I have a N.E. 20 gauge that I want to make into a 209 x 17 muzzle loader. I found 17 liners and want to tread it into a 20 gauge plug and drill the back out to except a 209 primer. I can not find a steel 20ga plug. So I want to make out of a brass plug. Like to make it in to a breech load. Does anyone know where to by one or have it made? And has anyone out there ever build one before?
soaf,
A few years back I converted a 17 HMR to a 209 x .17 ML or breech loader. I had to take the rimfire barrel and put it on a center fire receiver. I use a modified 17 HMR case as the breech plug/chamber protector. It has been turned down so that a 209 will fit in behind it with an o-ring between them and another o-ring in front of the primer rim to make up for the .17 HMR rim thickness for a seal. Just put o-rings on your primers before shooting, then you don't have to do it each time you load. I used sized .177 cal lead pellets for projectiles but loaded them through the breech.
Not really a cost effective alternative, considering the price of 209 primers nowadays, more of a novelty than anything. It's actually easier, a lot less messy, and almost as cheap to use 17 HMR ammo.
The beauty of my conversion is that it is completely reversible in just a matter of seconds. 209 primers are filthy buggers, not as consistent, nor as effective, as compared to the .17 HMR ammo.
Good luck with your build!