.22 lr shot in .22 mag cylinder experience.

[quasne.inc]

So I was at the range the other day with my brother who just bought a heritage rough rider in .22 lr/ .22 mag.  He forgot to change out cylinders when he started shooting .22 lr in the mag cyl.  I asked him if he switched and his eyes went wide and said he didnt and was worried he had ruined his gun.  Now I know you arent supposed to shoot lr in the mag and Im not condoning shooting a cartridge in something that its not meant for, but nothing happened other than a few split cases.  The gun seemed fine and I have been wondering what the big deal is?  Why are people on different forums so adamant about not doing this?  With my limited knowledge I dont understand why people are so worried about accidentally shooting a cartridge in a gun that is built to withstand the pressure of a much more powerful round.  I hope I am not coming off as being a smart aleck.  I joined this awesome sight to learn, and I guess I am trying to understand why it is so bad.  Could it have gone horribly wrong had I not stopped him after the second shot? 

[RJBier]

I have  done that with mine.   The .22 mag chamber is a bit larger in diameter than the .22 long rifle chamber.   realized my mistake after a half a box of rounds when i noticed my cases were swelled up a bit and one split.   The only issue would have been a case split.

[Keith L]

I would think in this case it is less out of concern for the gun, and more concern for the shooter and others near by.  Hot gasses and bits of the split cases could escape from the chamber and hit the shooter or others near by causing injury. 

[Bigdog57]

Yep, just like with the .22Mag rifle - it won't damage the GUN, but the cases can split and cause crap to fly......

My old Tanfoglio TA76 revolver has a .22Mag cylinder - I love shooting primer-only Colibris from it......
A guy at the range once thought I was shooting a 'pellet pistol' and asked which one it was?
I slid in a .22Mag and fired it - and responded - "A good one!"