[skeet]

Actually in most rifles especially bolt and pump types it IS safe. in years past 22 ammo was somewhat corrosive and it was imperative that you clean the bore and chamber after shooting shorts. The chamber could become pitted just in front of where the short case ended. If that happened the longer Long rifle could expand into the pitted area causing hard extraction etc. Today..we don't seem to have that problem..heck it is hard to find ANY 22 ammo. Just remember to clean the chamber before shooting long rifle ammo. Shorts may also build up a light ring of crud in the chamber. Now..I was in a Billings Sporting goods store today and 2 fellows engaged me in conversation. They were looking for places to shoot P dogs. They happened to be from Saskatchewan. They told me that 22 ammo is NOT in short supply in Canada and prices are not any higher than normal. I was seriously considering going to Canada to buy a bunch..but they told me I can only bring 5 Kilos of 22 ammo across the border...Darn 11 lbs just ain't nuff to make it worthwhile