I have no experience with wolf hunting, but based on what first hand accounts I've read, I'd say you'd be at a huge disadvantage with a .17 cartridge. The bulk of wolf hunting advice I've read suggested a rifle with the ability to make shots at extended ranges. Some suggest a capability of hitting a wolf sized target at 700y or more. Anything in the .17 range wouldn't get you halfway there, and then if you think about their range in the northern Rockies and the wind conditions that you may face, I'd be looking at something with a minimum of a heavy 6mm bullet to mitigate wind and deliver enough energy to reach those extended ranges. There are folks here who have killed piles of wolves, and they might say otherwise. I'd listen to them.