.17 HMR Misfires and old re-loads

[Dr.Rob]

We took out the marlin 917 again sunday, this time with Remington and Federal ammuntion... I had FIVE misfires (cock it, try to pop it again) with The Federal v-shock ammo, THREE of which went into the trash, TWO which went downrange on the second strike. No failures with the Remington ammo.

I'v had some misfires with ammo before, but 10%? I hope it was a fluke and not indicative of bad things at Federal... who make some of my favorite off the shelf ammo.

Anyone else have bad luck with this ammo?

Speaking of which, some of my older 30-06 reloads seem to be losing consistancy at 100 yards... I'd shoot a decent three shot group and 20 minutes later throw a 4 inch pattern. This box of reloads is likely 6 years old and has been kept in a cool dry place away from temperature variances. Once fired RP brass, 56 gr AA 3100, WW primer, 165 gr sierra spitzer boat tail soft point bullet rated just over 2800fps. No misfires or hangfires, no blown primers or signs of overpressure... just some odd things happening out at 100 yards.

 

[db_tanker]

The title of this thread was somewhat misleading...

I haven't had any bad luck so far with my 17 HMR ammo..and I have some of which you speak of...The Federal, that is...and its fine in my TC.


As far as the -06 ammo...is this stuff being shot in the same rifle it was originally worked up for?

Otherwise, I am guessing that some ammo, especially reloaded ammo, has a "shelf life" that must be considered...

D

 

[xring44]

I doubt that "shelf life" is the problem with properly loaded/stored handloaded ammunition. My guess would be that something is moveing, metal in wood, scope defect, loose scope base screws, etc. I have shot ammo that I loaded many years agoi without problems. I have never used the load you are useing however.

 

[220_Swift]

First, I have never once had a misfire with my 17. This is including shooting several hundred rounds of the Federal. Maybe it was a fluke, or it is something with your particular gun.


Secondly, I don't think it is the ammo either. Why would the first string group, and then 20 minutes later it won't. I would think, if it was the ammo it would shoot those groups all the time. Maybe a wood stock swelling?

 

[Dr.Rob]

Checked all bases, rings, stock screws... clear day, 70-some degrees and a Stainless rifle with a plastic stock and free floated barrel.

I've shot a front scope mount loose before and the behavior didn't remind me of that.

This load was worked up for my rifle. I'm going to do a comparison shoot between 'newer' reloads, the older ones and Federal factory ammo.

 

[220_Swift]

Difinitely something to make you scratch your head, and go hmmmm. Hope ya figure it out, and hopefully it is just the ammo, or something simple. Good luck

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

When I first got my Savage .17 HMR, I was having about 1/5 misfires. I took it back and it turned out the QC at the factory wasn't very good. The house gunsmith deburred the bolt and it has been fine since. I have been using mostly Hornady ammo.

I did try some of the CCI ammo, and out of 100 rounds I had two not eject. I poked them out with a cleaning rod and both had splits on the shoulders of the case.

 

[innerpiece9]

Hi Dr.Rob!
Ive also got the 917, heavy barrel. got a 3.5x9 x40mm Tasco direct mounted.
thats strange you had issues with that ammo... as the Federal VShok has been consistantly the most accurate ammo Ive run thru mine... Ive never had one misfire of .17HMR ammo from any MFG...
How many rds thru yers?
Im about 3k mabey.... if youre alot more mabey check the imprints on the primers, might be time for a new pin.. I have no Idea the rigidity of marlin rifles, as this is my first...

Do you know any where to get a Black Synthetic stock for the 917?

 

[Dr.Rob]

OK to re-iterate.

the Marlin 917 .17HMR is near new, has laminated stock, stainless fluted barrel and has 200 rounds through it. (The black synthetic stock from the .22 magnum model would likely fit this rifle.)

The Savage 116FSAK .30-06 is stainless, has a plastic stock and is free-floated.