Being new to the MP 15-22 Ive found out real quick that it loves the feds 550 bulk packs, flawless performance no miss fires and great groups and so far no ftes at all!!!Because Thunderbolt is complete and utter junk.
I once bought three boxes of 50. Put the first box through my P22 and noticed my accuracy was declining rapidly after the 3rd mag.
Put my bore light in and couldn't see any rifling grooves.
It took me soaking the barrel in break free for 30 minutes followed by scrubbing with a brush for 10 minutes to get the lead out.
Remington Golden Bullets can usually be obtained for 18 bucks per 550 at W-Mart. Still some failure to fire issues but they are a good plinking/squirrel round.
Federal and Winchester both put out rounds that go for 20ish bucks per 500 that are good.
I had problems loading the cylinder, and with extraction with
the Thunderbolt stuff. Also had FTF with plated Rem. rounds.
I'm only using Fed and CCI for revolvers. JMHO, TACC1
Have you tried CCI mini mags? 6-8 bucks per 100 but I've never had a ftf or a jam while using them on any .22 I've ever owned.
I use bulk pack most of the time but dang, the mini mags are sweet. In fact, they're the only thing (ok, I haven't tried the pricey eley stuff) that will not cause problems in my old Ruger MKI.
So the Thunderbolt round uses a lead bullet. I'm guessing this isn't good for the barrel. What are the other more popular rounds made of, and is that a better option for the barrel?