Thread: How do you build your own rifle?

Hey guys,
I have a perfectly good, almost brand new 223 in my gun safe (that doesn't get used). What I was thinking of doing was flicking it off for a 17 Hornet when they come out. I love my little 17HMR, but want a little more range, and not to have to buy overpriced, inconsistent factory ammo.

Instead, I could use what I've got (or sell it) and build my own rifle. I like the sound of having a wildcat rifle, and a 17-223 sounds like a good idea to me (sure it's not all that efficient for powder usage... and it's nearly the same as a 17 remington, but hell who cares).

So, if one of you guys that likes to build your own rifles was going to go through a process like this... what would you do and where would you go to get stuff?

I'm wondering if I can just get a 223 action from Howa, get a custom barrel from somewhere (no idea where or what cost), and put it all together in a Boyds stock.

Is this something someone with reloading knowledge good enough to reload factory rounds (and no fancy shit) should be attempting? I obviously don't want to blow myself up loading for a caliber that doesn't exist.