Ammo question

[Sweetpea]

So, my ruger is jamming more often than I would like and I'm wondering if it's the ammunition I am using (Remington .22lr lead round nose, solid bullet). Every jam seems to be the lead tip getting stuck as its being fed into the chamber (like it's too soft). I'm thinking it would make sense that the copper jacketed wouldn't have that problem and would then not jam. Has anyone else had that problem?

[Hiwaytahell]

J, I would try a different ammo first thing. I recently had a box of offbrand .45 that gave my 1911 feeding problems. Once I changed to a different brand the problems went away.

[Moccasin]

Is it the bulk ammo that has like 500/550 rounds loose in a box? If so I'd be inclined to think that's the problem. Some of the bullets become loose in the casings when .22lr is packed like that and can cause misfeeds. I've also noticed that the bulk packs tend to be more apt to have rounds that won't fire than something like CCI Mini-mags. I don't believe the copper jackets on .22lr isn't really thick enough to make a difference over plain lead bullets. I'd try CCI Mini-mags, a bit more expensive than most .22lr rounds but I have pretty good luck in my Ruger 22/45 MkIII with them. I also use American Eagle.

One other though, are the bullets you use subsonic? If that's the case they may not have enough umph to cycle a semi-automatic.

[mp3mogul]

I had good luck using that particular ammo in my Ruger, but I know people with the same gun that have had problems... I guess you need to find something yours likes to eat and then you are all set.

[Sweetpea]

I did notice some of the jams I removed had loose bullets in the casings. Ok, according to the box, it's high velocity at 1255 fps and it came in a brick of 500 but packed tight in smaller boxes inside. It's the remington thunderbolt that the nra range sells. I was given a box of CCI hollow point so I'm going to try those next time. Now if I can get the jams stopped and get the ruger to quit biting me when I release the bolt I'll be thrilled! Twice now I've bled all over the gun when I release the bolt and my thumb gets caught. I think I'll name this Mark III "Vlad" for being so bloodthirsty!

[Moccasin]

I've never used the Remington Thunderbolt's that are packed tight in the box but I suspect they are the equivalent of Winchester Wildcat's, I'ved used quite a few of those over the years. Like mp3mogul said, you'll just have to find what it likes. That's typical of many guns. My .17 HMR hates any kind of poly tip ammo.

I'm having a hard time understanding how you catching your thumb with th bolt. I just tired mine and I'd have to try to make it get caught. Can you explain how you're holding it?

[allingeneral]

When I took my son to the range a couple of weeks ago, we rented a Ruger MKIII .22 cal. We also purchased a box of 100 shells - they were the lead bullets. We encountered one jam like what you describe out of all 100 rounds. I assumed that it was because he hadn't gotten the clip firmly seated when he inserted it after reloading. It was the first round out of the clip that jammed. After the jam, I ensured that he gave the clip a good "slap" when he engaged it and we didn't have any problems after that.

[Sweetpea]

I'm having a hard time understanding how you catching your thumb with th bolt. I just tired mine and I'd have to try to make it get caught. Can you explain how you're holding it?

I'm holding the gun in my right hand and pulling back the bolt with my left thumb and pointer finger. It's my fault. I'm releasing too gently I think and it's dragging my thumb back with it. I need to learn (the hard way apparently) to let it snap shut instead of controling the release I guess.

[Moccasin]

My wife does the same thing with her LCP, rides the bolt forward. Don't be afraid to let it fly on its own. Riding the bolt forward can cause some firing problems similar to what you have described.

[Sweetpea]

Thanks! It's not easy to figure these things out w/o help. I appreciate it!

[Moccasin]

No problem. Ask anything you think needs to be asked, the only dumb question is the one that isn't asked. Although on some questions you may get more answers than you want.

[SgtBill]

Ok Sweetpea ( your handel reminds me of being a young recruit at Parris Island . It's what our Drill Instructor called us.) I had the same problem with several semi auto pistols and my Marlin semi auto rifle with Remington lead ammo. This would include a MK 1 and a Mk 11 Ruger and my model #41 Smith & Wesson. I changed over to Federal 36 grain copper jacketd long rifle ammo in the 550 bulk pack from Wally World and have had no problems since.
As far as rideing the bolt, the bolt will pull back about 1/8 to 1/4" and stop, LET IT GO. It is supposed to seat a round on it's own forward motion not with any help or blood for lubrication. LOL
Bill

[Sweetpea]

Sweetpea is the name of my cat (named after Popeye's baby). I didn't know what name to pick and he was meowing at the time so I figured it was as good a name as any! Thanks for the ammo recommendation!! Yeah, blood doesn't seem to be a great lubricant. lol

[zephyp]

Guns actually respond well to a little "abuse." Smack the magazine in and let the slide go forward on its own. A poorly seated mag will cause misfeeds. I've also seen them fall out after the first round fired. Riding the slide forward can also keep the face from fully seating against the cartridge which will result in a click and no boom. Not good things if the target your facing is a bad guy.

[herohog]

Every time you fire that gun, that slide slams all the way back and then the spring slams it home. It is designed to work that way. Riding the slide, in general, a bad thing. If your gun's manual does not specify that you SHOULD ride the slide home, DON'T DO IT!