22 LR
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My experience says you are correct. Even high velocity 36 grnrs will not cycle some .22 LR semi-autos.
Through the Appleseed program shooting many tens of thousands of .22 rounds a year through semi carbines, the usual threshold is 40 grains at over 1200 fps (high velocity, not target or standard velocity).
That being said, if a certain load works for you, fine. There are wide variations between .22 LR loadings, some better some worse. When you find what works for you, stock up.
I like the Federal AutoMatch 325-round bulk pack, 40 grns @ 1200 fps according to the specs on the box. Works in all my semi-auto rifles and pistols. Reasonably priced and not too dirty.
Through the Appleseed program shooting many tens of thousands of .22 rounds a year through semi carbines, the usual threshold is 40 grains at over 1200 fps (high velocity, not target or standard velocity).
That being said, if a certain load works for you, fine. There are wide variations between .22 LR loadings, some better some worse. When you find what works for you, stock up.
I like the Federal AutoMatch 325-round bulk pack, 40 grns @ 1200 fps according to the specs on the box. Works in all my semi-auto rifles and pistols. Reasonably priced and not too dirty.
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Ranger17
Member
I have not had any ammo issues in my SW compact, and that includes both 36 & 40 gn mini mags plus different Fed ammo.
My Buckmark has a near perfect record with mini mags in general and the Fed can be spotty at times. Most issues if they do arise tend to be failure to fire.
Guess for me as it can depend on the gun a bit, I'd too suggest if one has a new 22 to try small amounts of different brands/grains to see what their gun prefers and stick with it.
My Buckmark has a near perfect record with mini mags in general and the Fed can be spotty at times. Most issues if they do arise tend to be failure to fire.
Guess for me as it can depend on the gun a bit, I'd too suggest if one has a new 22 to try small amounts of different brands/grains to see what their gun prefers and stick with it.
OLDSTER
Member
Another vote for Federal Auto Match. That's the only thing I'll put through my Ruger MKIII or S&W Model 41.
Wee Hooker
Member
Over 40 years of rimfire addiction, I've found it really depends on the brand, model (and to a limited instance) the particular gun.
There are semi's that will cycle even target velocity ammo while other will run on nothing but 40 gr CCI Mini mags. Some gt better with use. Some don't. Some don't like to feed unplated lead or hollow points either.
Personally, I rarely keep a rimfire gun that needs a specific ammo to run reliably. They either get modified or traded.
ps. I'd suggest you experiment with different ammo and find what works for your gun. The Federal Auto match called out above is a good place to start. It's inexpensive, plentiful (right now) and consistent enough for most informal uses. It's become my "go to" bulk ammo to the point where I have laid in two cases of it.
There are semi's that will cycle even target velocity ammo while other will run on nothing but 40 gr CCI Mini mags. Some gt better with use. Some don't. Some don't like to feed unplated lead or hollow points either.
Personally, I rarely keep a rimfire gun that needs a specific ammo to run reliably. They either get modified or traded.
ps. I'd suggest you experiment with different ammo and find what works for your gun. The Federal Auto match called out above is a good place to start. It's inexpensive, plentiful (right now) and consistent enough for most informal uses. It's become my "go to" bulk ammo to the point where I have laid in two cases of it.
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Jim1392
US Veteran
I have a M & P 22C and have fired 36 grain rounds through it without any problems. I've been pretty lucky with it because it has functioned with any brand I run through it. So far CCI Mini Mags, Federal Automatch, Federal Champion, Choot Ems, AR Tactical, and Blazers. I have some Winchester 333's and Golden Bullets and will be trying them soon.
indigo22
Member
Federal AutoMatch is my go to ammo... It runs great in my 22/45 and is reasonably accurate and has been easy to find in my area. CCI MiniMags so far are the best performing ammo so I'll buy it when I can find it.
Winchester 555 and super x's on the other hand are a FAIL...(my experience). with constant fail/jamming issues and poor grouping. On the 555 I have experienced splitting cases at the mouth along with burrs. In my book Winchester has had quality issues since the mid 1990's and in general I have avoided them. This last batch was purchased, one because of price point and two because it had been quite a few years since my last Winchester ammo purchase figuring at that price I'd give them a try... Nope. No go. I feel about the same way concerning Remington ammo. YMMV.
Winchester 555 and super x's on the other hand are a FAIL...(my experience). with constant fail/jamming issues and poor grouping. On the 555 I have experienced splitting cases at the mouth along with burrs. In my book Winchester has had quality issues since the mid 1990's and in general I have avoided them. This last batch was purchased, one because of price point and two because it had been quite a few years since my last Winchester ammo purchase figuring at that price I'd give them a try... Nope. No go. I feel about the same way concerning Remington ammo. YMMV.
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Tip on the M&P .22 lubrication.
After you shoot a couple hundred rounds, examine the slide carefully for shiny spots (areas of contact), and put just a touch of action lube on them before reassembling after cleaning. I found one on the back end of the slide to lube lightly that makes the pistol less sensitive to ammo.
After you shoot a couple hundred rounds, examine the slide carefully for shiny spots (areas of contact), and put just a touch of action lube on them before reassembling after cleaning. I found one on the back end of the slide to lube lightly that makes the pistol less sensitive to ammo.
Jim1392
US Veteran
Good tip on any automatic. I've been doing this for years on all my automatics.
G.T. Smith
US Veteran
So far, I ain't found anything that my MKIII 22/45 won't cycle. Some are dirty and some like the Winchester stuff, shoot all over the place. I just bought 500 rounds of the Federal 38 grain copper plated HP;s. Haven't shot any of them yet but I'll bet that little gun will shoot them just fine. Some of the CCI and federals are advertised as being optimized for semi autos. I have even, when noticed, a place on the bolt of a semi auto, polished that area before applying a little slickum there.
Peace and Merry Christmas,
Gordon
Peace and Merry Christmas,
Gordon
