The 17 HMR has a little more range and speed than the 22 Mag.,but not enough for me to give up my 22 mag..IF you are looking for a very,very cheap gun,yet accurate.Look at the Rossi's,you can buy one of these cheaper than a marlin 22.I have one in the varmit gun,.223 single shot,I can put 10 shots in a 2" square at 200 yds.They sell them with a 3-9 x40mm Simmons scope.I paid 189.00 new for mine,the plain jane Rossi rifle will cost you about 115.00 to 125.00 bucks new(no scope or heavey barrel.)
You can also get it in the 17 HMR,243 win,270 wsm,30-06,44 mag and some others.Hope this helps,BBJ