I'm sure it is possible, but can't see the use. Both are readily available and pretty common, think before I modded one I'd just buy a dedicated .17HMR.

There were also some issues with the .17HMR being used in a semi auto configuration until Savage came out with the A 17, which uses a delayed system to assure the higher pressures are contained.

 

plp

I hear what your are saying but there is a lot of posts out there about shooters struggling with the A17 Savage auto that came out. Some are saying that the feeding has been an issue for them and the fit and finish of the shooter is disappointing. I looked at one in the LGS and in my opinion it looked like Savage forgot the last step in the manufacturing process, although I haven't shot one nor know anyone who has one.

My thought was that in light of the negative buzz about the A17 as a new innovation, that a move to a tried and proven format of the 10/22 although in the 22MAG format could be more successful.

 

My thought was that in light of the negative buzz about the A17 as a new innovation, that a move to a tried and proven format of the 10/22 although in the 22MAG format could be more successful.

The Ruger 22 mag is not reliable like the 10/22. I have owned two of them. The 10/22 is one of the best semi-auto 22lr made. IMO. The mag has some issues. I would just buy a nice 17. Just my 2 cents.

 

Yes, a simple barrel swap will convert a 10/22M to .17HMR, but the rifle has been out of production for a number of years and their prices have sky-rocketed... $900 for most used guns these days.

If you're gonna spend that much, just add a bit more and get a Volquartsen. Scott and his crew have been building reliable, accurate .17s since the cartridge first came out. Remington had a factory 597M in .17, but recalled them (IMO, due to shooters who treated them like .22LRs and never cleaned the chambers).

 

Good to hear about the functioning of the 10/22 MAG. You don't hear or see much about them..........perhaps with good reason.

 

Mine were both early models (single extractor), and they ran fine, but many of them needed a better extractor (Volquartsen) to be reliable. Ruger changed their bolt design to add a second but it was the same crappy stamped piece as the single, so didn't really help much. Most folks still replaced the outer extractor and ditched the inner one.

I turned one of my 10/22Ms into a 10/17M by using a 96/17M barrel. Never had any problems but when I got the Volquartsen .17HMR, it shot so much better. I've since gone back to just the .22LR for my uses and sold the 10/22Ms for about 3X what I paid for them.

 

I had a local precision shop build one for me years ago when the 17hmr 1st came out. Beautiful gun. Has a stainless Clark Bull barrel with black flutes, black action, and a green and tan laminated thumbhole stock. Shoots .08” 5 shot group. You could literally shoot a rabbit in the eyeball at 150 yards. Loved it until it blew up in my face. The base of the fired case blew off and it feed another round inside the case stuck in the chamber locking it up. I was walking on a hunt, kneeled down for a shot, and had my elbow on my knee and my support hand holding the gun under the box mag. I had a black square (from the mag) burned in the palm of my hand and I was holding a bunch of broken springs. I took it back the the shop and he “fixed” it. This was all happening when they started recalling the factory guns. The gun smith drilled the bolt out and added a bunch of weight to it. I got it back years later and it works, but he warned me not the use really hot ammo in it. Since then I shot it a few times but totally lost interest in it. I don’t want to put a can on it bc that would make things worse. It just takes up precious real estate in my safe now. Such a waste...