I want build a 17 Caliber rifle. Something not hard on barrels. Is a .223 bolt face compatable? A laminated thumbhole stock with a right hand bold. Suggestions please.

I wanted a small rifle in 17 so I bought a model seven in 223 and bought a new take off 17 Rem barrel for a 700 Rem for $80. sent it to gunsmith chambered it for 17 MK IV cut it down to 18" and can still get 3800 fps MK IV is a very efficeint case. Neat little gun. If you are real lucky you might find early model seven in 17 Rem (only made 2 years) they are a little pricey I have 2 but wanted a case I could go from sub-sonic to 4000fps and I can do it with the MK IV.

I also have a model 7 in 17 Rem. and I just love it's compactness and I still get up to 3700 fps. I used it for lots of things. I have just taken a Seven action and put a 700 barrel in .17 on it and cut it to 21.5 inches. I wanted to keep the handiness as I already knew I would have adequate velocity compared to the 18.5 incher I was used to. My brother used a Ruger 77 in .223 and had Pac Nor rebarrel it to .17 Mach 4. It too should be an awesome little number. Neither of us has had the time to chrongraph any loads or I would gladly post them here. Make one, you'll love it!

Seven17...Make sure to post on that 17 cal Ruger after you've had it out. That sounds like a nice set-up.

My cousin has a Rem 700 with a Douglas barrel that is chambered in 17/221 Fireball. I'm pretty sure that this is VERY close to a 17 Mach IV. I've shot prairie dogs with it a few times and I love it! Very nice gun.

Alaskan Al,Howdy.

Kenai here.I bought a 700 clasic in 17 Rem.Used.But new to me.Sako extractor.barrel was badly fouled.Fist time out I had bullets tumble,Blow up and shoot BIG groups.
With help from this board that is cured.Took a couple days of soaking in all knowen bore cleaners
and JB paste,
Bergers still blow if they are on the hot side.My best has been a hot load with H 380 and 7 1/2 primers with Stake 25 grain bullets.5 in a ragged hole at 100 yards.next hornadys working well.
It's a keeper.
The last cleaner I used was Wipe Out.Messy but it will do the job.
If you like a accurate rifle with no recoil you will love it.
Hope you reload!.