So, if I understand this right..
The .17 HMR is capable of killing animals up and including coyote's, without much of a problem... Some people use them for coyotes, I've heard mixed results. I've talked to people that say the coyote drops like it was hit with the hammer of Thor, others say they run off never to be seen again. What I've killed with mine have been raccoons, squirrels and crows.
With that, "IF" rim fire cartridges were legal for deer, then a well placed shot (head, neck) could/would even bring down a deer sized animal ..? I think the 17 grain VMax bullet would just give a nasty surface would. It's going fast but it's atiny bullet with very little energy
It is just a 22 mag. case necked down to the .17 cal., Right ? Yes
I take it the .17 HMR has more range than the 22 mag., but are they also more accurate than the 22 mag..??? I don't know about more range, but my 17's are more accurate than my 22 Mag. Others may have different results but that's my experience
What is the (killing) range of a .17 HMR ??? There again, light bullet, low energy. I'd say 100-125 yards or so, depending on the game. I shot a crow at 175 a few years ago and it "poofed" him.