I have shoot several yotes with a .22wmr while running dogs.No I dont think it is a great round for that but it worked for me.I dont own a 17hmr but I bought my father in law one in a ruger and have shot a stray dog with it,it ran off like it never got hit and died about 100 yards away.One of my brother in laws shoots every thing with his some die right there some run off.I have really mixed feelings about the 17hmr. I will just shoot my swift.