With regards to the 17HMR.
I really like the cartridge.
I have 2 bolt savage heavy barreled rifles that are excellent shooters.
I have inexpensive 20 x scopes on them, and with Hornady 17 grain and 20 grain bullets they will put 10 rnds at 100 yds dime size grp. Witnessed, I have the target, shot on a still summer day.
An excellent 125-150 yd ground squirrel round, as long as the wind isn't too bad.
The grandkids like them, and as long as grndpaw supplies ammo.
That is the only drawback if you are used to .22 ammo costs, the 17HMR is around .20- .25 a shot.
I have found that the A17 ammo is 125 fps faster than the standard Hornady, chronographed.
Try a couple of brands, and then buy it if you can find it on sale.
I also have 2 semis by Savage, 1 stock barrel, one heavy barrel. They like the A17 ammo, but my very big complaint is their lousy trigger. I mean a poorly designed trigger. It looks like a accutrigger, and
is adjusted like one, but it is NOT an accutrigger. Easy to clean, need a .17 cal rod,rush, patches.
Nuff said, it is a really fun cartridge, far more accurate than most .22's.