SITREP: I have begun testing with the 32gr NOE .172 PB bullet in my CZ 527 17H Hornet.
I have to admit that I am cheating here.
I was looking for aftermarket .17 custom bullet resources and found Reed's Ammunition & Research, LLC. I do not work for them and am not associated with them, so here is the link: http://shop.reedsammo.com/17-Cal-Bullets_c278.htm. They are selling .172 32gr PB and 27gr GC boolits by the 100.
I called them and confirmed that Reed's is selling bullets cast with NOE's .172 molds. These are the same molds I ordered last week and just got in. I admit to ordering 100 of each bullet from Reed's. I am claiming it is to serve as a benchmark for when I begin with my molds.
Back to test plan. I am going begin with Trail Boss and my magneto speed chronograph. I used the .173" .17 cal push-through die from NOE to "clean up" the edges on my purchased bullets (they came fully lubed). I have settled on a COAL of 1.631 using the Hornady comparator .17 cal insert (1.715 raw caliper measurement).
This morning I will take my first 32gr test loads to the range and chronograph them as well as grouping assessment. The JBM calculator says they should be stable down to 600 fps, so, I am hoping for a "no keyhole" test.
I will shoot TB at 1.0gr and 1.7gr (starting at the low end). I have already test fired the 1.0gr in the backyard. Noise is about like a high powered air rifle, but with a 32gr bullet. I picked the 1.7gr as a second point because of a reported success in a 527 with this bullet at this load and frankly, why not. I have a 4.0gr top limit per computing the case to bullet limit, so, I feel I am facing nothing dangerous.
Once I get these over a chronograph and onto paper, I will see where I should be going. I am looking for a non-explosive "dinner round" to add to my pile of 20gr VMAX j-words at 3700 fps. Don't blow up your dinner is a good saying for old guys.
With the long round nose 32gr boolits, they remind me of the MIL SURP 6.5x55 with the 156gr boolits on top. Now if they will just shoot.
thanks to all that make this forum great.
v/r rch