I have a Model 18 which I use for new shooters and of course for myself because it's a dream to shoot.

When I first bought it, I made the mistake of using that craptastic Remington Thunderbolt ammunition in it. Predictably, in hind sight at least, it fouled the barrel pretty heavily. It took over an hour for me to get the leading out of the barrel.

Since then I've only used plated or at the least copper washed ammunition in that and my Model 63.

Which brings me to my question. I 'm going on a trip south and will be bringing the Model 18 with me. My daughter in law likes to shoot it, and is in fact pretty good. The 325 count box of Auto match is the right size to carry with me, but it's lead, not copper.

Has anyone used it in a revolver and if so how is it in regards to leading the barrel?

I'm just a bit skittish about using lead ammunition in that firearm.

Thanks,

Gary

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Can open, worms everywhere.

Truthfully, I can't say I have ever had an issue with .22's leading up a barrel. I have shot pretty much every brand, grain weight, configuration and lubricating method (copper plated, waxed, unwaxed, etc.) without any problems, even the crummy Remington Thunderbolts and "Bucket o' Bullets" cheapo stuff). Not purposely trying to make you feel bad, just telling you the plain truth - 22's are pretty clean shooting and are the easiest guns to clean.

Is it possible that the gun was not very clean to begin with when you shot it that day? That's the only thing that comes to mind.

I have shot the Federal Auto Match ammo and I find it to be one of the better .22 RF ammo out there.

I'd just cleaned the gun when I shot it. It was new to me and I always clean my guns before I shoot them the first time. I had the same experience with Thunderbolt in the Model 63 and a Walther P22.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

Federal Auto Match is pretty good ammo and has not leaded my .22's to any degree. Doesn't stick in the chambers on S&W .22 revolvers either.

The only .22 ammo I've had lead severely, and I do mean severely was a case of CCI Blazer I bought three years ago. Lead would come out of the barrel in three inch long stings. After 200 rounds in my Ruger MK III, a round would no longer chamber. Something drastically wrong with the lube. I still have two bricks if someone is desperate for .22 ammo

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Virtue,Liberty & Independence

Thanks. I'm leaning toward bringing it along.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

No comparison. The Fed match are quality and Thunderbolts are not. The 325 box is just right sized. Go for it. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

Thanks. Yeah, the virtue of the Thunderbolts (if you want to call it that) is that it's dirt cheap. My 10/22 isn't fussy and will shoot it all day. My S&Ws are a bit more particular.

I'm pretty sure that's what I'm going to bring with me since it will fit in the space I have and will give us more than enough ammunition.

Thanks.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

If you are going to be shooting for more than an afternoon...That ISN'T "more than enough ammunition"

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M&P 22,22c,9c,45c
Shield 9

Chances are we're only going to get to shoot one time while I'm down there. This is a short trip, so we have to pack a lot in to a few days, including Thanksgiving and my grandson's birthday party.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

I've had a lot more trouble with the cylinder leading up and getting sticky compared to the barrel. I shoot mostly CCI SV.

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Common sense isn't so common.

I shoot Fed AutoMatch in my rifles and Ruger 22/45 with no leading at all. A friend of mine just shot some thunderbolt in one of his rifles and it leaded up solid to the lands. That rifle has never leaded with any other 22 ammo. He shoots AutoMatch in the same rifle all day with no leading.