(put question here because seems more viewers here than other topic areas)

Is "22 mag for short barrel" okay for use in rifle?

Bought a couple boxes of Speer Gold Dot 22 mag on sale at the local Walmart a few weeks ago but didn't read the fine print: "for short barrels only" or something to that effect. In my (weak) defense I admit I didn't have my glasses with me and couldn't've read more than the large print 22 Mag anyway. No details about the ammo on the box, nothing about that it's copper plated, hollow point, or any technical data like bullet weight, muzzle velocity, &c.
Okay for use in a rifle?
Asked about it at our small local gun shop (2d nearest shop is +hour away), guy at counter said yes, it's okay, that if anything the powder load is slightly hotter than standard to make up for what's lost in between the revolver cylinder and the barrel.

Based on the fact that it's designed for lower recoil, I don't know how accurate the 'hot load' statement is:

The newest addition to the Speer® Gold Dot Short Barrel line is the 40-grain .22 WMR hollow point. If this is the personal defense chambering you prefer, then this specialized new round is a must-have. Optimized for use in 2-inch barrels, it's designed to provide less kick, and will get reliable expansion. Gold Dot ammunition is known for superb performance, accuracy and reliability. No other ammunition offers such consistent high-performance. Nickel-plated for reliable feeding and extraction, this proven Short Barrel load is sure to perform.

Speer Website

Faster powder used for better velocity inshrt barrels. THe Gold dot biullet is a copper plated lead bullet. One that I know tried it in his rifle (Marlin Bolt action) and said it worked but impact was a little lower at 50 yards.

Ive been shooting the CCI maxi mag hp+v out of my bull barrel nickel bolted marlin and them suckers are loud, but shoot good. wouldn't want to shoot them out of a snub nose without some muffs on and maybe some goggles. haha

I believe these Short Barrel rounds are actually being marketed for the NAA revolver family...

I would assume it is marked as short barrel only is because the velocity is much less than standard 22 mags.

Muzzle Velocity of CCI 40 grain = ~1850 fps

Speer Gold Dot short barrel = 1050 fps

The reduced velocity could cause the round to get stuck in the longer barrel, and a subsequent shot could damage the rifle (squib)

Ive heard of this using Quiet or reduced loads in 22 LR.

If you shoot them, I would just make sure the rounds are hitting the target.

Shoot it and make sure the bullet exits the barrel. It's not going to blow your rifle up.. unless a bullet doesn't leave the barrel and you shoot another one.

I would think that if it can reach 1050 in two inches, with cylinder gap, it will get out of the barrel. After 5 to 8 inches the bullet will be slowing down, you'll get the extra push, because of the lack of a cylinder gap.

Lotta BAD info in this thread; those Speer rounds will achieve about +/- 1800fps when shot in a RIFLE.
The BULLET is designed to expand reliably when shot from (short) pistol barrels - as tested by mfgr.
In a RIFLE (barrel 16"+), the bullet will achieve ~ 1800fps, but act like a highly-frangible bullet.

ANY regular 22Mag ammo (mfgr rifle tested +/- 1800 - 2000 fps) will only achieve about +/- 1000fps in a 2" barrel pistol).
Speer rounds are not loaded 'hot' - they must conform to SAAMI specs (or be sued out of business).

Thanks oldoak. I was gonna say....