Originally Posted By: Smokeless
As long as the Super Hummer doesn't turn into another elk/bear gun, we are good.
As to "upping the odds" if you don't have a 17 Winchester Mag and have to buy one, you can just as easily and cost effectively by a 17 HH and be done with it.
I would only use the 17 rim fires for trophy mouse hunts and such, but that's just me.
The good thing about all this Smokeless, as you eluded to, is that we all have our own opinions. It might be mice for you and fox for someone else.
What I am waiting to hear is how this new round might perform on predators, ie coyotes, bobcats and fox and to hear some real-life stories. Up front initially in my mind is that this new round "might" be a neat fox cartridge - maybe. The HMR has killed fox, but not to the point of what I would consider a good choice for them. Not sure about the V-Max 20 gr. bullet either, but maybe some of the ammo manufacturers might later join in and come up with a bullet that penetrates a bit better, such as what I have found with the CCI 20 gr. Game Point in the HMR.
I currently have serious doubts that the new cartridge would even be considered a remotely good coyote round, though no doubt some will take coyotes with it. Bobcats are tough critters to drop on the spot, in my experience, but "maybe" this cartridge in the hands of a seasoned hunter might be a pelt saver. Fox - I'm thinking it might show a better score there. But, I'm just thinking out loud since I don't know yet.
Most of us recognize this new round, small as it is, rimfire, and not in the same class as a .223, is not going to be a super predator round. But also, the new Winchester load at 3,000 fps (if that's for real) is not too shabby, especially for a rimfire, and is right in the middle of the HMR and .17 HH.
Also to consider is this: Some guys don't reload and some guys are restricted to rimfires. As well, some guys hunt areas where noise is a factor and where higher powered stuff might pose a problem. There's all kinds of reasons why someone might want the new cartridge over the .17 HH. For me personally, and no doubt a lot of others, I want both. I enjoy rimfires, and this one is the most suped-up one I have ever seen. How it might perform in the field remains to be seen. Ammo cost isn't a factor in my mind just yet, maybe it will be later, but cartridge capability and accuracy are what I want to hear about, ponder and consider.
And so, the new round will get a lot of publicity, be it positive or negative, from a lot of people who use it for this or that, and with success and failure. It will be interesting to see how things develop. Personally, I'm anxious to see the stories and photos begin.
As to it being an elk / bear gun, well, I know you are exaggerating and know your meaning. You just have to bear with (and overlook) those who want to take it grizzly hunting. Claw marks on their back might lead them to take your advice and spring for the .17 HH.