I'm a bit wary of starnut 22 barrels, there isn't much 'rifle tube' in the breach end of a 22 due to the bore, if that makes sense_
I'm interested in this topic and good to hear others have found current hw 22s A OK
I have no idea if it is a thing or not, but I have definitely seen a few threads and references to HW .22s over the last couple of years.... but you never know with the tinterweb!
I've had a bad hw100 in .22 but was the crown had a few 99 and 95 all been spot on over 15/16 I've had and only 1 that wasn't the grade it should of been