The 204 ruger will do the job, but if there is a 20+ wind blowing it will effect your shot placement. I live on the high plains of NM where the wind never stops blowing, and I have made several shots on animals 250+ yards this year and dropped them in their tracks with mine. I have been shooting factory loaded Hornaday 40gr V-Max. On less windy days my die hard 223 fan buddy and I shoot at paper out to around 500 or so yards just to play, and let me tell you, this cartridge has made me a believer.

And no the 17 won't get it done at those ranges. The 17 HMR would get the job done close range, and I think it or the mach 2 should be the leading choice among trappers, but it doesn't have the velocity, or energy to be a long range dog killer. However, there is a new round on the market called the 17 rem fireball that looks interesting, but it’s ballistics don't really compare to the 204 ruger or 22-250.