Stevens 25 converted to 17M2

[chickenstripe]

I recently ran across a "modified" Stevens 25 relined and converted to 17M2.

Does anyone see an issue with the strength of this action when paired with this new cartridge?

[NoZombies]

The .17 M2 will have less bolt face thrust than the .25 stevens did, so as long as the action was holding up for the original chambering, it should be fine with the new chambering.

[Earlwb]

I would agree, it should not be a problem. Have fun. Sounds like a great setup there.

[rwadley]

Make sure it goes "bang". The 25 Stevens is a larger case and the firing pin may not hit the rim correctly.

[Chev. William]

From what I have read:
.17HM2 case diameter is .226", MAP possibly same as 22LR.
.17HMR case diameter is .242", MAP is 26,000psi.
.17WSM case diameter is .269", MAP is 33,000psi.

The .17HM2 should have the Same Bolt (Breech Face) thrust as a .22 Long rifle RF round, which is well within the capabilities of the Stevens 1894 favorite action strengths.

The .17HMR would have Bolt (Breech face) Thrust about the Same as a .22WRF, which is upper end for a 1894 Favorite and usable in a 1915 Favorite with care and strengthened Pivot Screws.

The .17WSM is more suitable for a Stevens Model 44 or Ideal Action.
Modern Day CPA Actions would be very good with this cartridge as they are capable of far higher Breech Face thrust.

Best Regards,
Chev. William

[Ballistics in Scotland]

The bolt thrust shouldn't be a problem, but check the size and fit of the firing-pin, as the pressure is probably quite a bit higher.

[vh2q]

The weak point on this action is actually the pin/screw that retains the lever and the link. They are soft steel and the design puts a load in the middle of the pin rather like standing in the middle of a 2x4 set up on concrete blocks at either end. You can make a stronger pin out of heat treated drill rod or even a grade 8 bolt. You can also enlarge the pin slightly which will take care of the sloppiness that develops in a lot of these old actions and make everything tight again. As mfg, the pin is a rather odd size anyway. Go up to the next larger letter drill bit size, drill or ream the holes in the action, link and lever to this size and then of course make the pin this size as well.

[Chev. William]

Re: Pivot Screw/Pins for Stevens Favorite and Model 44 actions.
Grade 8 SAE Bolts as Source are Good idea. Also Consider even Stronger High Strength Alloy Bolts to Aerospace (MS and NAS Spec.) or Even 'Stressproof' Alloy Steel (1144) and Add some Further Heat treating, Nitriding, or Case Hardening to it for increased Wear Resistance.
Also "Muzzleloader Builder Supply" Does make replacements from either 1144 or 4130 Alloy, depending upon the Screw/Pin involved and there are Also Alloy Steel Dowel Pins that could be used.
Also Remember to Do the Same "Beef Up" of the Breech Block Pivot Screw as it is required to withstand about 1.4 to 1.5 times the Breech Face Thrust due to the Geometry of the Action.

Best Regards,
Chev. William