Can You Shoot .22 Short in a .22 LR? The Short Answer and the Long Explanation
The short answer is no, you should not shoot .22 Short ammunition in a firearm chambered for .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR). Doing so is dangerous and can damage your firearm.
Let's delve into the reasons why this is a risky practice and explore the subtle differences between these two popular cartridges.
Understanding the Differences: .22 Short vs. .22 Long Rifle
Both .22 Short and .22 Long Rifle cartridges share a similar overall design, but crucial dimensional differences make them incompatible:
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Case Length: The most significant difference lies in the cartridge case length. The .22 LR case is noticeably longer than the .22 Short case. This length discrepancy is critical.
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Chamber Design: Firearms chambered for .22 LR are designed to accommodate the longer cartridge. Attempting to fire a shorter round in this chamber creates a dangerous situation.
Why Shooting .22 Short in a .22 LR is Dangerous
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Insufficient Chamber Support: The shorter .22 Short cartridge will not fully seat within the .22 LR chamber. This means that the cartridge will not be properly supported by the chamber walls during firing. The resulting pressure from ignition could cause the cartridge to bulge, rupture, or even worse, the bullet could separate from the case, leading to potentially dangerous consequences.
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Damage to the Firearm: The unsupported cartridge can cause damage to the firearm's firing pin, breech face, or even the barrel. This damage can render the firearm unsafe to use and require expensive repairs.
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Risk of Injury: In the worst-case scenario, a malfunction could lead to the firearm exploding, potentially causing serious injury to the shooter or bystanders.
What About the Reverse? Can You Shoot .22 LR in a .22 Short?
This is also a dangerous practice, and absolutely not recommended. The longer .22 LR cartridge might not fully chamber in a .22 Short firearm, causing a failure to fire or a jammed firearm. Similar to the scenario above, forcing a round into the chamber can damage the firearm.
Identifying Your Firearm's Caliber
Always double-check your firearm's markings to confirm the correct caliber before loading any ammunition. This information is typically stamped on the barrel or receiver. Never guess or rely on memory. Safety is paramount.
Conclusion: Prioritize Safety
Shooting the wrong ammunition in a firearm can have severe consequences, ranging from firearm damage to serious injury. Always practice safe gun handling, and carefully read the owner's manual for your specific firearm to understand its safe operating procedures. This is not just about following rules, it's about preserving your safety and the safety of those around you.
