Hornady ammo is not cheap but its available. Cases last a long time due to the relatively low pressure. I doubt brass are hard to sell once fired

It is a shame more gun makers didn't jump on board and make the 17 wsm. It really fills the gap between the 22lr and the centerfires. Not a huge difference between the 22lr and the 17 hmr. And yes, I know not a huge difference between the 17 super and 22mag but 17 super does deal with side wind a bit better.

I have never played with a 17WSM so will not speak for it, but I have had a ruger 17HMR sense the year they came out and love it. My particular rifle shoots 1/2moa on calm days and with my scope height it works out to be on at about 25yrds, dead on at 100 (my zero), 4 inches low at 150, and 8 inches low at 200. I have absolutely no issue with shooting vermin like coyotes out to 200 yards if the wind is low. Wind however will play a big factor with the little 17grn pills so practice in the wind is needed to get proficient adjusting for the said wind. This is not a problem as I love range days. I have taken longer shots with clean kills on coyotes, but it is not what I would call a reliable yote gun past the 200 yard mark. As for ammo availability, I see the 17HMR ammo regularly at the stores when the others are nowhere to be found. Although several brands and weights of HMR ammo my rifle prefers the 17gr Hornady so it would do well to try them all and see what a new rifle likes if you do go with a 17HMR.
And no I am not talking up the HMR just because it was a gift from my lovely bride, quite the contrary. When she gave it to me I was thinking this little pill will be worthless to me, but I have grown to love the thing. It rides in the truck or UTV with me at all times.

I say never waist an opportunity to justify a new gun, good luck with your decision.

My vote is 22 Hornet

I’d chose the hornet also or the 17 hornet hand loaded with a 25 or 30 grain bullet. I’ve had too many run I with the 22 mag

Killed a couple hundred with the 22mag. Shot placement is very important. 29 yards. Head shot.



Really like the 22 hornet. 10 grain heavier bullet moving 1000fps faster. Gets the job done in close. 29 yards. Chest shot and anchored.

Was waiting for you to weigh in. You’ve done the testing for sure. I’ve only shot a few and the 22 mag requires tracking with rib shots

You forgot the .17 Rem The mighty mouse of the .17's parent case .222 mag.

I have shot a few with a .17 with a ballistic tip it must turn their brain to soup they don't flinch. Shot anywhere but the head, they do a few merry-go-rounds and then run off somewhere which is fine with me.

I've yet to use my .17 hmr on coyotes but I used it on squirrels when I first got it.I was kinda thinking something along the lines of a .22.I was using CCI ballistic tips and I can tell you its no squirrel round.

I shoot those pesky red squirrels with mine and it blows their whole head off or cuts them nearly in half.

.204 Ruger should at least get some consideration if .223s are getting recommended

it wouldn't be any quieter and if you go look at midway usa right now there is ZERO available for purchase if you look at 223 there are 127 available options

it is largely getting recommended because it is available and at as reasonable a price as ammo comes these days , and you can use it for a large variety of things.