Here's my rim fire game getter's. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> From the top Win. 9422 mag, Remington 550 takes S, L, LR, "first rifle", and a Saboti 22LR, oh yeah, and a Ruger 22/45.
When I'm small game hunting I like to use a shot gun, usually 20ga. and I bring the 22/45. I do prefer to eat the birds over the fur usually but it depends on the day and if the dog is with me.
I love my 22mag, and I'm pretty confident and competent with it out to 75 yards, there is no doubt in my mind that I could take med. sized game with it if it where legal, but it's not so I don't know, but it sure smacks the crap out of crows, raccoons, porcupines, rabbits and a occasional chipmunk or squirrel.
And as a side note porcupines are one tough animal, head shot needed.
All and all LR ammo is much cheaper and doesn't have all the kinetic shock of the Mag so if it where only one, I'd go LR, = less meat damage.
I haven't shot the .17 but I have a few buddies that are pretty impressed by it, and they are old school gun guys, but I would still look to the LR.
Helle