Well I think it might have a chance if they can keep the price of ammo less than $2 per box of 50. The .22 LR is not a powerhouse or a long range cartridge. in .17 cal it would be a little flatter , but still not a long range load. It might be a tack driver just right for popin squirrels, and small game under 50 yds. The .22 LR has been around for a long time and with hiper velocity loads the only niche I see for the .17LR would be that the cartridge gave a higher velocity and was more accurate than the hiper velocity .22 loads. But for general plnking you would be hard pressed to beat the current .22LR.IMHO