This question pops up frequently among firearm enthusiasts: Can you shoot a .22 Short round in a firearm chambered for .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR)? The short answer is generally no, and doing so can be dangerous. Let's delve into the reasons why.
Understanding .22 Short vs. .22 Long Rifle
Before we address the safety concerns, let's clarify the differences between these two common calibers:
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.22 Short: This is the shortest and weakest of the three common .22 rimfire cartridges (.22 Short, .22 Long, .22 LR). It features a shorter case and a smaller powder charge, resulting in significantly less power.
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.22 Long Rifle (.22 LR): This is the most popular and widely used .22 rimfire cartridge. It's longer than the .22 Short, holds more powder, and delivers substantially more power and range.
The key difference lies in the case length. The .22 LR cartridge is longer than the .22 Short.
Why Shooting .22 Short in a .22 LR Chamber is Dangerous
Attempting to fire a .22 Short in a .22 LR chamber presents several significant risks:
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Improper Chambering: The shorter .22 Short cartridge may not fully seat in the .22 LR chamber. This can lead to a misfire or a squib load, where the bullet doesn't fully exit the barrel. A squib load leaves a bullet lodged in the barrel, creating a dangerous obstruction. Subsequent shots can cause a catastrophic barrel rupture.
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Increased Pressure: Even if the .22 Short does fire, the excess space in the .22 LR chamber can lead to increased pressure within the barrel. This increased pressure can exceed the firearm's safe operating limits, potentially causing a barrel burst or other significant damage to the firearm, resulting in injury to the shooter or bystanders.
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Damage to the Firing Pin: The firing pin may strike the rim of the .22 Short cartridge at an incorrect angle due to the cartridge not being fully seated in the chamber. This can damage the firing pin or even cause it to break off, rendering the firearm unusable or potentially dangerous.
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Inconsistent Performance: Even if a .22 Short fires without catastrophic failure, it will likely yield inconsistent performance and accuracy due to the improperly seated cartridge.
Case Study: A Near Miss
While finding documented instances of this specific scenario can be challenging due to the lack of reporting, anecdotal evidence suggests that such attempts can lead to significant issues. One such instance (though not verified, hence we refrain from detailing specific names or sources) involved a firearm enthusiast reporting a squib load after attempting to fire a .22 Short in a .22 LR chamber. Fortunately, the firearm didn’t suffer irreparable damage.
What About Shooting .22 LR in a .22 Short Chamber?
Conversely, firing a .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) cartridge in a firearm chambered for a .22 Short is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted. The longer .22 LR cartridge will likely be obstructed in the shorter .22 Short chamber. The excessive pressure buildup from a forced attempt to fire could cause a catastrophic firearm malfunction, leading to severe injury or death.
Important Safety Reminders
- Always double-check your ammunition: Before loading any firearm, carefully verify that the ammunition matches the firearm's chambering.
- Read your firearm's manual: The owner's manual contains critical information regarding safe firearm operation and ammunition compatibility.
- Never modify ammunition: Attempting to modify ammunition can render it unsafe and potentially lethal.
- Practice safe gun handling: This includes keeping the firearm pointed in a safe direction, keeping your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and being aware of your surroundings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, shooting a .22 Short in a .22 LR chamber is risky and not recommended. The potential for misfires, squib loads, increased pressure, and firearm damage is too high to justify the attempt. Always use the correct ammunition for your firearm to ensure safety and optimal performance. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when handling firearms.