Yes, .22 ammunition is generally pretty dirty. As well, high capacity .22 magazines often aren't a study in reliable function. Combine the two, and you have a jam-o-matic.

As Sfury has already mentioned, the 10/22 has a solid reputation for reliability. CZs 455 will let you change rimfire calibers. Another pair of lever guns you might look at are the Browning BL-22 or the Marlin M39.