I love my HMR. It has accounted for 6 ground hogs, 2 Skunks, 21 coons, almost 50 tree rats, and 1 yote. Never had one problem with the 17. For the ground hogs, and the yote I used the 20gr load. All the others the 17gr load was used. Never had a problem on the tree rats, but I just shoot them in the head. Great little round, and my 17 is my go to rifle at the farm.