Rimfire vs Centerfire Ammunition: Differences, Pros & Cons

Not all ammunition is built the same.

Some ammunition will be more powerful than others. Some guns will shoot just fine with some ammunition but will get destroyed with others.

Specifically, there are two main types of ammunition: Centerfire and Rimfire.

Using the wrong type of ammunition for a certain gun or purpose can be disastrous.

So, what’s the difference between these two types?

Let’s find out.

How Does Ammunition Work?

Before comparing centerfire vs. rimfire ammunition, we need to look at how ammunition works in a firearm.

What is this?

You probably think that this is a bullet.

We are sorry to tell you, but you think wrong.

What you are looking at is actually called a cartridge.

An ammunition cartridge, also known as a round, is pre-assembled firearm ammunition used for shooting.

Contrary to what you may think, the entire cartridge isn’t just one solid projectile that flies out of the gun.

A standard cartridge is composed of 4 parts:

• Cartridge case: The container that holds all the cartridge parts together.
• Primer: The explosive chemical compound that ignites the gunpowder
• Bullet: The actual projectile fired from the barrel
• Powder: The powder mixture that, when ignited, explodes to expel the bullet

So how is a cartridge fired from a gun?

When you pull the trigger on your firearm, you release the firing pin. Once released, the firing pin strikes the primer, which then ignites the gunpowder.

The burning powder then produces a gas that expands rapidly in the cartridge. This rapidly expanding gas is what forces the bullet out of the barrel of the gun.

Through this mechanism, the gun hits its target.

The primer is located differently between certain cartridges.

This is where the difference between centerfire and rimfire ammunition comes into play.

What Is Rimfire Ammunition?

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In rimfire ammunition, the primer is located within the rim of the cartridge base.

To manufacture rimfire ammunition, the primer compound is spread uniformly along the inside of the case rim.

Once the primer is put in place, a smokeless or black powder is added before finishing it off with the bullet.

Rimfire rounds can be physically identified by a flat bottom.

Once fired, a rimfire cartridge has a pinched rim.

Why Use Rimfire Ammunition?

Rimfire cartridges are best used for low-pressure loads. This makes them a great choice for hunting small game or varmint.

A rimfire cartridge is also great for casual sport shooting and plinking — just pair them with the right rimfire scope, of course.

In addition to this, rimfire ammo is typically lighter and cheaper. This makes it easier to buy and store more of it at one time.

Thus, they are more ideal for training beginners.

Beginners are likely to use up a lot of bullets at one time while learning how to shoot properly.

Rimfire ammo allows them to practice as much as they need to without breaking their wallet or back.

What Is Centerfire Ammunition?

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For centerfire ammo, the primer compound is kept inside a metal disk.

The primer is located in a cavity in the base of the cartridge and is held in place by friction.

There are two main types of centerfire primers:

• Boxer primers: Has a single flash hole for ignition
• Berdan primers: Has two flash holes for ignition

Regardless of what type of primer you choose to use, you can be assured of a more even burn.

This is because the ignition comes from the center of the ammo.

A centerfire cartridge can be physically identified by the round disk at its bottom.

After firing, you will find that the centerfire cartridge has a little dimple in the center.

Why Use Centerfire Ammunition?

Centerfire ammunition has tougher, thicker casings to handle the exterior primer.

Because of this, they can handle higher pressures.

Higher pressures are usually exerted by larger amounts of powder used to fire larger bullets.

This means that centerfire ammo is compatible with larger calibers and is ideal for home defense and hunting.