I've got personal experience with Savage MK II, Henry Golden Boy and Marlin 25 (I think) rifles in 17HMR.
The only one I've shot that DID NOT split cases and either cause a malfunction or blow crap back in your face -or both - was the Marlin.
The Henry was sent back to the factory twice for repair. The second time they just shipped a new rifle. It did the same thing
For the reasons above, I don't like the 17 HMR.
Really wish I could find one that was reliable though
Could be ammo related but they all did it with both CCI and Hornady ammo
What about the Savage MKII in 22lr. I got one of those and have never had the blow back problem and it is fairly accurate to boot with the right ammo. I assume it is the cartage that is causing it RIGHT?
Oh the MK II in ,22LR is a totally different ballgame.
The ones I've owned shot and shot against would shoot like a laser beam with most any decent ammo you feed them and are very reliable.
From what I can tell, yes, it's the cartridge design.
You don't even have the problem with 22WMR
