RE: .17 HMR has anyone tried?
 

Maybe a 223 bolt action or a Nef 223 would serve you better.

RE: .17 HMR has anyone tried?
 

Just read an article about 22 mag and 17 hmr in the wind. Author stated the 17 had less wid effect than 22 mag at 100 yrds at the range. The wind was blowing pretty hard but I do not remember the speed or where I read the article.

I have a Marlin and it shoots great!!! not much left of the ground squirrels from this summer. I wish I had video of the impacts. It would almost blow them apart. I haven't tried this round on anything other than squirrels. I am waiting on groundhogs this spring.