Fast and flat. I have a bull barrel bolt action that I love.
I enjoy shooting my Ruger 17HMR, but the price of the ammo is very high and I never complain about the price of ammo. I sure wouldn't mind reloading 17, but I'd bet it would be cost-prohibitive.
If you'd like a reloadable 17 centerfire, instead of the rimfire 17 HMR, do a search for "Hornady 17 Hornet".
OR .17 Rem. or .17 fireball. or. . . .or. . . .
Many options.
I think the .17 Hornet will be pricey. For a few cents more you might as well get .223 and call it a day.
Hornady 17 Hornet Ammo - $21.43
http://www.google.com/products/cata...T9G9I-ja0QGgrs3XBg&ved=0CEoQgggwAA#scoring=tp
Comparable Cheap .223 Ammo - $26.89
http://www.google.com/products/cata...T5bJEMrd0QGVxOnNBg&ved=0CFYQgggwAg#scoring=tp
Granted, there are better sites and prices fluctuate, but with prices that close why not get more bang for your buck? no pun intended...
The 17 Hornet's claim to fame is that it has nearly identical ballistics as the .223. If the costs is going to be so close, and the results are going to be close, I seen no reason to have another cartridge sitting around the house.