Winchester M-22 issues...

[78Staff]

Noticing some issues with Winchester M-22, seem to get more FTF with this ammo than other brands I have, both in my 15-22 and my 1911-22, and a friends 22 as well - 3 different firearms. So I took a closer look when loading some magazines tonight. Note these are NOT the lot # affected by the possible double charge recall...

I loaded 6 1911-22 mags, so out of aprox 90 rounds, I pulled 10 or so that exhibited this same behavior - the bullet itself can actually spin in the brass shell. In some cases, it might just rotate back and for 60-90* or so, in others, it will just spin all the way around. That is not normal, right? Of those 10, 2 I could actually wiggle the bullet back n forth in the brass. I know that can't be good. I had noticed this before on shells I ejected after FTF's, but I assumed it was due to getting knocked about when not feeding correctly. Turns out I'm seeing this strait out of the box.

This is the 2nd 500 brick that I'm noticing these, and I still have 4 more bricks so I'm kinda peeved about it. I understand that with bricks you will likely get a few that are problematic, but 10 out of 90 is not a good ratio, imo. I can call Winchester, just wanted some confirmation that what I'm seeing isn't considered normal for 22 ammo, as I really don't have too much experience with it.

 

[15Krounds]

I don't like ANY winchester .22LR. None I have shot has had decent quality.

 

[Majorlk]

Interesting ...

I have no problem with it. Last month my grandson and I put two boxes down range without a bobble. I've been shooting various Winchester loadings for year.

 

[AR-Getsome]

I have 6000+ rounds of the m22. And I've shot over 2000 of it. I have never had the problem you are having. I have had that same problem with golden bullets. I was able to actually pull the bullet from the casing on some of the golden bullets. I don't use them anymore. How New are your m22 boxes?

 

[78Staff]

I have 6000+ rounds of the m22. And I've shot over 2000 of it. I have never had the problem you are having. I have had that same problem with golden bullets. I was able to actually pull the bullet from the casing on some of the golden bullets. I don't use them anymore. How New are your m22 boxes?

This year, February... Bought at Wally World, right about the same time as the recall b/c I checked the lot numbers before buying...

It's 2 out of 6, but out of the same 1K brick, so maybe the other two won't be an issue...

 

[Jerry N.]

Well, I don't know if it is bad or if it will cause a FTF or mis-fire in general, but I just picked up a 1000 round brick from Cabela's and I opened one of the boxes because I wanted to understand what black plated copper is. Well, I had the same experience - out of the 10 or so rounds that I grabbed about half of them were loose in the case. As you said, on some I could spin the bullet all the way around and on others, they were loose but not so that they could be completely turned.

I have a 18-4 that I'll be using these for and as I load them, I will verify what happens to see if a loose round will still fire. If my random sample is any indication of the quality of these rounds, I can see them being sold. The 1000 round brick was a good value, but not if they don't fire.

 

[hoc9sw]

I had 5 1k boxes. Works fine in my 10-22, but not at all in the 1911-22, so I sold (at WalMart cost) 4 to the local Scout Camp for their bolt-actions, and gave them the receipts. They had more than acceptable failures, and sent the failed rounds back (at Winchester's direction). Winchester sent them a check for the total purchase price (for 4k rounds), so they made out like bandits. I hustled some CCI Blazer through Academy to cover the shortage.

All were checked, and NOT part of the recall.

 

[78Staff]

I've sent off a report to Winchester, they have this nice C/S form specifically for ammo issues where you suppy the info, lot #'s, purchase cost, etc - so will see what they say. I think most of the "spinning" ammo fires out of the 15-22, (just probably not very consistent) and suspect the wobbly ones are causing most feed issues. Now as already mentioned, my 1911-22 and 10/22 don't play nice with it at all. And, now that I think about it, I had one squib load out of this batch as well. And, I've got 4K rounds, not 3K.. forgot I picked up one from Cabelas this summer also . I spot checked a few rounds out of the Cabelas lot, out of the first 10 I pulled from the box, 3 were spinners.

Heck, maybe it's not an issue, I just don't know. We'll see what Winchester says I guess...

 

[hoc9sw]

They will likely ask you to box up the remaining rounds for shipment back to them, and arrange a UPS pickup.

The rounds which have the bullet which turn in the casing are not at all unusual. Open a bucket of 1400 and find me one that doesn't turn -

That is why they just don't work with the 1911-22, per my experience. With the Ruger 10-22, no issues at all. With a Beretta Neos, 1 in 20 had to be recycled, with 6 of 200 failing after multiple tries to fire them.


(1400 Rem Golden Bullet)

 

[biggbiker]

I had 1000 rds of M-22 shot about 300 rds ,most didn't spin ,went bang. That being said about 5% failed to fire first time, 50% of those did fire second time. There is better ammo to be had, I now only buy CCI, and Federal. No Remingtons, no Winchester. BiggB

 

[Venenoindy]

So far I had good luck with it myself, my 15-22 likes it.

 

[Jim1392]

Everyone seems to complain about Golden 525 bulk. I have had more FTF with M-22's then the Goldens, and I'm using a model 63 revolver. I also found it's easier to clean my 63 after the Goldens then the M-22's.

 

[sithlord]

Sounds very much like this post a few weeks back that I started....

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-15-22/386591-issues-m-22-ammo.html

Seems the general response is that the m22 is hit or miss. The current batch that I've been using is much better, but unless it's the only thing going, I am not buying it again.

 

[Jim1392]

Sounds very much like this post a few weeks back that I started....

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-m-p-15-22/386591-issues-m-22-ammo.html

Seems the general response is that the m22 is hit or miss. The current batch that I've been using is much better, but unless it's the only thing going, I am not buying it again.

That is what I have been doing. Passed up buying M-22's 1000 round bulk packs a couple of times in the last few weeks. I still have another 1500 rounds or so but I'll just keep them in reserve until I really need them.

 

[tomcatt51]

I still have another 1500 rounds or so but I'll just keep them in reserve until I really need them.

??? I have several thousand rds. It's performance has NOT been good. It's being used FIRST as practice ammo. The good stuff gets kept "in reserve".

 

[SpicyTunaRoll]

i had similar issues. the problem is the lead is too soft. as the round is stripped off the magazine, the rounded bullet hits the feed ramp, and instantly flattens.

if you pull back the charging handle, and slowly release it(follow it back) - you will see how it jams the bolt. try that with any other ammo, and you will see that it will feed even if you slowly release the charging handle.

as soon as i tried any other ammo - it works fine.

 

[AGoyette]

I bought 3 or 4 boxes of Rem Golden ammo. I can shoot maybe a 100 rounds or so and maybe have 1 problem child. I can use the same ammo in my Sig 22 1911 and 99% of the issues I have with it are my finger barely touching the slide when it cycles thus causing jams. As long as I am careful where I put my fingers, the 1911 (way pickier than the 15-22) has no issues with the Rem goldens. As to Win. After reading about various people having issues with Winchester ammo, I try to stay away from it.

 

[78Staff]

Well I finally heard back - they called me, and want a sample of the ammo to test. I was hoping they would take it all and refund me, but I'm only supposed to send a few hundred rounds, then they will investigate, and get back to me...

 

[coleslaw]

I have some of the M22 that I haven't tried yet. It's been here awhile. What are the lots numbers of the stuff that you are having issues with?

 

[78Staff]

Lots 2HA601, and 38N03L - I bought these about a month apart, she stated they were manufactured aprox a year apart... which seemed odd. Anyway they will refunding me by check for the 500ct brick I am sending in for them to evaluate, and if I have to send the rest in she said they would replace them but I'm going to push for a refund on those as well. Or replace with some centerfire handgun ammo even...