Can You Shoot .22 LR Out of a .22 WMR? A Definitive Answer
The short answer is no, you absolutely should not shoot .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) ammunition out of a .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR) firearm. Doing so is incredibly dangerous and can result in serious injury or damage to your firearm.
Here's why:
Understanding the Caliber Difference
The key difference lies in the cartridge dimensions. While both calibers use a rimfire design, the .22 WMR cartridge is significantly larger and more powerful than the .22 LR. The .22 WMR has a longer, wider case and a heavier bullet.
The Dangers of Mismatched Ammunition
Attempting to fire a smaller .22 LR round in a .22 WMR chamber presents several critical risks:
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Chambering Issues: The smaller .22 LR cartridge will likely chamber loosely within the .22 WMR chamber. This loose fit can cause the cartridge to move during firing, resulting in a dangerous misfire or potentially a catastrophic failure of the firearm.
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Bullet Obstruction: The .22 LR bullet may not fully seat in the .22 WMR chamber, causing it to become lodged in the barrel. This blockage can result in a dangerous pressure buildup during firing, potentially leading to a burst barrel or other serious malfunctions.
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Damage to the Firearm: The smaller .22 LR round will not provide sufficient pressure to properly cycle the action of the .22 WMR firearm. This can damage the firearm's internal components, rendering it inoperable or unsafe.
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Personal Injury: A malfunction caused by firing .22 LR in a .22 WMR can result in serious injury to the shooter or bystanders due to the potential for a barrel burst, projectiles flying out of the gun improperly, or other malfunctions.
Identifying Your Firearm
Before loading any ammunition, always positively identify the caliber of your firearm. Check the markings on the barrel, receiver, or other parts of your gun to verify it is indeed chambered for .22 WMR before loading any ammunition.
Safe Gun Handling Practices
Always prioritize safe gun handling practices:
- Always treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot.
- Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
- Be sure of your target and what's beyond it.
- Only load and use ammunition specifically designed for your firearm.
Never compromise on firearm safety. Using the wrong ammunition can lead to disastrous consequences. If you're unsure about anything related to firearm safety or ammunition, seek guidance from a qualified firearms expert or instructor.
