Introduction
The gentle crack of a .22 rimfire rifle, the satisfying *plink* of a bullet striking a target—for many, it’s the quintessential introduction to shooting. The .22 Long Rifle (.22LR) cartridge, with its affordability and manageable recoil, has earned its place as a favorite among beginners and seasoned shooters alike. But what happens when you find yourself with a box of .22 Short ammunition and a .22LR revolver? Can you safely and effectively use these shorter rounds in your longer-chambered firearm? The answer isn’t as simple as a yes or no, and understanding the nuances is crucial. This article aims to provide a comprehensive answer to that question, exploring the compatibility, the potential pitfalls, and the best practices to ensure a safe and enjoyable shooting experience.
Understanding the Ammunition: A Tale of Two Cartridges
To fully grasp the answer, we must first delve into the specifics of these two popular .22 rimfire cartridges. They may share the same diameter, but their dimensions and performance characteristics vary significantly.
The .22 Long Rifle (.22LR) cartridge is the workhorse of the .22 family. This cartridge, introduced in the late 1800s, has proven itself time and again. The .22LR boasts a case length of roughly an inch, which allows for a relatively large powder charge in its small size. This typically translates to bullet velocities ranging from subsonic to hyper-velocity, depending on the specific load and barrel length of the firearm. This versatility makes the .22LR suitable for everything from casual plinking and small game hunting to competitive target shooting. The energy delivered by a .22LR bullet varies depending on the bullet weight and velocity, typically ranging from around 100 foot-pounds to nearly 200 foot-pounds at the muzzle. Its widespread availability and relatively low cost make it an extremely accessible option for shooters.
On the other hand, we have the .22 Short cartridge. This cartridge is a historical ancestor of the .22LR. The .22 Short was originally designed for early repeating rifles and is significantly shorter than the .22LR, with a case length of around half an inch. While the .22 Short shares the same bullet diameter as the .22LR, its shorter case and smaller powder charge result in a lower muzzle velocity and less energy. The typical velocity of a .22 Short bullet is generally in the subsonic range, making it a quieter option, sometimes favoured in environments where noise is a concern. The energy delivered by a .22 Short bullet is also much lower, generally between 40 and 60 foot-pounds at the muzzle. .22 Shorts are less common than .22LR, and as such can be slightly more difficult to find at your local gun store.
Imagine this: you have two different sizes of a container designed to hold something. One is long and one is short. If you try to place the smaller container into the larger, there might be room left over. The same principle applies here. The dimensions of the .22 Short are compatible with the .22LR’s chamber, but that doesn’t automatically mean it’s an ideal match.
Compatibility and Safety Concerns: Navigating the Potential Problems
So, can you physically chamber and fire a .22 Short round in a .22LR revolver? The simple answer is yes. The dimensions are such that the .22 Short cartridge can be loaded into and fire from a revolver chambered for .22LR. However, the practical implications of this compatibility are where we need to be careful. Several potential issues arise when utilizing this combination, and each needs to be addressed with caution.
One of the biggest concerns is leading in the barrel. Because the .22 Short cartridge is, well, short, it leaves a significant gap between the end of the cartridge casing and the beginning of the rifling in the barrel’s chamber. As the bullet travels from the cartridge to the rifling, it can scrape lead onto the chamber walls, causing a build-up of lead residue. This buildup can negatively affect the accuracy of the firearm when you return to using .22LR rounds, as the lead deposits can alter the bullet’s path as it leaves the barrel. It’s important to regularly clean the chamber end of the barrel if you consistently shoot .22 Shorts.
Accuracy is another important factor. The bullet from a .22 Short, due to its shorter length, may not engage the rifling as effectively as a .22LR round. The bullet may “jump” a bit to catch the rifling, potentially affecting its flight path and causing less-than-ideal groupings on the target. While this effect might not be noticeable at very short distances, it can become more pronounced at further ranges. Therefore, if accuracy is of paramount importance, shooting .22 Shorts from a .22LR revolver is not typically recommended.
Misfires and failure to fire (FTF) are another possible issue. Because the .22 Short cartridge sits further forward in the chamber than a .22LR round, the firing pin might not consistently strike the rim of the cartridge with enough force to ignite the priming compound. This can lead to frustrating misfires, especially if you’re accustomed to the reliability of .22LR ammunition.
Extraction also needs to be considered. The shorter casing can sometimes make it difficult to extract the spent .22 Short cartridges from the cylinder. The residue from the shorter cartridge might build up in the chamber area. This can lead to the casings being stuck in the chamber, potentially causing a jam. It can also make the process of removing the spent cartridges much slower and more difficult than with .22LR ammunition.
It’s also critically important that gun owners prioritize safety. When handling firearms, there are basic safety principles that everyone should follow. Always treat every firearm as if it were loaded. Ensure that the firearm is pointed in a safe direction at all times. Always be aware of your target and what is beyond it. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. Before shooting, check the firearm to ensure it is safe to use. These basic safety rules are more important than ever when considering shooting ammunition outside the recommended guidelines of your firearm.
Practical Implications and Recommendations: Weighing the Options
So, what does all this mean for your shooting experience? In general, if you’re trying to achieve the most accurate shooting with the best reliability, the best choice is always to stick with the ammunition for which the firearm was designed. .22LR.
If you do choose to shoot .22 Shorts in your .22LR revolver, understand the potential consequences. Expect potentially reduced accuracy and the need for more frequent cleaning. Make sure to clean the chamber thoroughly after each shooting session to remove any lead buildup. The specific cleaning procedure should involve a brush designed for removing lead from the barrel, followed by a thorough cleaning with gun solvent.
As for the question of whether you should use .22 Shorts in your .22LR revolver, it comes down to your individual priorities. If you’re looking for the best possible accuracy and reliability, then sticking with .22LR is the safest and best course. However, if you have .22 Short ammunition on hand and want to try it out or have it for very specific, quiet shooting situations, you can do so, provided you understand and accept the potential drawbacks. The lower report of a .22 Short may be a benefit for plinking in noise-restricted areas, but the advantages are limited.
Alternatives to Consider
If you want to explore options other than .22LR, but you don’t want to use .22 Short cartridges, there are alternatives.
One option is to consider .22 Long ammunition. While not as common as .22LR, the .22 Long round offers a slightly shorter case and reduced velocity than a .22LR. The .22 Long also shares the same bullet diameter as the .22LR, .22 Short, and .22 Long Rifle, but it often will not cycle through a .22LR gun.
Another option is subsonic .22LR ammunition. Subsonic .22LR rounds are designed to travel at velocities below the speed of sound, resulting in reduced noise. These rounds are readily available and can offer a quieter shooting experience while maintaining the reliability and accuracy of .22LR ammunition.
Conclusion: Making the Informed Choice
Can you shoot .22 Shorts out of a .22LR revolver? The answer, in short, is yes, but with caveats. While the .22 Short cartridge will fit and fire from a .22LR revolver, doing so can introduce potential problems, including leading in the barrel, decreased accuracy, possible misfires, and extraction issues.
Ultimately, it’s important to weigh the potential risks against the benefits. If you choose to shoot .22 Shorts in your .22LR revolver, do so with the understanding that it’s not the optimal setup. Ensure thorough cleaning after each use. For those seeking the best performance and reliability, using .22LR ammunition, the round for which your revolver was designed, is the best and safest practice.
Remember, responsible gun ownership is about safety, understanding your equipment, and making informed decisions. Always prioritize safe gun handling practices and consult with a gunsmith or firearms expert if you have any questions or concerns. Before using any new ammunition, check your firearm’s manual and always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
