CZ527 Varmint, 17Hornet-pet loads?

Groundhogger · #1 03-06-2022, 01:19 PM

Hey guys-haven't done any reloading in a long time, as my two main varmint guns both shoot factory ammo sub-MOA...and a busy day groundhog hunting represents about 8-10 shots taken. Most days honestly-half that. Incentive really wasn't there.

However, I also just bought a box of factory Hornady 20gr. 17 Hornet and well...maybe I should find some inspiration. lol

I know there are 17 Hornet shooters here, and CZ fans as well. Any of you care to share your best/pet load if you're running a 527 Varmint?

I did a little load testing a few years back but am having trouble finding my targets/notes. I DO remember 20gr Hornady V-Max being the best bullet, and I stocked-up a bit at the time. Have a decent selection of powder, and use CCI BR4 primers as a rule.

Appreciate anyone willing to chime-in. More than happy to report back on the results. Still lots of snow on the ground, but want to be ready when things dry up a bit.

Thanks guys!

Big bore dinosaur · #2 03-06-2022, 07:25 PM

25 and 30 gr bergers group and preform well
CFE.BLK was the powder for my rifle..
Magazine lenght for my 527 VARMINT, and CCI primers

Faststeel · #3 03-06-2022, 10:35 PM

Its important to weigh each piece of your brass. old original brass is much lighter than new brass and has a better powder capacity and weighs between 52 and 55gr. Newer brass is over 60gr, and has less capacity.

My best groups have all been with 25gr Vmax bullets, and for me best powder is H335.my older lightweight brass can handle 13gr.....FS

elkhunter11 · #4 03-07-2022, 06:12 AM

I had good luck with both Lil Gun and CFE BLK, but the CFE BLK is far less sensitive with changing temperatures. The 20gr V-max does well with either powder.

southernman · #5 03-07-2022, 08:55 PM

I run CFE blackout in my .17 hornets, 12.5 g is my load for the 20gr (3600), and 11.2 g for a 25gr, (3150)fps
Have spent considerable time with 3 different .17 hornets and found N120 the most accurate powder for me, but Blackout is very close, with 250FPS more speed,

Groundhogger · #6 03-08-2022, 09:08 AM

Hey guys-thanks for the input so far. Haven't really gotten a sense that it's CZ527s people are referring to, but maybe? I've never owned/tried N120, but have an unopened 1-pounder of CFE BLK. I'll see if my LGS has N120. worth a go!

Quote:

Originally Posted by southernman

I run CFE blackout in my .17 hornets, 12.5 g is my load for the 20gr (3600), and 11.2 g for a 25gr, (3150)fps
Have spent considerable time with 3 different .17 hornets and found N120 the most accurate powder for me, but Blackout is very close, with 250FPS more speed,

^thanks southernman, appreciate the powder charge info.