There really is no comparison between the 22 lr and the 17 hmr. The 17 HMR is more like a 22 mag necked down to 17 caliber and performs more like a centerfire rifle. It is in a class of it's own as far as I can see.

Seems to be a bad little varmit round. I've never shot one myself. When they first came out I almost bought one but elected to get a 22 hornet instead and I'm glad I did because I have a little more versitility with the hornet.

Anyways, the 17 hmr definately has it's uses.