Understanding the Cartridges
.22 Long Rifle (.22 LR)
The .22 Long Rifle is arguably the most popular rimfire cartridge in the world, known for its affordability, low recoil, and versatility. It’s a favorite amongst beginners for its gentle handling, and experienced shooters alike for target practice, plinking, and even small game hunting. The .22 LR’s widespread use has resulted in a vast array of firearms chambered for it, from small handguns to sophisticated rifles. Standard .22 LR ammunition typically propels a bullet at a velocity that is suitable for short to medium ranges, making it a suitable choice for recreational shooting activities. The .22 LR casing is designed to hold the primer and gunpowder, allowing the bullet to be propelled through the barrel when the primer is struck by the firing pin. The dimensions of a .22 LR chamber are specifically designed to accommodate the cartridge’s overall length, rim diameter, and bullet diameter, which are all crucial for safe and reliable operation.
.17 Mach 2
The .17 Mach 2 cartridge, on the other hand, is a much more recent development, designed for speed and accuracy. It utilizes a much smaller bullet compared to the .22 LR, typically around .17 caliber, which is where the “17” in its name comes from. The .17 Mach 2 is known for its high velocity, making it a particularly effective choice for varmint hunting and target shooting at longer ranges. The .17 Mach 2 achieves its higher velocity by using a lightweight bullet coupled with a small charge of powder. This combination allows the bullet to travel at impressive speeds, offering flatter trajectories and reduced wind drift. The .17 Mach 2, while impressive in performance, requires a firearm specifically designed for its use. This means its chamber and bore are created to handle the unique ballistic characteristics of the .17 Mach 2 cartridge. The chamber dimensions are engineered to accurately seat the cartridge, allowing for a consistent and reliable firing sequence. The smaller bullet diameter is a crucial factor for the performance of the .17 Mach 2 cartridge.
Key Differences and Potential Issues
The core of understanding this issue lies in the differences between the two cartridges. While the .22 LR is a well-established and common cartridge, the .17 Mach 2 represents a more specialized design. The most significant difference, and the primary reason why you *shouldn’t* combine the two, is the bullet diameter. The .17 Mach 2 features a bullet diameter of approximately .172 inches, whereas the .22 LR has a bullet diameter ranging from .223 to .225 inches.
This difference in bullet diameter creates a host of problems. Imagine trying to fire a tiny marble down a tunnel meant for a much larger ball. The smaller bullet will have difficulty engaging the rifling in the .22 LR barrel. Rifling, the spiral grooves cut into the barrel, is what imparts spin to the bullet, which stabilizes it and increases accuracy in flight. If the bullet doesn’t engage the rifling properly, it will be unstable and erratic in its trajectory.
Beyond accuracy problems, there’s a more immediate and dangerous possibility: a “squib load.” A squib load occurs when a cartridge fails to generate enough pressure to propel the bullet completely out of the barrel. This can be due to several reasons, including insufficient powder or a defective primer. When you fire a .17 Mach 2 in a .22 LR, the undersized bullet may not create enough pressure to move through the barrel with the desired force, getting lodged inside. This creates an obstruction. Firing another round after a squib load can lead to a catastrophic barrel failure, sending metal fragments flying and posing an extreme danger to the shooter and anyone nearby.
The .17 Mach 2 cartridge may not even chamber correctly in a .22 LR firearm. The differing dimensions mean that the .17 Mach 2 round might not sit flush within the chamber, potentially causing a malfunction or preventing the firearm from firing altogether.
Why You SHOULD NOT Shoot .17 Mach 2 in a .22
The answer to the core question, “Can I shoot .17 Mach 2 in a .22?” is a resounding and unequivocal “No”. The inherent design disparities between the .17 Mach 2 and the .22 LR, and the potential consequences, make this combination exceedingly dangerous.
The mismatched bore diameter is the initial and most obvious problem. Because the .17 Mach 2 bullet is considerably smaller than the .22 LR barrel’s bore, the gases from the fired cartridge will essentially leak around the bullet. This leakage severely reduces the projectile’s velocity, and its ability to be stabilized. The lack of a proper gas seal leads to a drastic loss of energy, significantly affecting accuracy and the bullet’s ability to hit its intended target. More concerning, the bullet’s instability within the barrel can cause it to strike the barrel walls, leading to deformation, or, again, a squib load.
The risks associated with a squib load when attempting to fire .17 Mach 2 ammunition in a .22 LR are grave. The .17 Mach 2’s bullet, being smaller, may not build enough pressure to exit the larger .22 LR bore, getting lodged in the barrel. If a shooter is unaware of the squib load and fires another round, the resulting pressure buildup can cause the barrel to rupture. This sort of catastrophic failure can send metal fragments flying outwards with explosive force. Such an event could inflict grave injuries to the shooter and anyone in the vicinity, including severe lacerations, eye damage, and even death. A squib load is a dangerous situation, regardless of the type of ammunition used. But the likelihood of it occurring is much greater in this case.
Additionally, a .17 Mach 2 cartridge might not even chamber properly in a .22 LR firearm. The .17 Mach 2 is slightly shorter than the .22 LR. Thus, the cartridge might not fit properly in the chamber, causing a malfunction, preventing the firing pin from striking the primer, or even damaging the firearm.
Most critically, there’s a universal caution from the manufacturers: never, ever, use ammunition not specifically designed for your firearm. Firearm manufacturers invest significant resources in designing and testing firearms to operate safely with specific ammunition types. Attempting to use a different type of ammunition could cause the firearm to malfunction, damage the internal components, and pose serious safety risks.
The ramifications of using the wrong ammunition extend to legal and financial concerns. Using an inappropriate cartridge will certainly void the manufacturer’s warranty. Any damage to the firearm resulting from improper ammunition usage will not be covered, leaving the owner responsible for the cost of repair or replacement. Moreover, improper ammunition use can lead to liability. If an accident occurs due to the incorrect ammunition, the shooter can be held liable for any injuries or damages.
What to Do If You Accidentally Chambered a .17 Mach 2
The cardinal rule is, and will always be, safety. If, for any reason, you realize that you have inadvertently chambered a .17 Mach 2 cartridge in a .22 LR firearm, the *absolute* first and most crucial step is to *not* attempt to fire it. Pulling the trigger would introduce enormous risks.
The next course of action is to safely remove the cartridge. The recommended method of removal involves using the appropriate tools to extract the round. Carefully open the action of the firearm. If the round is still in the chamber, and accessible, you could try to carefully remove the cartridge with a cleaning rod, or a specialized tool. However, you should never force anything. If the cartridge is difficult to remove, or you are uncertain, *immediately* consult a qualified gunsmith or armorer. Do not attempt to force the round out.
A qualified gunsmith or armorer is an expert in firearms, equipped with the tools and expertise to safely diagnose and resolve firearm issues. They have the necessary training and knowledge to safely remove the .17 Mach 2 cartridge without causing damage to the firearm or injury to themselves or you. Trying to handle this situation without professional help is risky. A gunsmith is accustomed to working with firearms and ammunition, and he or she will be able to safely remove the cartridge and prevent any dangerous situation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to the question “Can I shoot .17 Mach 2 in a .22?” is a firm and resolute “No.” Firing a .17 Mach 2 round from a .22 LR firearm is inherently unsafe and carries significant risks, including potential for severe injury, catastrophic firearm failure, and legal repercussions. The fundamental differences in bullet diameter and chamber dimensions make these cartridges incompatible. Always prioritize safety above all else.
Firearm safety begins with understanding the specific firearm and its designated ammunition. Always consult your firearm’s manual to determine the appropriate ammunition type. When in doubt about ammunition compatibility or encounter any unexpected issues, never hesitate to seek professional assistance from a qualified gunsmith or armorer. Safety is your utmost responsibility. Do not take any chances.
