Will firing .22LR ammunition gum up gas system?

[rbeau30]

Not sure if this happens, but I heard somewhere that firing .22LR ammunition through what normally would be a 5.56/.223 barrel (ie: drop-in CMMG conversion kit) will cause lead buildup in the gas system.

Any Smithy's on here seen this happen?

[00tec]

From what I've heard, it's not the lead that's the problem, it's because .22 is inherently dirty firing.

[rbeau30]

From what I've heard, it's not the lead that's the problem, it's because .22 is inherently dirty firing.

I can see that. I have noticed powder coming out of the action (stinging sensations on forehead) while firing.

[mutt]

You would have to shoot a lot (many thousands of rounds), without ever switching back to 5.56, to cause clogging issues with the gas tube. The biggest problem I've had with .22lr is the crud it leaves in the lower after a few thousand rounds. Just make sure you clean the rifle very well after using .22lr and pop off some 5.56/.223 every so often (after cleaning the rifle) to blow any residue out of the gas system. Your best bet is to get a dedicated .22lr upper. Problem solved (except for having to clean your lower really well every so often).

[cofi]

i have well over 30k on my upper with .22 youll be fine.....the only problem i have even encountered is lead build up with my battlecomp