Questions about .17 centerfire

MrZyro

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Oct 22, 2025
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I'm thinking about using the KAK .17-.556 barrel to build an AR. It’s just so tough to find a bolt-action in .17. For all the seasoned pros here, do you have any tips or tricks for reloading those tiny .17 centerfire rounds?
 
The first thing I really hone in on is neck tension. I swear by bushing dies for getting it just right. Too much tension and you’ll end up crushing the brass, but too little and your bullet seating will be all over the place. I just can’t bring myself to trust a thrower with these rounds, so I take the time to use an electronic scale and trickle every charge. It’s a bit of a slow process, but honestly, it makes a huge difference.

And when it comes to seating the bullets, I really go all out. These little guys can be super sensitive to how deep they sit, and even being off by a few thousandths can throw your groups way off. So, I measure every single one. It might sound tedious, but brass prep is a must. I make sure to chamfer lightly, clean everything carefully, and I don’t take any shortcuts. It might seem like a lot of work, but it keeps everything consistent and saves me from headaches later on.
 
Invest in quality dies and a good single-stage press.

Also, run a box of factory ammunition through your gun to ensure it’s working well. After that, ease into handloading, making changes one variable at a time.
 
Try buying the KAK brass or a quality forming/die set. Always full-length size your loads and use small-rifle primers and make sure to chronograph all your rounds.
 

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