I totally agree with your thinking USMC. My only point in saying that was the 17 is often used for the same game a .22 mag would be. It is essentially the same cartridge with a lighter faster bullet.

The .22 mag has the advantage of having more down range power because of the heavier bullet, and slightly cheaper ammo. However the HMR has a better designed bullet, and now a few different offerings for different tasks. And a deffinate edge in accuracy and a flatter trajectory.

CThunter, If you don't want to use one that's fine, but do you care to expand on why? Just stating you will never use one doesn't help his decision on getting one much.

Paul