RE: 17 HM2 Not HMR ?
I have a Marlin 17HM2 and love it. Extremely accurate. Took it P-dog hunting in western OK a year ago. Doesn't do well in the strong wind but dogs within 150 yards were toast.
There were places you could find a box of shells for around $3.79. I stocked upseveral thousand. Way cheaper to shoot than the HMR.
Several buddies converted Ruger 10/22 over with a barrel change and heavier bolt knob. They were hosing the dogs with them.