by a mate to try and i cant get them locally so have to make do with second best which i am not entirely happy with.

 

Ian.