I keep toying with the idea of getting one, probably a barrel for my Contender or CZ, but it has limited utility for me; too 'splosive for small game and marginal for coyotes. $200 or $300 will buy a lot of components for other rifles that can do the same tricks with handloads. Maybe when I get really old, one would be fun at the range.
In my estimation the 17 HMR is a Western cartridge for the reasons you give, it is a perfect ground squirrel cartridge as it fills the gap from 100 yds to 150 yds where a 22 LR isn't enough carridge and the 20 and 22 caliber centerfires are too much. I don't think much of it as a PD cartridge, while it will kill them it isn't devastating enough to give instant kills like the centerfires and I do not like seeing any animal suffer - even PD's.
drover
