I also dunno about rifles and ammo--but it's a fine cartridge.
For several years after it appeared I used it as my primary prairie dog round, because it worked just as well as larger cartridges out to 300-350 yards--which in my experience is about how far most PD shooters can hit more than they miss in typical wind conditions.
But brass was always a problem, and when the .17 Hornady Hornet appeared I bought a CZ 527. It shot a little more accurately than the stainless/synthetic 700 .17 Fireball I had--and I couldn't tell any difference in field performance. Plus, .17 Hornet brass and factory ammo was far more available, much more "affordable," and powder charges were 2/3 as much.
