i can assure you that when the .17 hits meat it is awesome.i have shot beavers,armadillos and coyotes and none have gone past the point of impact.this with the cci hp and the hornady bt.i have never thought such a small bullet could cause so much damage.i never shoot cans or toy trucks since the shells cost about .20 cents a piece.you can tear a squirrels head up with a .22 hp,but you can take it off with the .17.