Past 100 yards the results won't be "explosive" (the FUN part about owning a ,17!) but the .22's results are not real explosive at ANY range.
But I think it's reasonable to expect 1 shot kills on rabbit sized game (and under) in the 150-175 yard range with a 17. At least, that's been my experience. And whereas with my .22 have to hold *inches* high, at 150 yards I hold dead on with my .17. I am consistantly shocked and amazed at the accuracy of my .17. There is overlap between the .17 and the .22, but in my opinion it's like the overlap between a .243 and 30-06. Each have their place, each can do some of what the other can, but there a right time for each, too.