TRG , the only rifle I have myself is a 308 Tikka. I dont have a 223 but I did mention in a previous post that I would maybe consider one but my father has a 222 that I can use if I really wanted to.
Balistics table below shows the difference between the .17 hornet and the .22 hornet.
Hornet Comparison.
yards 0 100 200 300 400
17 hornet (20 grain) 3650/592 3078/421 2574/294 2122/200 1721/131
22 hornet (35 grain) 3100/747 2271/401 1590/197 1126/99 923 /66
figures expressed in velocity (fps) and energy ft/lbs
The .22 has an extra 15 grain bullet weight but the chart above shows in my eyes its in no comparison compared to the .17 Hornet. Fare enough out to 100 yards there isn't much fighting but the .17 soon starts to show up the .22 Hornet.
I personally disagree and think this .17 centerfire will take hold strongly in Britain and the fact it's ballistics above come out as they do it may end up that the .22 Hornet ends up being the unfavorable choice. There is also a 40 grain bullet available for the .17 Hornet for reloading as far as I am aware.
The rifle is mainly for vermin control and the fun factor plus my 6 year old girl is starting to show signs of interest so it'll be a good starting point for her to learn the most addict able obsession shooting is
Jamie