The big advantage of the 17 over the 22mag is range and usually accuracy. I have both and have shot a variety of both in different guns. The 17HMR is very accurate and flat shooting in comparison to the Mag. The Mag has more ft/lbs but is less frangible. I feel there is no difference in game that either are capable of taking with a well placed shot. On coyotes, I wouldn't shoot past 100yds with either. Fox, groundhogs, crows, and other smaller game, I take longer shots with the HMR because it is much flatter and more accurate making longer shots easier. The Mag is capable of clean kills at the same ranges as the HMR, but hitting your target in the right place is much harder with the Mag. Bottom line, 100yds and under I would not care which one I had in my hands. Past that I would stick to the HMR.
