M&P Compact 22 and CCI Stinger ammo

[richardw]

I have been trying a variety of ammo in my recently purchased Compact 22. I had CCI Stinger on my list of ammo to try. Then I read that it has a slightly longer casing than other LR ammo. I suppose that is to load more powder to reach the stated velocity.
CCI cautions people that the Stinger might Not function properly in some guns due to the casing length. So my question is whether anyone has been shooting Stingers in a Compact 22 without any perceived or actual problems. Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[Funflyer]

I try to save the Stingers for my finicky Beretta but had to shoot two mags through my Compact when I first got it. No issues with function but I did notice the accuracy was not as good as any other brand I tested, even standard velocity. I thought it might just be a fluke but then I read this review. Must have something to do with the Stinger's 32 grain bullet.

A Big Little Surprise from Smith & Wesson: The M&P22 Compact Pistol

 

[richardw]

I try to save the Stingers for my finicky Beretta but had to shoot two mags through my Compact when I first got it. No issues with function but I did notice the accuracy was not as good as any other brand I tested, even standard velocity. I thought it might just be a fluke but then I read this review. Must have something to do with the Stinger's 32 grain bullet.

A Big Little Surprise from Smith & Wesson: The M&P22 Compact Pistol

Very interesting article and right on point. I confirm the finding that CCI Mini Mag gives me the tightest groups of all the ammo I have tried. It is my round of choice, but I wondered about Stinger. Since my original post I have found more info about the use in a 22LR pistol. Most report that it is a poor choices for a pistol because its extra powder charge can put added stress on the any gun with a blowback design. That means all 22 semis as far as I know. I also read it is dirtier because the short barrel length does not allow the powder to fully burn, and that means more residual **** in the bore and chamber as well as a round that can never reach near its maximum (pistol) velocity because of the inadequate burn. However, I am still researching the matter, although I expect the end game is to not use it in my Compact 22.

 

[Wee Hooker]

The warnings on stingers are well known among shooters of target guns with match/bentz chambers. These tight chambers are not happy with the longer cartridge and some have even claimed damage. That said, I never found stingers to be accurate enough in any 22 I've owned to be worth a second look. Velocitors tend to run best for me where hypervelocity ammo is wanted. Still, CCI mini mags are generally the best choice for accuracy if extra power is needed for reliability.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Haven't tried it in my wife's Compact but;..... I've always prefered the .40 gr Velocitor at 1435FPS w/ 183 FPE over the .32gr Stinger at 1640 & 191 FPE.

While the Stinger is slightly flatter shooting...... the Velocitor is heavier, has 20% (81 vs 104 fp) more Energy and moving faster (1066 vs 1082fps) at 100 yds than the Stinger.

 

[richardw]

I just received the answer from S&W customer service. It's answer was:
"We don't recommend CCI Stingers in any of our firearms."

I have done some deep research on the question I originally posed at the start of this thread. The result is that I think S&W is correct. They may For in your 22 but the blast flame can burn the metal and the higher power can weaken the blowback recoil system, and finally they can even damage the interior of the barrel with extensive use. I' stick with my CCI Mini mags.

 

[hoc9sw]

I got similar feedback from Ruger - Not to be used in my Single Six or a match barrel 10/22. They would not say yes or no for my 10/22 takedown with the standard issue barrel.

 

[GeoJelly]

Kinda-sorta related - I just had a range trip today and fired both Stingers and Velocitors. The Stingers fed fine in my SR22 - but I had three FTF's using Velocitors firing three mags full. Either round is kinda crazy though - they're both $7+ a box in this area. I have an M&P Compact that I haven't fired yet - I now know to forget about Stingers - good info - Thanks!

 

[CBStuard]

My understanding is that CCI Velocitor is the same power/speed as Stingers but in a standard length.

 

[richardw]

My understanding is that CCI Velocitor is the same power/speed as Stingers but in a standard length.

These are the specs on Stinger, Velocitor, Mimi Mag HP

Stinger Wt. 32. Vel. 1640. Energy 191
Velocitor 40. 1436. 183
Mini Mag 36. 1260. 127

The Stinger has a longer casing than standard 22LR.