You can get a Marlin 917v at Walmart for about $179.00 the Savage 93 is about the same price. Both guns are shooters right out of the box but both need some trigger work or a Basik trigger. Both are bolt action. Ruger makes the 10/17 in semi-auto but I think the price is $400 or better. I would suggest you go to www.rimfire.com. there is a lot of info on the 17 hmr.

I own the Marlin 17V and find it is a great gun. The groups are tight at 100 yards and is a fun gun to shoot. I would suggest keeping the 223 and getting a Savage or Marlin bolt action.