Converting .17 HMR to .17WSM

Anything is "possible" with the $$. But why spend $$$$$ converting a rifle when you can spend $$ and buy one off the shelf? Possible-yes, practical-??? Its your money.
 
A 17HMR repeater cannot be converted to the 17WSM. The only possible conversion is a 17HMR handi-rifle or other single shot break action. I'd have to measure the cylinder again on my Single 6 17HMR, that might be an option also - NOPE, I FORGOT, THE FIRING PIN WON'T STRIKE PROPERLY!, but again, no 17HMR repeater can do it. The mag box, ejection port, and bolt face aren't big enough nor am I convinced that the lock-up is strong enough.

If I center a WSM case on my 17HMR Savage 93 bolt face, my firing pin doesn't even reach the edge of the case - so that's something else to consider. Centerfires all hit center - rimfires don't, and the rim is considerably larger diameter on the 17WSM, so you'd have to recreate the entire bolt, not even just open the bolt face.

Remember - you're not talking about a 38spcl case getting stretched to 357mag or necking up. You're talking about a 243win case getting blown up to a 300 win mag case necked down to the same bullet dia. The WSM is a larger diameter and longer case entirely.

If you drilled out the base of a 17WSM, a loaded 17HMR cartridge would fit fully inside of the 17WSM case.
 
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Today I looked at a box of Winchester 17 WSM 25 grain bullets at Bass Pro. That's the first time I have actually looked at them. They are a neat looking round for sure. Would be nice if other gun manufacturers will climb on board and produce some nice rifles in that cartridge. I think it has the makings of a fine fox cartridge, though time will tell.
 

Originally Posted By: liliysdadI dont get the allure, outside of rimfire only hunting areas. What does this cartride do that, say a 17 Hornet, doesnt?

Nothing really, unless it turns out to be more fur friendly on smaller critters, like fox, which I suspect (without yet knowing) that it will. The velocity is definitely less than the .17 Hornet. I do know that my .17 Remington blows gaping holes in them at times.

As well, the cartridge is something new, something else to play with. For me at least, that's good enough. I get bored using the same thing all the time.

 
Originally Posted By: liliysdadIf lower velocity is all thats driving it...why not download 17 Hornet?

Well, read my last sentence for starters, and there are more reasons too. Open your mind and think out of the box. Velocity is not all that's driving it. Consider that not everyone handloads, so how can they down load it? Then too, for me, I would have to purchase a Hornet just so I could down load it. I already have a 17 Remington, and I can load it down to Hornet velocities, but would be very hard pressed to get velocities down to WSM. Then too, I like rimfires.

My suggestion for those guys like you, is to load down 17 Hornets, that is, for those that have them and that handload, and for those who want to go to the trouble of it, and for the rest of us that like something new, different and innovative, to try the 17 WSM for the joy of it. That should make it easier for everyone since one size doesn't fit all.



 
Originally Posted By: SlickerThanSnotfactory loaded 17wsm is way less than half the cost of factory 17 hornet too.

Good point.
 
I use my .17 WSM for daytime coon calling. It is fast action ,in heavy cover , weeds , leaves , snow ,ect. and finding brass would be almost non existent. So if I was shooting a .17 hornet the cost of replacing all of my brass would be quite expensive on top of everything else....and more power would give me pass throughs and fur damage I am avoiding now. Jim
 


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