RE: 17 hmr vs 22-250
I finally bought a new rifle because I also could never find a fur freindly load for my 22-250. I tried soft points, and although they rarely didn't exit, they rarely made a big exit hole. I tried ballistic tips, I tried V-max, and I tried hollow points. I finally took the dive and bought a smaller rifle. For one reason, I rarely have shots over 250 yards, so I went down to the .204 and have been very pleased.
I think no matter the load you use in the 22-250, you're going to have some big holes sometimes, unless you shoot'em all 250+ yards out, where the bullet has slowed down enough to have less energy and less damage.
200 yards with the hmr huh, that has GOT to be stretching the capabilitys of that round, no matter the bullet used.