Not all RG174 is the same. DXW174 from DXWire is made to their own spec (solid copper inner conductor) and is vastly superior to normal RG174:
It is reasonably priced as well. I like to crimp my connectors where possible, so a multi-crimp tool set is very handy. Our club in Graz has one, so everyone can borrow it whenever they need to. Perhaps there is a club near you that has one?
73 de TF/OE6FEG/P
Matt