.17 Mach iv
- Thread starter hk940
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Litetrigger
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- Jan 23, 2023
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The .17 MACH IV was based on the .221 FireBall Remington case, simply necked down to .17 Cal. Which is the same is the current ,17 Remington FireBall. Since the .17 Rem. FB is a rather recient production I expect loaded ammo and cases are currently available. In which case it would be simpler to buy finished .17 Rem FB brass than make it yourself. Either way, you can make your own brass from .223 cases if that's what you prefer.
I have the capability to form 221 Remington Fireball cases. I find 222 Remington is a better case to start with as the wall thickness around the shoulder is a bit thinner than 223 Rem.
But I can make 221 Rem FB cases from 223 Rem cases but 222 Rem is easier.
I suspect, with 17 Mack IV, you will probably have to thin the neck of the case after forming. It will depend on how you chamber is cut.
The cases walls of 222 Rem cases may be thin enough that you would not have to thin the case necks, Maybe not.
But I can make 221 Rem FB cases from 223 Rem cases but 222 Rem is easier.
I suspect, with 17 Mack IV, you will probably have to thin the neck of the case after forming. It will depend on how you chamber is cut.
The cases walls of 222 Rem cases may be thin enough that you would not have to thin the case necks, Maybe not.
How close are .17 Mach iv and .17 Rem Fireball? Could a .17 Mach iv be rechambered to .17 Rem Fireball?
Litetrigger
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- Jan 23, 2023
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Your rifle may already be chambered for .17 Rem FB, depending on how close it's chamber dimensions are, as both 17 Mach and .17 FB are based on same case. You can can check this by making a cast of the chamber and comparing dimensions with Rem FB specs. My offhand guess is that you may be pleasantly surprised. Or possibly existing chamber can be modified without removing barrel. Otherwise existing barrel can be rechambered, which amount to setting barrel back, by probably not more than one thread, and cutting new chamber. Which is a routine gunsmith project.
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Thanks for the info. This is not my gun a friend of mine bought it from an auction site and thought it was .17 HMR.
The gun is 800 miles away from me right now, I should be seeing it some time in July.
Having it rechambered would be the most cost efficient and less work, if factory ammo can be used, although it still is about $2.00+ a round.
The gun is 800 miles away from me right now, I should be seeing it some time in July.
Having it rechambered would be the most cost efficient and less work, if factory ammo can be used, although it still is about $2.00+ a round.
