17 rem vs.17 fireball

[tompc1]

hey guys,
I need help fast, i have two guns on hold at my local gun shop!
one is a 17 remington, the other is a 17 fireball. which one is the better cartridge? i called remington technicians the other day and they said the 17
remington has the edge but in his next sentence he says if i hand load the
fireball it is the better cartridge. i'm now totally confused. any help will
be greatly appreciated.


thanks
tompc1

 

[Bill Wynne]

Just looking at the ballistics and never having shot one, the 17 Remington has the edge. It has a larger powder capacity, probably more than it needs. The varmint that is shot with either one would not know the difference.

Sorry I could not help any more. Surely someone reading this could be of more help.

Concho Bill

 

[Wapiti]

Go with the Fireball if you have to have a .17- from a guy who's worn out two .17 Rem's a lot faster than they should have!

If I could only have one varmit gun it would be a .204.

Good shooting!

 

[Squeal]

Toughy

I have both. They each have their uses, but if you were to only have one, the Furball would be it. You will be able to nearly reach .17 Remington velocities with 8gr. less powder. Less fouling and noise/same effect. Be warned that the brass is expensive and hard to come by right now. You can make your own or buy factory. Factory brass has not been very good to be frank. The venerable old .17 Remington is just on the verge of overbore and has a tendency to foul in some cases depending on the barrel and powder used. I would get the one that fits and feels best as they are both excellent fur/varmint cartridges. Then visit Saubier.com home of the smallbore crowd. You will enjoy the heck out of either of them and probably wish you bought both! But I recommend the FB/Mach IV.........Good shooting.

 

[CWG]

as said, the fireball is the way to go, especially if it was put on a mini-action.

regards,CWG