Centerfire Vs Rimfire Ammunition? - What Is The Difference?

While both centerfire and rimfire ammunition use a metal casing with powder 

and a bullet, the location of the primer in the cartridge is the main distinguishing 

feature between the two types. 

 

 

Centerfire ammunition is generally more powerful, versatile, and reloadable than 

rimfire ammunition, which is typically used in smaller caliber firearms and 

cannot be reloaded.

What Is Centerfire Ammunition?

Centerfire ammunition is a type of cartridge used in firearms. 

It consists of a metal casing with a primer located in the center of the base, which is struck 

by the firing pin of the firearm, igniting the powder inside and propelling the bullet forward.

In contrast, rimfire ammunition has the primer located in the rim of the casing. 

Centerfire ammunition is typically more powerful and reliable than 

rimfire ammunition and is used in larger caliber firearms, including rifles, handguns, 

and shotguns. It is commonly used for hunting, self-defense, and target shooting. 

Centerfire cartridges are available in various calibers and configurations, allowing

 shooters to choose the appropriate cartridge for their specific needs.

What Is Rimfire Ammunition?

Rimfire ammunition is a type of cartridge used in firearms. It gets its name from the fact 

that the firing pin strikes the base (rim) of the cartridge to ignite the primer, 

which in turn ignites the gunpowder and propels the bullet. 

Rimfire cartridges are typically smaller and less powerful than centerfire cartridges and

 are commonly used in firearms such as handguns, rifles, and revolvers for activities 

such as target shooting, plinking, and small game hunting.

The design of rimfire cartridges makes them relatively simple to manufacture and they 

are typically less expensive than centerfire cartridges. However, rimfire cartridges are 

generally not as reliable or consistent as centerfire cartridges and 

have limitations in terms of their power and range. 

Additionally, they cannot be reloaded like centerfire cartridges, as the primer is integral 

to the base of the cartridge and cannot be easily replaced.

Centerfire Vs Rimfire

Centerfire and rimfire ammunition are two types of cartridges used in firearms. 

The key differences between centerfire and rimfire ammunition are as follows:

1. Design: The main difference between centerfire and rimfire ammunition is the way

    they are designed. In centerfire cartridges, the primer is located in the center of

    the base of the cartridge, while in rimfire cartridges, the primer is located in the 

   rim of the base of the cartridge.

2. Power: Centerfire ammunition is generally more powerful than rimfire ammunition 

   due to its larger powder charge and primer. 

   Centerfire cartridges are typically used for hunting, self-defense, and competition 

   shooting, where stopping power and accuracy are important factors. 

   Rimfire ammunition, on the other hand, 

   is generally used for plinking and target shooting, where lower power and less 

   recoil are desired.

3. Reliability: Centerfire ammunition is more reliable than rimfire ammunition 

   because the primer is protected by the cartridge casing. 

   Rimfire cartridges have a thinner case and the primer is exposed, 

   which makes it more susceptible to damage or dents during handling or 

   transportation. A damaged primer can result in misfires or other malfunctions.

4. Cost: Rimfire ammunition is generally less expensive than centerfire ammunition. 

   This is partly because rimfire cartridges are smaller and require less material to 

   manufacture, and also because they are less powerful than centerfire cartridges.

5. Availability: Centerfire ammunition is more widely available than rimfire 

   ammunition. Centerfire cartridges are used in a wide range of firearms, 

   including rifles, shotguns, and handguns, while rimfire cartridges are primarily 

   used in rifles and handguns.

6. Applications: Centerfire ammunition is used for a wide range of applications, 

   including hunting, self-defense, and competition shooting. 

   Rimfire ammunition is primarily used for plinking and target shooting, 

   but can also be used for small game hunting and pest control.

Overall, the choice between centerfire and rimfire ammunition will depend on the 

specific needs and preferences of the shooter. Centerfire ammunition is generally 

more powerful and reliable, but also more expensive, while rimfire ammunition is less 

powerful and less reliable, but also less expensive.

Pros and Cons – Rimfire vs. Centerfire Ammunition

Rimfire and centerfire ammunition are two types of cartridges that are commonly used 

in firearms. Here are some pros and cons of each type:

Rimfire Ammunition:

Pros:

1. Lower cost: Rimfire ammunition is generally less expensive than centerfire 

   ammunition, making it a popular choice for recreational shooters and beginners.

2. Low recoil: Rimfire cartridges are less powerful than centerfire cartridges,

   resulting in less recoil when firing. This can be especially beneficial for those 

   who are new to shooting or have physical limitations.

3. Lightweight: Rimfire cartridges are smaller and lighter than centerfire 

   cartridges, making them easier to carry in large quantities.

Cons:

1. Limited power: Rimfire cartridges are not as powerful as centerfire cartridges, 

   which can limit their effectiveness for hunting and other applications.

2. Limited range: Rimfire cartridges have a shorter effective range than centerfire

   cartridges, which can make them less suitable for long-range shooting.

3. Less reliable: Rimfire cartridges are more prone to misfires and other malfunctions 

   than centerfire cartridges due to their design.

Centerfire Ammunition:

Pros:

1. High power: Centerfire cartridges are more powerful than rimfire cartridges, 

   making them better suited for hunting and other applications where stopping power 

   is important.

2. Greater range: Centerfire cartridges have a longer effective range than rimfire 

   cartridges, making them more suitable for long-range shooting.

3. More reliable: Centerfire cartridges are less prone to misfires and other 

   malfunctions than rimfire cartridges, making them a more reliable choice.

Cons:

1. Higher cost: Centerfire ammunition is generally more expensive than rimfire 

   ammunition, which can be a limiting factor for some shooters.

2. Higher recoil: Centerfire cartridges are more powerful than rimfire cartridges, 

   which can result in greater recoil when firing.

3. Heavier: Centerfire cartridges are larger and heavier than rimfire cartridges, 

   which can make them less convenient to carry in large quantities.

Ultimately, the choice between rimfire and centerfire ammunition will depend on the 

specific needs and preferences of the shooter. Rimfire cartridges are generally more 

affordable and have lower recoil, 

while centerfire cartridges are more powerful and reliable.

Conclusion

In summary, centerfire ammunition is generally more powerful and reliable, but also more 

expensive than rimfire ammunition. The choice between centerfire and rimfire ammunition 

will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the shooter.