Jim; my experience is limited to the HMR only so please take my comments with a grain of salt.
The 17 HMR I have a is a CZ, I forget the model but it is about 10 years old. My primary use has been on gophers (richardson ground squirrels) and tree squirrels. Most of my shots are taken from seated over crossed sticks, very effective out to 185 yards where my ability to judge hold over and wind becomes an issue.
Farmers I know who are not gun guys (so they have not been told or read that its too small) use the .17 HMR on coyotes with no complaints.
I would suggest having foam or rubber ear plugs available if you value your long term hearing. Especially if firing from within the truck.
Just my humble opinion. Hopefully others able to provide a more balanced perspective will chime in. (by the time I posted those voices already chimed in
)
All the best.
GRF
