22LR Vs 22HMR! Will It I Work?

Published on March 3, 2026
Duration: 1:15

This video demonstrates the potential issues of firing .22LR ammunition in a handgun chambered for .22WMR, specifically a North American Arms Recluse. The presenter highlights common failures to ignite and the problematic expansion of .22LR casings, which can foul the cylinder. A strong caution is issued against attempting such experiments due to safety concerns and potential firearm damage.

Quick Summary

Firing .22LR ammunition in a .22WMR handgun is not recommended due to potential failures to ignite and problematic casing expansion. The .22LR casings can expand to fill the .22WMR cylinder, leading to fouling and hindering the proper seating of .22WMR rounds. Always use ammunition specifically designed for your firearm's caliber.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: .22LR in a .22WMR Handgun
  2. 00:18Firing .22LR Rounds: Failures to Ignite
  3. 00:39.22LR Rounds Can Be Unstable and Expand Casings
  4. 00:55Issues: Fouling the Cylinder

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you safely fire .22LR ammunition in a .22WMR handgun?

No, it is generally not safe or recommended to fire .22LR ammunition in a firearm chambered for .22WMR. While the bullet diameters are similar, the case dimensions and ignition systems differ, leading to potential failures to ignite, casing expansion, and firearm fouling.

What are the risks of firing .22LR in a .22WMR firearm?

The primary risks include failures to ignite, where the primer doesn't fire the round. Additionally, .22LR casings can expand to fill the larger .22WMR cylinder, causing fouling and potentially making it difficult or impossible to chamber and fire correct .22WMR ammunition.

Why do .22LR rounds sometimes fail to ignite in a .22WMR firearm?

Failures to ignite are common because the rimfire primers and base dimensions of .22LR and .22WMR cartridges are different. The firing pin or hammer in a .22WMR firearm may not strike the .22LR rim with sufficient force or in the correct position to reliably ignite the primer.

What is the 'fouling' mentioned when firing .22LR in a .22WMR gun?

Fouling refers to the residue and debris left inside the firearm's chamber or cylinder. When .22LR casings expand in a .22WMR cylinder, they leave behind soot and metal fragments where the longer .22WMR cartridge should seat, hindering future proper function.

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