Miss-fires with .22 LR ammo - SOLVED!

[moorepower]

Sounds like an ammo issue. As another note, I had a neighbor who worked on guns that were not his, visited by the ATF, threatening jail if he did it again.

 

[Pawnee Bill]

When I was a kid in the '50s, my dad had an old H7R 9 shot 22 revolver. With the cheap ammo back then it was, bang, bang, click, bang, bang, click, click, bang, click. And he wondered why I started flinching.

 

[SSL]

Sounds like an ammo issue. As another note, I had a neighbor who worked on guns that were not his, visited by the ATF, threatening jail if he did it again.

Thanks for your concern, but according to an ATF inspector I met a couple years ago when he was making a records audit at a local gun shop, since I do not charge except for parts, only do repairs (not modifications or 'builds'), don't profit from such repairs or make it a business in any sense of the word, and only do such work occasionally and more as a favor, I am not required to be licensed. Makes me wonder how the ATF found out about your neighbor to begin with.
According to federal law, a person who “…devotes time, attention and labor to engaging in such activity…with the principal objective of livelihood and profit…” is defined as a “Gunsmith”,qualifies as a “Dealer” under the definition, and is required to be licensed as “Dealer in Firearms”.

 

[butchlambert]

Thanks for your concern, but according to an ATF inspector I met a couple years ago when he was making a records audit at a local gun shop, since I do not charge except for parts, only do repairs (not modifications or 'builds'), don't profit from such repairs or make it a business in any sense of the word, and only do such work occasionally and more as a favor, I am not required to be licensed. Makes me wonder how the ATF found out about your neighbor to begin with.
According to federal law, a person who “…devotes time, attention and labor to engaging in such activity…with the principal objective of livelihood and profit…” is defined as a “Gunsmith”,qualifies as a “Dealer” under the definition, and is required to be licensed as “Dealer in Firearms”.

You may want to keep an eye out over your shoulder!

 

[Topstrap]

The all seeing eye.

 

[moorepower]

Thanks for your concern, but according to an ATF inspector I met a couple years ago when he was making a records audit at a local gun shop, since I do not charge except for parts, only do repairs (not modifications or 'builds'), don't profit from such repairs or make it a business in any sense of the word, and only do such work occasionally and more as a favor, I am not required to be licensed. Makes me wonder how the ATF found out about your neighbor to begin with.
According to federal law, a person who “…devotes time, attention and labor to engaging in such activity…with the principal objective of livelihood and profit…” is defined as a “Gunsmith”,qualifies as a “Dealer” under the definition, and is required to be licensed as “Dealer in Firearms”.

He was working on a gun for the local LE and they were so happy they told another LE agency. He knew the sheriff for 30plus years. Also the ATF changes their tune with the wind, so.....

 

[skeeljc]

Firing pin strikes that leave the rim unaltered will not fire (it is a RIMFIRE)! The priming compound is disbursed into the rim by spinning the case.

Federal bulk .22's are known for FTF because the priming compound is inconsistently distributed in the rim.

 

[SSL]

Okay...finally had a chance to test new ammo and it appears as though the previous ammunition was to blame. I tried some Winchester Silhouette, Federal Champion and Remington bulk-box that I had on hand and knew to be uncontaminated. After 60 rounds, mixing the ammo, I had only one fail - from the Remington bulk pack. Not really surprised because I have had occasional failures in my own rifles with them over the years.
Thanks all for your ideas. Glad to have it over with!

 

[Mikemontminy]

Firing pin strikes that leave the rim unaltered will not fire (it is a RIMFIRE)! The priming compound is disbursed into the rim by spinning the case.

Federal bulk .22's are known for FTF because the priming compound is inconsistently distributed in the rim.

I think the firing pin should strike just inbound of the outer edge of the rim. Too close to the outside and the energy is wasted crushing the outer rim beyond the priming compound causing inconsistent ignition. I have filed the outer edge of the firing pin to prevent this. Correct me if I’m wrong.

 

[skeeljc]

I think the firing pin should strike just inbound of the outer edge of the rim. Too close to the outside and the energy is wasted crushing the outer rim beyond the priming compound causing inconsistent ignition. I have filed the outer edge of the firing pin to prevent this. View attachment 1295731Correct me if I’m wrong.

Because the .22 rimfire does not have an anvil it depends upon compression of the priming compound between in the outermost part of the rim. If the firing pin contact is too far inboard there is nothing for the priming compound to be compressed against.

 

[SSL]

This particular rifle has a 'U' shaped firing pin face with the two 'legs' of the pin both striking the case. One strikes at the outside edge of the rim while the other strikes slightly inboard. Both are leaving good dents and the 'fresh' ammo appears to detonate reliably...except for that one Remington 'bulk-box' round.