I've done quite a bit of work on 10-22s and written up accurizing/improvement articles posted on Rimfirecentral.com Tips and Tricks Forum.
The major causes of FTFs in that rifle can be attributed to two major things: 1. Use of oils to lubricate the action. Oil collects grit from the blowback action and can quickly cause problems. Use dry moly or similar dry lube for any action parts. Do NOT lube magazine lips.
2. The extractor is another frequent cause of jams. A properly fitted extractor will not only pull the case out of the chamber, but more importantly, hold it in position against the bolt head until it hits the ejector. With the rifle disassembled, try putting an empty case under the extractor hook and see if it holds the shell pretty tightly. If it's loose, or falls out, chances of jamming are very high. The clearance can be reduced by placing it in a vise and heating the rear end of the extractor and tapping the lug gently toward the hook. It's a trial and error thing. If you make it too tight, a bit can be filed off the rear lug.
Contrary to popular belief, the primary ejector is really part of a magazine, not the "Ejector" on the trigger group. The "Ejector" is only there to eject a cartridge when the magazine is not in the rifle.
The rifle should be able to group inside 1 1/4" at 50 yards with a good scope, from a good front and rear rest, without doing any mods. Try Winchester Dynapoints or Super-Speed ammo, which burn clean and function well in my rifles.
Picher
The major causes of FTFs in that rifle can be attributed to two major things: 1. Use of oils to lubricate the action. Oil collects grit from the blowback action and can quickly cause problems. Use dry moly or similar dry lube for any action parts. Do NOT lube magazine lips.
2. The extractor is another frequent cause of jams. A properly fitted extractor will not only pull the case out of the chamber, but more importantly, hold it in position against the bolt head until it hits the ejector. With the rifle disassembled, try putting an empty case under the extractor hook and see if it holds the shell pretty tightly. If it's loose, or falls out, chances of jamming are very high. The clearance can be reduced by placing it in a vise and heating the rear end of the extractor and tapping the lug gently toward the hook. It's a trial and error thing. If you make it too tight, a bit can be filed off the rear lug.
Contrary to popular belief, the primary ejector is really part of a magazine, not the "Ejector" on the trigger group. The "Ejector" is only there to eject a cartridge when the magazine is not in the rifle.
The rifle should be able to group inside 1 1/4" at 50 yards with a good scope, from a good front and rear rest, without doing any mods. Try Winchester Dynapoints or Super-Speed ammo, which burn clean and function well in my rifles.
Picher