Ber,
If you ever kill your barrel, I would highly recommend trying Clark Custom for doing the rework.
Like Stick, I found my way into a used Clark custom in 17 HMR. It shoots every bit as good as my Cooper HMR but at a fraction of the cost.
Current estimate to take my Ruger 17/77 action, screw on a new blued, fluted varmint barrel, and provide their accuracy package which is basically removing machinery burrs to slick the action, head space, spring the trigger to 2lbs and hog out the stock for fit and finish....$567.00 plus shipping it home.
😎
