All of the key-holing problems associated with the Kel-Tec PMR-30 have apparently not been solved by the recent barrel replacements.

Kel-Tec issued a statement regarding ammunition recommendations for the .22 WMR pistol, stating that the handguns are still susceptible to key-holing with the CCI Maxi-Mag with 40 grain bullet.  According to Kel-Tec, this CCI load is the ”…most common and available ammunition” in .22 WMR.

Kel-Tec notes that not all of the CCI Maxi-Mag 40 grain loads will key-hole.  It would seem that enough do, though, for Kel-Tec to issue a formal statement on the matter.

Kel-Tec also states that ammunition made outside of the USA should not be used in the PMR-30 due to “…a higher risk of case-rupturing due to inferior quality.”

From Kel-Tec:

PMR-30 Ammo Recommendations Update
07-11-2011

Hello!

We’ve had a lot of questions come in regarding possible new ammunition recommendations in response to the updated barrel design. The overall list of recommended ammunition hasn’t really changed, however there is something we feel is worth noting.

After extensive testing with various ammunition we have concluded that all remaining key-holing issues have been isolated to one particular brand and weight of ammunition. Unfortunately this seems to be the most common and available ammunition: CCI Maxi-Mag 40gr.

The 30gr and 50gr varieties of CCI shoot flawlessly, as do other brands of 30gr., 40gr., and 50gr. ammunition. For some reason, though, it seems that the 40gr. CCI Maxi-Mag in particular still has sporadic key-holing. At this point in time we have deemed it ammunition specific and recommend trying a different grain or brand of ammunition if your PMR-30 is still continuing to key-hole with an updated barrel.

This in no way means that all of your CCI Maxi-Mag 40gr. will key-hole; it just means we have experienced occasional key-holing with that particular ammunition and feel we should make everyone aware of it in the event you experience the same thing we have.

We’ll be sure to keep you updated if we find out anything more!

As it stands, continue to steer clear of non-USA manufactured .22WMR rounds as they have a higher risk of case-rupturing due to inferior quality.

Thank you.