I had a mint Remington 597 17 HMR heavy barrel laminated stock that had about 200 rounds total although it was 4 years old. I took it out to shoot and after a few rounds the metal around the slot in the bolt that holds the handle broke out. Bad news, out of warranty and no parts avaialble to me directly. So I sent it to Remington and a few weeks later they called and offered to replace it with a new 597 same model but in 22 mag. I agreed and a new 22 mag 597 should be coming my way.

they said they were going to quit making the 597 in 17 HMR.

Why can't Remington replace the bolt? Both cartridges use the same case so I would think the same bolt would work for both cartridges.

Oh well. I'm glad they're sending you a new rifle.

The 17's are a very finicky round in a semi auto, much more violent than the 22's. Manufacturers tried to save money by just modifying the 22LR and 22WMR to work for the 17's instead of just taking the time to make all new guts and do it right.

I would venture to guess that the .17HMR bolt is a tad heavier to account for the steeper pressure curve of the .17HMR (over the .22WMR).

Whoops! My bad.

I thought the 597 was a bolt-action.

The one I tried was. On about every 3rd or 4th round anyway.

Ain't that the truth....