I have been following this thread with interest. We seem to have a consensus that these old cast action Ballards are OK as 22 rimfires, particularly as target rifles wherein only lower velocity loads are used. We also apparently have a consensus that converting to any CF cartridge is not a good idea. If someone suggested making the rifle into a Hornet or a Bee, we would all reply "NO" in bold capital letters.
But where do the 17 HMR and 22 WMR carridges stand in the continuum from "safe" to "unsafe" with these old actions? How much pressure do they generate when compared with a standard velocity 22 rimfire? And what is the nature of that pressure application? And how well does an insert handle that pressure? Particularly an insert held in place with something like glas?
I'm with JD. The old Ballard in the photo has the makings of a dandy 22 Schuetzen.
