Talked to the Gunsmith today and I think I will go for it, he says he sees no reason it wouldn't be a very nice conversion, so tomorrow I will pick up a new NEF 17 hmr and send the barrel off to be re-chambered. Probably take me a month or so, but I will post about how it works out. Just sounds fun to have a 4,300 fps Handi.
Got the donor rifle today, nice new 17 HRM 22 inch heavy barrel. I noticed right off the extractor does not swing down like the .223 and other non-rimmed cartridges does, so it will take a little mod to make it load the 17 Remington. Other than that it seems good so far, the new rifle is very well made, seems kind of sad to just take it apart and never shoot it, but the price was right and it is the only way I can figure to get a 17 handi barrel. I will keep posting on the results and costs. So far it is $151.00 for the rifle with tax. Larry