The hornet if you reload can be better option, but very expensive if you don't. Good for both rabbits and fox in those areas where rimfire is not allowed for fox - like here in Essex !!
I have prefered the .17hmr over the .22LR (and sold the latter). I do a lot of bunny bashing using an NV add-on and walk about using sticks for a couple or three hours of a night. I often shoot 20 to 30 rabbits and as long as you are careful in your own movements on those nice dark nights the super sonic crack is not much of an issue! Indeed, the sound of the round often causes those hiding to pop their heads up for an often fatal look at "what was that ?". The .17hmr trajectory really comes into it's own at night then and really it is good fun.....if a little lazy !!!
Similarly, I have not found the super sonic crack that much more disruptive than the .22LR. While the .22LR is near silent the sound of the bullet hitting home can scare those near by, and as the sound is near by is can cause scattering. Indeed, on a lots of farms where there are gas-gun bird scarers and the like the wild life tends to be used to bangs and crashes....It can be your own field craft that makes more of a difference.
The real downside to .17hmr over .22LR is the cost per shot !!!
Just my take....but as is always said....each to their own.
Cheers + ATVB
Philip