.22lr rounds thru a .223 suppressor

[Gottahaveone]

I'm about ready to set up the trust and submit the paperwork for a can. I'm probably going to start with a .223 for the AR. My assumption is that I will be able to use the same can when I install the .22lr conversion into the AR. I can certainly see where it wouldn't be viable the other way around, using a .22lr suppressor for a .223 round, but will a .223 suppressor do double duty and work for .22 as well?

 

[Shadow 7D]

A bit over built wouldn't you think??
Don't see a reason it wouldn't work

 

[Gottahaveone]

A bit over built wouldn't you think??

Yep, and that's why I wouldn't buy a .223 can for a purely .22lr weapon. I just wanted to know if there was any reason (I couldn't think of one) that I couldn't leave the .223 can on when I put the .22lr adapter kit in the AR.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

The diameter of a .223 can is large enough to allow a .22 through. And if it can take the pressures of a .223 cartridge, it should definitely be able to handle a .22lr.

I have very little experience with suppressors, but I can't imagine why it wouldn't be safe. It might allow the gasses to get around the .22 caliber projectile and not be as effective, but it would still be safe.

 

[1KPerDay]

The only thing I can think of is leading/fouling issues. But if it can be taken apart/cleaned I don't see why not.

 

[mrnkc130]

Yes you can use a .556 can with .22lr, it works just fine. .22's are dirty though and can eventually foul up your suppressor pretty bad and fill it with lead, reducing the volume and reducing the effectiveness but it takes quite a few rounds. A lot of people say ultrasonic cleaners will do the trick for cleaning them, or get a take apart can. There really aren't too many .556 cans that come apart for cleaning but they are out there if you look for them.

Best reason for a dedicated .22 can is they are usually much lighter and pretty much all come apart for cleaning. Use your .556 can for now and get a dedicated .22 can later, oh they are usually fairly cheap too compared to .556

 

[WoofersInc]

Most manufacturers will tell you not to run 22lr through a 223 can.

22lr is very dirty. There is a fine spray of molten lead that comes out of the barrel. This deposits on the baffles of any suppressor mounted. Since most centerfire cans are not made to be taken apart and cleaned you can not get this lead off of the baffles. This can cause problems down the road. One is less noise reduction. The other, is that if you get enough lead buildup, pieces of this buildup can break loose when shooting centerfire. This can cause the bullets to be knocked off of their flight path and can cause baffle strikes which can ruin the suppressor.

 

[Zak Smith]

Since most centerfire cans are not made to be taken apart and cleaned you can not get this lead off of the baffles.

Not true at all. An ultrasonic cleaner can be used, or the "vinegar/peroxide" method can be used (provided the suppressor is not aluminum but I don't know any .223 cans made of Al). In both cases care must be taken to handle and dispose of the waste properly.

 

[Shadow 7D]

I would like to point out that lead is rather benign, as it it will eventually kill you, but your body can deal with most amounts you encounter

Lead oxides (what vinegar/peroxide will make) are HIGHLY TOXIC, so wear gloves, wash thoroughly and by JOVE Don't SMOKE or do anything around your mouth.

 

[Acera]

Do you have any .30 rifles? If you do, consider a larger can that that be used on a multitude of weapons. I am going with YHMs 7.62mm can to use on both a FAL, AR's and the AR .22 conversion kit. There will be a weight and size penalty, but for me that is not that big of an issue. The ability to have a single item that works well on multiple platforms is an advantage to me.

 

[yongxingfreesty]

not sure if it has been said, but shooting .22lr through your .223 can will gunk up the internals. most .223 cans are not take apart so make sure you find a way to clean it before shooting .223 thru it