... snip...
If you put a scope on yours, I'd suggest the Medium rings. I originally tried Low rings and couldn't comfortably cock the hammer under the bell of my Nikon 4X. A bigger scope would have been impossible.
It might be possible to use an extension on the hammer and keep a low scope mount. There are advantages to low mounting. The scope height is a factor on head shots and has to be allow for. I will always try for a low scope mount first. It might be better to get a Leupold 2-7x rimfire scope. The Nikon's are on the big side.
I shoot 1 inch at 100 yards with either Hornady Vmax 30 grain or CCI 30 grain polymer tip in all my 22 mag rifles. One or the other. The green ammo, does not have a very good reputation for accuracy. You almost need a new 25 caliber rimfire for green ammo to get the required mass. For the rest of the world, 22mag seems a good choice for long range and versatility. There is no ammo shortage or price disadvantage today. That is an old story.
I have a ruger, cz and anschutz bolt actions in 22mag. All three will deliver 1 inch at 100 yards for 5 shots. And will zero to shoot within an inch of point of aim at 25, 50,75 and 100 yard targets with vmax. With accurate shot placement, the 40 gr FMJ, takes the 22mag to the next level.
A good comparison, IMHO, between 17 hrm and 22mag is how the 243 stacks up against the 308. The 308 will do 'almost' as well as the 243 on small stuff at longer ranges while the 243 falls way short on black bear, moose or elk size game.
I would love to get an 1885 in 22mag or maybe a Hornet. ... I need to save my pennies.