I had a .22 Compatto MK1, unregulated. Came with a small Huggett from AoA. It was very backyard friendly.
Have only used DonnyFL since, but wouldn’t hesitate to use that Huggett again. So, I wonder if there is something else going on? Have you had someone else shoot the gun and stand a few feet away yourself?
In either case, there’s no substitute for volume, go bigger, maybe a Tatsu or Sumo.