"Again, if it were $3 for a box of 50, that would be different"
Actually, I think Midway USA & Natchez has Remington 17M2 for a little over $3.00 a box. Ely can be bought for a little over $4. Thats alot less than the $9-10 a box for the 17HMR. Yes, I know 22 lr can be bought for $1.50, but that level does not have the same accuracy. To buy equilavent accurate 22 ammo you are going to spend $4-5 a box. The HMR is also pretty destructive on squirrels you want to eat. The 17M2 is just about right, & shoots like a lazer beam. I bought a Cooper Jackson Squirrel rifle in Mach2. If I can see it, I can kill it!