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.22LR is going to be easier to find in (cheap) quantity, although market conditions have narrowed the gap quite a bit. .17HMR offers significantly longer effective/accurate range, -much- flatter trajectory, and better projectiles. It also tends to be much more accurate in my experience, probably as a result of the superior bullet design. The .17HMR is far from a gimmick (although .17M2 is basically a waste of time), and offers decided advantages in every area except for price and weapon availability. .22LR is still significantly cheaper in quantity, and there are far more rifles built for the .22 than the .17. However, shooting a .17HMR to its' full potential is something you'll be much more able to do after a few thousand rounds worth of practice, which .22LR will let you do for a lot less money.
Grab the .22 now, upgrade later. The .17HMR will drop 'chucks and crows out to 200-250 yards, but only if you, the shooter, have the chops for it. Practice first, then show off.
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