I agree with the 17 HMR having better capability at longer distances in the wind. I know that larger bullets buck the wind better but the 17 HMR is traveling basically 2.5x as fast as 22 which means a lot less time in the wind and the wind will have less effect on it. Longer range shooters are starting to shift to faster bullets these days. When you consider that 22 ammo costs 12 bucks or so for 550 rounds, that is cheap ammo that doesn't produce the accuracy I would like at 100 yards, however all the 17 HMR ammo out there is premium ammo, and when you compare premium 22 ammo to the 17 HMR stuff, the price gap is a lot less.

Decided to go with the Savage 93 with bull barrel it will be in by the weekend, can't wait

Am interested to see what you think of your new savage. I sent my Remington 597 back (recall) and I was given the option of taking a 917 replacement or a cash rebate. I'm taking the rebate (for a Remington gun only) but am looking at a 93 for my next 17hmr.

Good choice. I have a 93 with bull barrel. People talk about ''tackdrivers'' all the time, but let me tell ya, this gun is truly a tackdriver. You can shoot dimes all day at 50yds with no challenge whatsoever