I've owned 3 17's. Two BDL's and one LVSF, all M700's. They were all finicky to load for, and the last one, ironically, the most expensive, shot the worst. I could not get it to shoot under an inch consistently. I saved for two years for an LVSF and then got one and the dang thing wouldn't shoot. I was very disappointed. That was the last 17 I owned.
My brother has a Remington classic that shoots awesome and is not nearly as finicky. My bro-in law has a Tikka and it also shoots great.
If you are looking for a fur saver, you can't beat the 17 Remington with 25gr bullets.
Shooting stationary called coyotes I rarely got exits on the coyotes I shot, and most times, the little bullet levelled them, DRT!
Comparatively I find the 204 with 35gr bullets a little harder on hides.
The 223 with 52gr bullets is harder hitting and definitely harder on hides.
Overall, the 17 is a fun cartridge to play with. I did find it that it simply requires more work all around than other small cartridges.