Being lefty my choices are non existence for buying a factory .17 centerfire so am thinking of having one built. I can buy either a Remington SPS or Ruger Hawkeye in .223 to use as a donor.

I don't need all the speed the 17 Remington offers so am thinking of the Fireball. How will the conversion work with this short case? Or should I just stay with the 17 Remington and load it down?

If you go with the fireball, you will need a fireball action. The ejector pin is repositioed to eliminate ejector problems. If you use a standard 223 action, on ejection, the case will drop off and stay in the loading port, Not a great idea when you have and angry buf staring at you and snorting

Remington did offer an SPS left in 17 Fireball. Part number 84225
Listed as discontinued. May be some old stock somewhere, just start calling gun shops till you find one. Places not on internet are more likely to have interesting things.

I have a Kimber of Oregon left hand in 17 rem. the guy I bought it from crys every time I tell him I shoot it.

Mark

ive got a Winchester m70 carbine that has been rebarrelled to 17 mach IV,,, which is a 17 fireball... no recoil, you can see your bullet strikes... 20 gr v-max's.. feedind is iffy if you try to cycle fast, but works ok if you take your time... I've got about $625 in it with an older bushnell scope...