I finally got a chronograph of my own and have been checking some loads.The 17 hmr loaded with lil gun has been pushing the 25 grain Hornady at 2455 fps. which gives it more energy than a 22 mag and a lot more range.It can go higher but wouldn't recommend it.Just thought I would pass it on.
As far as being dangerous,the pressures being used to extract the bullet and seat the new one is so slight that the chances of a discharge are extremely slim.As with any reloading take it slow when approaching your max loads and inspect your casings closely after every shot.