22 LR in a bolt WMR?

[handirifle]

Keep in mind, that there is no intention of this being a "regular" thing. I stuck one in the chamber of my 93, held it at arms length, and it went bang. No split case, and the shot did have a "hollow" ring to it, but I have no idea of how accurate it could be. I believe, IIRC, the LR rounds are .223, and the WMR is .224, correct?

I never measured the loaded case diameters for comparison either. Is this the equivalent of shooting shorts in a LR chamber, except for the .001" diameter difference? I know the base of the WMR is slightly wider than the LR not sure about the case body itself.

I ask this cause as a "go to" gun, the WMR has more power than the LR by a long shot, but the ability to use smaller, lighter, cheaper LR ammo in it for smaller game would be very convenient.

Has anyone ever tested this out to any length? Possible bad effects to rifle? I knew one round would not damage the rifle, but unsure of long term usage.

Thanks.

[Blue Avenger]

You are correct on the .223 & .224. Twist is also different. The dia of .22 is smaller and you will have gas leaking around them when they do not seal.

[handirifle]

Yea I figured that might be the case, with the gas leak, thus explaining the "hollow" sound of the shot. They must have done that to keep from loading a mag round in a LR gun. kinda the same approach Winchester is taking with the new 17 WSM, it's based on a 27 cal brass from nail guns.