Why cant a gun shoot multiple calibers?

[pradeep1]

Originally posted by: shortylickens
A 38 special will usually shoot a 357 magnum.

Don't every do this! A .38 in a .357 is okay, but not vice versa. You'll risk injuring yourself if you shoot and .357 in a .38, even if gun can handle the more powerful .38+P ammo.

.357 ammo is much, much more powerful than a standard .38.

 

[SandInMyShoes]

Originally posted by: shortylickensA non-automatic rifle chambered for 22 magnum will usually shoot anything below that (22 long rifle, 22 long, 22 short).

Same for 308 winmag and 7.62mm.

Since you've already been called out on .223 and the .38 Sp. vs. .357 Mag, let me just clarify these two points.

It is not wise to shoot .22LR, .22 Long or .22 Short in a .22WMR gun; the .22WMR case is larger in diameter, and a .22LR case fired in a (slightly larger diameter) .22WMR chamber can swell or split.

I'm assuming you mean .308 Winchester and not .300 Winchester Magnum.
.308 Winchester is the same cartridge as 7.62x51 NATO, not to be confused with the very similar but older Russian rimmed 7.62x54 cartridge. Also, there's the shorter 7.62x39 cartridge, which cannot be chambered in any of the other 7.62mm calibers to my knowledge.

 

[TruePaige]

Bad question hah