I have 2 17Rems. A M700 Rem. and a L46 Sako single shot with a #4 Douglas barrel. The Sako wears a Weaver KT15 for a scope and has become 1 of my 2 favorite ground squirrel guns. The other being an L46 Sako 222.

Anyway, I shoot 20gr. VMax in the 17 Sako at just over 4000fps. It's like aiming a lazer beam. On squirrels and magpies, their as far as I can hit them. Their in real trouble out to 300yds, on a still day.

In the Rem. I shot a stash of the old 25gr. Rem. HPs.
I've used my 17 for coyote calling but personally like alittle more gun.
The most accurate bullets in both of my 17s are Bergers, but the VMax aren't far behind and they are cheaper.

I've had no problem with fouling barrels, even now that I quite using molly on the bullets I still get at least 40-50 rounds and really see no fouling effect.
It's easy to shoot small groups because of lack of recoil and you also see the hits on critter from same.

Overall I like my 17s and will rebarrel my Sako back to same cal. when I shoot it out. Call em in close___ Pedro

Less than most .224 bores, which would be less than 6mm's, etc. etc. etc.