How about using a different (jacketed) bullet?

Hi James and thanks for the reply,at this time i am unaware of ANY jacketed 22 LR rounds on the market

New guns, particularly stainless, tend to have slightly rough barrels. I have had to lap barrels of new guns a couple of times. I also use copper wash loads like Minimag to help smooth and burnish the barrel.

If Brownells sells a Lewis Lead Remover kit for the .22, it would be worth buying. It cuts the work down to a more easily managed job. It also burnishes the barrel, while you remove the leading.
Problem is, the kit may not be available for the .22, since it's so small.

Originally Posted by Rick

Hi James and thanks for the reply,at this time i am unaware of ANY jacketed 22 LR rounds on the market

I buy boxes of Federal and Remington bulk (550 rnds) at Walmart, both of which are jacketed.

Additionally, on line retailers sell jacketed LR ammo.

Rounds you named are copper washed not copper jacketed. However you are correct in that it can cut down on leading. The problem with the 617 though sounds like the forcing cone needs burnishing. I shoot a 317 daily in an indoor garage range (bullet trap) and I use CBs as well as LR. Yes, they are dirty and take some work to clean. All .22 bullets are soft and that jump from the cylinder to forcing cone does lead to some leading. I just live with it.

Call S&W Customer Service and explain the problem.
You didn't say after how many rounds the leading occurs.

update smith and wesson wants it back ,i will keep you posted as to the outcome

I have a new S&W 617 with 4'' barrel coming in soon . Planning on using copper washed rounds from CCI,

This is an old thread but this is my experience. I bought a 617 6" new. Took it out the first time with Federal Bulk ammo 525 count. After about 225 rounds there was a lead build up on the top strap above the forcing cone that was hanging down so far it was impeding the cylinder turning. Took it home and cleaned it up. It was a mess and took a long time. Next time I went out with CCI Blazer ammo. Much better. Still a little bit of accumulation but manageable.