.22 shot shell question

[rabbit whacker]

Does or can the shot shells ruin the rifling in the barrel? I am sure accuracy is not going to be top notch or have much of a range. Just curious if it will hurt a gun.

[Moss_835]

Rabbit Whacker

Not being any expert ...I can only relate my experience with them ... have shot a ton of them out of my old .22 and as long as I clean it on a regular basis ...like after each time I use it ...have not noticed any problem...
Was told by some "old timers" that the shot would foul the rifling and soon turn it into a smooth bore....after over 5 years of shooting at least 500 rds a year ...again I have not noticed anything...
My 0.02 worth

Moss

[DEERSLAYER]

Moss_835

What do you use them for that you shoot that many rounds a year?

[LandBarge]

Rabbit Whacker,

I never had much luck using shot shells in my rifle. They were always jamming, so I never shot enough rounds to know. I started using them in my Ruger 6 shot though, and they are the greatest for those devilish little chipmunks that I am plagued with!:D

[stevebrandle]

When the shot shells first came out, the brass was just crimped to hold in the shot. I'm not sure if they still make that type or not. Newer shells contain the shot in a plastic tip wich should protect the rifling in the barrel more. I've never liked them much because their range is so limited.