For those casually reading this thread, don't hard clamp the base of a live .22LR cartridge case. The priming compound is easy to set off by crushing the base.
It's an interesting legal question if setting off a primed (empty) cartridge case is permissible or not under the Firearm Act.
The Act talks about lawful locations for discharging a firearm, which typically involves an approved range or hunting.
It also implies defense of life under exigent circumstances, but you won't see that explicitly stated,
even though such action is supported by Canadian jurisprudence (and case law).
Normal assumption for discharging a firearm involves chambering and firing a complete cartridge (case, primer and projectile at minimum, usually also includes propellant too).