Has anyone on the forum experimented with chambering a solid frame or non take-down #4 rolling block in the 17 HMR cartridge? In his gunsmithing book De Haas says he would go with a 22 Magnum on the #4 solid frame, I am wondering if the pressures on the 17 HMR would be too great for this action and if extraction might also be a problem. Any thoughts on this will greatly appreciated.

SSS

singleshotsam,

I've looked at the solid frame #4 from time to time, and have noticed a couple things that you may want to examine closely before you make any decision.

The extractor is held into the frame by a small diameter (and flexible) retaining pin. The extractor is also supposed to be supported by a small ledge machined into the lower part of the breechblock face that slants downward toward the front of the receiver just above the breechblock pivot screw lugs. You can see this in the DeHaas book.

If there is excessive wear or a sloppy fit, the extractor could drop down away (or be pushed down during ignition) from the cartridge leaving the thin brass casewall unsupported. 

I've seen Stevens 44 conversions with a poor extractor fit buldge AND blow out a rectangular section of the case just forward of the rim at the extractor cut. 

Whatever you decide to do, make sure any case is fully supported.

BP