DON'T GET A 17 !!!

i shoot a .204 ruger: http://www.savagearms.com/12fvsingleshot.htm

i can take out a squirell up to a coyote from 200--300 yds away and with more velocity and energy than a 223. the disadvantage is there are few choices of ammo, but what is available in .204 is sweet shooting from a hornady vmax ballistic tip to a winchester jacketed hollowpoint and a couple in between. plus, you can reload the 204 to your own desires and location. if most of wat u shoot is within 100 yds u can tame down the 204 so that it doesn't go as fast or as far. or u can put it on steroids and do 300+ yard shots with less recoil than a 223.

the rifle i have cost me $550. and then another $300 for a 3-9x40leopold vari X II scope.

also, the 17 will stray after 150 yds and if ya shoot it in a fair wind the bullet will tumble sumthin' awful!! the 204 will accomplish 3/8" groups at 100yds and less than an inch at 200yds. if you're gonna shoot coyotes or smaller (and if its leagal, a head shot on a deer) then the 204 is best by all means. deer or large game, geta .243 or 30-06.