Tam details a malfunction with a .22 rifle, and notes:
Of course everybody was wearing eye protection, and nothing bad happened to the gun, but be careful when saying “Oh, it’s just a .22.” While its powder charge may be small, the modern high velocity .22LR chamberings operate at higher chamber pressures than .38 Special or .45ACP. SAAMI maximum allowable pressure specification for the .22 Long Rifle is 2,500 PSI more than .380, and 3,000 psi more than .32 H&R Magnum.
Be careful out there.