This question pops up frequently among firearms 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. This article delves into the reasons why, exploring the differences between the cartridges and the potential consequences of attempting to fire a .22 Short in a .22 LR firearm.
Understanding .22 Short vs. .22 Long Rifle
Before discussing the dangers, let's clarify the differences between these two cartridges. Both are rimfire cartridges, meaning the primer is located in the rim of the casing. However, key distinctions exist:
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Case Length: The most significant difference is the overall length. The .22 Short is, as its name suggests, shorter. This means it's physically smaller than the .22 LR.
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Powder Charge: The .22 Short has a smaller powder charge than the .22 LR. This results in less power and a lower velocity.
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Bullet Weight: While bullet weight can vary, .22 Short rounds generally use lighter bullets than .22 LR rounds.
| Feature | .22 Short | .22 Long Rifle |
|---|---|---|
| Case Length | Approximately 0.75" | Approximately 1.0" |
| Powder Charge | Smaller | Larger |
| Velocity | Lower | Higher |
| Power | Less | More |
The Dangers of Shooting .22 Short in a .22 LR Firearm
Attempting to fire a .22 Short in a .22 LR chamber is risky for several reasons:
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Incomplete Chambering: The shorter .22 Short cartridge won't fully seat in the .22 LR chamber. This means the bullet might not be properly aligned with the barrel's rifling. The result could be a dangerous squib load, where the bullet doesn't fully exit the barrel, lodging itself inside. A subsequent shot could cause a catastrophic barrel rupture or serious injury.
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Primer Misalignment: The incomplete chambering can also misalign the primer. This can lead to a failure to fire, or worse, a detonation within the firearm's action that could injure the shooter.
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Damage to the Firing Pin: The firing pin, designed to strike the primer of a .22 LR cartridge, may strike the rim of the .22 Short at an improper angle. This repeated action can damage the firing pin, potentially leading to future malfunctions.
Case Study: A Near-Miss
A friend of mine, an experienced shooter, recounted an incident where he mistakenly loaded a .22 Short into his .22 LR revolver. The round did not fire, resulting in a jammed cylinder. While he was able to clear the malfunction safely, he realized how easily a serious accident could have occurred. This emphasizes the need for meticulous attention to detail when handling ammunition.
Safety Precautions: Always Double Check Your Ammunition
The most crucial safety measure is to always double-check your ammunition before loading your firearm. This might seem obvious, but it's the most effective way to prevent accidental misfires. Visually inspect each round to ensure it's the correct caliber.
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Segregate Ammunition: Store different calibers of ammunition separately to avoid confusion.
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Proper Lighting: Always check your ammunition in good lighting.
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Multiple Checks: Develop a routine of checking your ammunition multiple times before and during shooting sessions.
Conclusion: Avoid the Risk
Shooting a .22 Short in a .22 LR firearm is inherently unsafe and should be avoided. The potential consequences—from a squib load to a catastrophic barrel failure—far outweigh any perceived benefit. Always prioritize safety and handle your firearms and ammunition responsibly. Remember, a moment's carelessness can lead to severe injury or death. Always practice safe firearm handling techniques and meticulous ammunition inspection.