.17 hmr or wsm?

The WSM would not be a good round for squirrels if that's what you're asking.

For hogs I'd I'd prefer it though. Faster and slightly heavier would get you better penetration

unless live out in the west with tons of yotes, javelinas or gophers, I really don't understand the practicality or efficiency of buying that round in the deep south?

WSM is a rimfire so it is allowed on the refuge - hogs yes squirrels no

Been killing squirrels a number of years and in my experience the best overall round for edible squirrel hunting is the 22 LR. Next up Id' say is the 17 Mach 2. Much flatter shooting than the 22 LR and only slightly more destructive. The 22 Mag is good too under certain circumstances w/ FMJ loads, but they can be hard to find. As someone else mentioned, the 17 HMR is too destructive for edible squirrels. I've been meaning to try the FMJ loads mentioned here, but I've not seen any in 1 1/2 years. Since the 17 WSM has 25% more velocity than the 17 HMR I hate to think what it would do to a squirrel. In addition, the flatter trajectory of the 17 WSM is not really needed to hunt tree squirrels. Having said that, the 17 WSM would be very useful on a ground squirrel or prairie dog hunt. Are you contemplating using a rimfire on WMA hog hunts because center fires are not allowed during the off season? I ask because I don't know the WMA rules. How will you be hunting hogs? If that's the case, the 22 Mag would probably be the best choice of weak options.