[kannonfyre]

While .38 special can be fired in .357 Magnum revolvers, can .22LR be shot in .22 WMR revolvers?

[rcmodel]

No.

The .22 WMR has a larger diameter & longer case, and a slightly larger bullet diameter.

Firing .22LR in a Magnum chamber will result in bulged or possibly split cases.

Ruger and others do make SA revolvers with interchangable cylinders so you can use both cartridges in the same gun.
IE: Single-Six convertible.

rc

[22LRFan]

I think SA revolvers like the Ruger Single-Six or Heritage Rough Rider can use convertible cylinders because the lead bullet of the .22LR can expand to the .22 WMR diameter. But rc's right a .22LR round would not work in a .22 WMR cylinder.

[kludge]

Reason: the .22LR is a heeled bullet, the .22WMR is not.

The case of the .22LR is the same diameter as the bullet.

The case of the .22WMR is larger that the bullet.

If you put a .22LR in a .22WMR chamber, there is a lot of air around the .22LR.

[007BondJamesBond007]

No I have a Ruger Single Six and you have to change cylinders.

22lr in 22mag has lots of slop.

[The Lone Haranguer]

[F]iring .22LR in a Magnum chamber will result in bulged or possibly split cases.
http://www.twistsystems.co.uk/FCKeditor/editor/images/smiley/adium/whistling.gif

They will split. ;)

Also, because of the smaller rim diameter, the firing pin barely hits the edge, making for less reliable ignition.