Hello back again. I didn't want to complicate matters so I left this out.
On the .22 then having the screw flush with the breech block was too much and it was wound out about 1/8" further. I was not comfortable with this so I got a gas torch out , got 1 coil red hot and collapsed it. Screw is now flush with the breach block.
How old is the spring just as a matter of interest? Later I will measure a new one and come back with the length so you can compare it with what you have got .
ATB.
Geoff.