Jim Conrad: I have had a LOT to do with both cartridges you mention.
I have owned a 17 HMR Rifle from the first month they were ever offered - I now have 5 (five!) Rifles and 1 (one!) pistol chambered in this incredible and and incredibly useful cartridge!
I heartily recommend you add the 17 HMR Rifle to your arsenal!
On occasion I will grab one of my 17 HMR Rifles and plink an invading Varmint around my house without ear protection - a round or two is very easily sufferable in my experience.
In my Smith & Wesson revolver in caliber 17 HMR I would not even consider shooting it without hearing protection.
17 HMR, yeah I can just about guarantee that you will be happy with one!
And it will indeed "compliment" the 17 Hornet also being available to you.
Long live the 17 HMR.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy
