22LR Vs 22HMR! Will It I Work?

Published on March 3, 2026
Duration: 1:15

This video explores the dangerous practice of firing .22LR ammunition in a handgun designed for .22WMR, specifically a North American Arms Recluse. The presenter highlights common failures to ignite and significant issues with casing expansion and cylinder fouling. The experiment is strongly discouraged due to safety risks and potential firearm damage.

Quick Summary

Firing .22LR ammunition in a firearm chambered for .22WMR is strongly discouraged due to significant safety risks. Differences in case dimensions can cause failures to ignite, while casing expansion can lead to cylinder fouling and potential firearm damage. Always use ammunition specifically designated for your firearm's caliber.

Chapters

  1. 00:00.22LR in .22WMR Handgun
  2. 00:18Firing .22LR; Failures to Ignite
  3. 00:39.22LR Rounds Can Be Unstable
  4. 00:55Issues; Fouling the Cylinder

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you shoot .22LR in a .22WMR gun?

.22LR ammunition should not be fired in a firearm chambered for .22WMR. While the bullet diameter is similar, the case dimensions and pressure characteristics differ significantly, leading to potential misfires, firearm damage, and safety hazards.

What are the risks of using the wrong ammunition caliber?

Using the wrong ammunition caliber can cause catastrophic firearm failure, including case ruptures and explosions. It can also lead to malfunctions like failures to fire or extract, and potentially cause serious injury to the shooter or bystanders.

Why might .22LR fail to fire in a .22WMR chamber?

.22LR and .22WMR have different case head dimensions and primer depths. A .22WMR firearm's firing pin might not strike the .22LR primer correctly, or the rimfire ignition system may not be optimized for the .22LR case, resulting in a 'click' or misfire.

What is cylinder fouling in firearms?

Cylinder fouling refers to the buildup of residue, unburnt powder, and metal shavings inside a firearm's cylinder. Firing incompatible ammunition, like .22LR in a .22WMR chamber, can exacerbate fouling due to casing expansion and incomplete combustion, potentially affecting future shots.

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