Can You Shoot 22 Shorts Out Of A 22Lr
Can You Shoot 22 Shorts Out Of A 22Lr
The world of rimfire ammunition is vast and varied, but few questions are as common among firearm enthusiasts as whether or not one can safely interchange different types of .22 caliber rounds. Specifically, many shooters wonder if they can utilize the diminutive .22 Short within a firearm chambered for the more standard .22 Long Rifle (LR). This curiosity often stems from a desire for quieter shooting, pest control needs, or simply using up old stock during ammunition shortages. Understanding the mechanical and safety implications of this practice is essential for any gun owner. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the compatibility, benefits, and potential drawbacks of using .22 Shorts in a .22 LR platform, ensuring you have the informative background needed for your next range session or outdoor excursion.
Mechanical Compatibility and Safety
The short answer is yes: you can generally fire .22 Short ammunition from a firearm chambered for .22 Long Rifle. From a purely safety-oriented perspective, the .22 Short is smaller and operates at lower pressures than the .22 LR. Because the case diameter of the Short, Long, and Long Rifle rounds are virtually identical, the .22 Short will seat securely within the chamber of a .22 LR firearm. The risk of a catastrophic failure or the gun "blowing up" is nearly non-existent because the chamber is designed to handle the significantly higher pressures of the Long Rifle cartridge. However, while it is safe to "make it go bang," there are several operational nuances that shooters must consider before loading their magazines.
The primary concern with compatibility lies in the action of the firearm. Manual actions, such as bolt-action, lever-action, and pump-action rifles, are typically the most versatile. These firearms rely on the shooter to cycle the rounds, meaning they don't care about the recoil energy or gas pressure generated by the cartridge. In contrast, semi-automatic firearms are a different story. A semi-auto uses the energy from the fired round to eject the spent casing and load the next one. Because the .22 Short is underpowered compared to the .22 LR, it rarely generates enough "oomph" to cycle the heavy bolt or slide of a semi-automatic weapon. Consequently, shooting Shorts in a 10/22 or similar rifle often turns the firearm into a single-shot gun that requires manual cycling after every pull of the trigger.
Accuracy and Potential Chamber Fouling
While safety isn't a major issue, accuracy can be a significant trade-off. A barrel rifled for .22 LR typically has a 1-in-16 inch twist rate, which is optimized for the standard 40-grain bullet found in most Long Rifle rounds. The .22 Short usually utilizes a lighter 27 to 29-grain bullet. Furthermore, because the .22 Short case is much shorter than the .22 LR case, the bullet must "jump" through a significant portion of the chamber before engaging the rifling. This gap can cause the bullet to enter the rifling slightly off-axis, leading to inconsistent flight paths and a decrease in precision, especially at distances beyond 25 yards. While perfectly adequate for plinking at a tin can or close-range pest control, you shouldn't expect match-grade performance.
Another critical factor is the development of a "carbon ring" or "fouling ring." Because the .22 Short casing does not reach the full length of the .22 LR chamber, carbon deposits, lead shavings, and wax lubricants can build up in the forward section of the chamber. If a large number of Shorts are fired without cleaning, this residue can harden. When you eventually try to switch back to .22 LR ammunition, the longer cases may become difficult to chamber, or worse, the spent .22 LR cases may stick in the chamber because they are crimped against this ring of debris. Regular cleaning is the simple solution to this problem, ensuring the chamber remains smooth and ready for all ammunition types.
| Aspect | Comparison of 22 Short vs. 22 LR |
|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity | Shorts typically range from 700 to 1,100 fps, while LR can reach 1,700 fps. |
| Bullet Weight | Shorts are usually 27-29 grains; LR are standard at 36-40 grains. |
| Noise Level | Shorts are significantly quieter, often sounding like a pellet gun. |
| Effective Range | Shorts are best under 50 yards; LR remains effective out to 100-150 yards. |
Benefits of Using 22 Shorts
Despite the potential for fouling and reduced accuracy, there are compelling reasons to keep a box of .22 Shorts in your range bag. The most prominent advantage is the reduced noise signature. Many "High Velocity" .22 LR rounds break the sound barrier, creating a loud "crack." Subsonic .22 Shorts, particularly "CB" (Conical Ball) caps, are incredibly quiet. This makes them ideal for property owners who need to dispatch pests like squirrels or raccoons without disturbing the neighbors or scaring off other wildlife. In some long-barreled rifles, the sound of the firing pin hitting the rim is almost louder than the shot itself.
Additionally, for training new or young shooters, the .22 Short offers a very gentle introduction to firearms. The recoil is virtually non-existent, and the lower noise level helps prevent the development of a "flinch" caused by the blast of larger calibers. It allows the student to focus entirely on sight picture and trigger squeeze in a very low-stress environment. Furthermore, in many older tube-fed rifles, the magazine can often hold a significantly higher number of .22 Shorts than .22 LR, allowing for extended plinking sessions between reloads, provided the rifle's feeding mechanism supports the shorter length.
FAQ about Can You Shoot 22 Shorts Out Of A 22Lr
Will shooting 22 Shorts damage my rifle?
In the short term, no. It is safe to fire them. However, if you shoot hundreds of rounds without cleaning, the resulting carbon and lead buildup in the chamber can make it difficult to use standard .22 LR rounds later. Simply clean the chamber thoroughly after using Shorts to avoid any long-term issues.
Can I use 22 Shorts in my semi-auto pistol or rifle?
Yes, you can physically load and fire them, but they will likely not cycle the action. You will have to manually pull back the bolt or slide to eject the spent casing and load the next round. For most semi-automatics, this effectively turns the gun into a manual-action firearm.
Are 22 Shorts more expensive than 22 LR?
Surprisingly, yes. Because .22 LR is produced in such massive quantities, it is usually cheaper due to economies of scale. .22 Short is considered a niche or specialty round today, so you will often find it priced slightly higher than standard bulk .22 LR ammunition.
Conclusion
Firing .22 Short ammunition out of a .22 LR firearm is a safe and time-honored practice that offers several unique benefits, particularly in the realms of noise reduction and training. While it may require more frequent cleaning to prevent chamber fouling and might not provide the pinpoint accuracy of the rounds your rifle was designed for, it remains a versatile option for any rimfire enthusiast. Whether you are dealing with backyard varmints or just looking for a quiet afternoon of plinking, the .22 Short proves that sometimes smaller really is better. Just remember to pack your cleaning kit along with your ammo, and enjoy the quiet efficiency of this classic rimfire cartridge.