[aa1911]

I did some long range testing of the .17 HMR when it came out and bought my first one (Marlin bolt gun), it is the 2nd most accurate rifle I own next to my .22 target rifle but at anything past 100m or so was terrible. I took it out to 230 yds but could barely keep it on butcher block paper, it crapped out pretty bad by 125yds in light to no wind conditions. The .222 is a proven accurate round much more capable at longer ranges.

But the biggest one for me is that .222 can be reloaded! I've only got one and it's in an O/U rifle/shotgun combo with a 20g. But from what you said, it may be a disadvantage; .17 is buy, shoot, forget.

Not discrediting the .17 HMR though, it's a very successful cartridge; it's just severely limited in contrast to the .222

This dilema has been solved by buying both! Maybe I just got lucky but the Marlin I got in .17 is stupid accurate for $200 it's hard to beat. Let us know what ya get!