That's why I was hoping for a ready made caliber to load down sufficiently to the 2500-3000fps. I fully realize cost wise it's a wash, but availability is the real problem here. I still have yet to see rimfire ammo in stores. There has been some coming, but guys sit there at 5AM waiting for them to open and buy it all. I'm sure those are the creeps selling it for $45-50 for a 500 round pak.

I have always loved rimfire but I have no qualms with loading centerfire as a replacement. Part of the problem is the manuals all assume folks want the most velocity possible, so starting loads are not for folks like me. Yes, I realize less powder in some loads can cause severe pressure spikes, thus why I posted my question. I focused on the 17 partly due to very light weight bullets and their very frangible nature.