I have shot stray dogs in the head, dropped them, have never taken a body shot. So for my final words on the subject(maybe not). .22wmr 40gr has greater KE than the .17HMR, only about 35 lbs more, but the .17HMR is far more accurate and flatter shooting, so what is more important, harder hitting, or accuracy? It is up to the individual, and I should not push my opinions on others.