What Is Rimfire-Primed Ammo?

Welcome to another installment of True Shot Academy. Today, we're diving into an often-discussed but sometimes misunderstood topic: Rimfire-Primed Ammo. From its origins to its performance and its position compared to other types of ammunition, we will cover all you need to know about rimfire-primed ammo.

History of Rimfire

The history of rimfire ammunition dates back to the early 19th century. One of the first types of rimfire ammunition was the BB Cap, developed in 1845, followed by the CB Cap. These were simple, low-powered cartridges that didn't contain any gunpowder; instead, they relied solely on the priming compound to propel the bullet. As firearms technology evolved, so did rimfire cartridges, eventually incorporating smokeless powder to boost performance.

How Does Rimfire Work?

Rimfire-primed ammo gets its name from the method of ignition. In a rimfire cartridge, the priming compound is placed inside the rim of the casing. When the firing pin of a rimfire firearm strikes the edge of the case, it ignites the priming compound, which in turn ignites the powder and propels the bullet. This is different from centerfire ammunition, where the priming compound is contained in a separate, central primer.

Rimfire vs Centerfire: Performance and Pros and Cons

Performance

Rimfire ammunition is generally considered to be less powerful than centerfire ammunition. Because the walls of a rimfire cartridge must be thin enough for the firing pin to crush the rim and ignite the priming compound, rimfire ammo is usually limited to lower pressures. Centerfire cartridges, on the other hand, can withstand much higher pressure, resulting in faster bullet velocities and a flatter trajectory.

Pros of Rimfire

Cost-Effectiveness: One of the biggest advantages of rimfire ammunition is cost. Rimfire ammo is generally cheaper to produce, making it an affordable option for practice and plinking.
Low Recoil: The lower pressure of rimfire ammunition results in significantly less recoil, making rimfire firearms easier to shoot, especially for beginners.
Quiet: Rimfire guns are often quieter than their centerfire counterparts, which can be beneficial for discrete pest control or when shooting in noise-sensitive environments.

Cons of Rimfire

Limited Effective Range: The lower pressure and velocity generally restrict rimfire ammunition to shorter effective ranges.
Reliability: Rimfire priming is generally less reliable than centerfire priming. Misfires, although rare, are more common with rimfire ammunition.

Is .22 the Only Rimfire?

While the .22 Long Rifle cartridge is the most popular rimfire caliber, it is not the only one. Other notable rimfire calibers include the Hornady Magnum Rimfire 17 HMR, Hornady Mach 2 17 HM2, and Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) among others. Each of these offers unique benefits, often focused on higher velocity and flatter trajectory compared to the .22 LR.

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Which is Better: Centerfire or Rimfire?

This often depends on your specific needs. For high-precision, long-range shooting or hunting larger game, centerfire is generally the way to go. However, if you're new to shooting, practicing, or dealing with smaller pests, rimfire firearms and ammo are hard to beat in terms of cost and ease of use.

Why is Rimfire Still Used?

Despite its limitations, rimfire ammunition and firearms remain popular for several reasons:

Affordability: As mentioned, rimfire ammo is often cheaper than centerfire ammo.
Training: The low recoil and cost make it an excellent choice for new shooters.
Specialized Uses: Some varmint hunting and competition shooting sports favor rimfire cartridges for their specific benefits.

Specialized Rimfire Rounds

When it comes to specialized rimfire rounds, the options go beyond the standard offerings like the .22 Long Rifle or .17 HMR. One notable category is subsonic cartridges, designed to operate at velocities below the speed of sound, thereby reducing the sonic "crack" and making them quieter options ideal for discreet pest control or noise-sensitive environments.

Additionally, there are rimfire shotshell cartridges, which contain multiple small pellets rather than a single bullet. These are particularly useful for shooting small pests at close range, as they provide a wider area of impact.

Then there are high-velocity and hyper-velocity rimfire rounds that aim to maximize speed and offer a flatter trajectory for more precise shooting. While less common, these specialized rimfire rounds cater to niche applications and requirements, expanding the versatility of rimfire firearms for a variety of shooting scenarios.

Rimfire Guns

When you're in the market for a rimfire firearm, several factors should guide your decision-making process. First, consider the primary application—will the gun be used for plinking, training, small-game hunting, or competitive shooting? This will help you decide on features like barrel length, stock type, and accessories.

Brands are another consideration; trusted names like Ruger, Smith & Wesson, and CZ have a reputation for producing reliable and accurate rimfire firearms. Pay attention to the caliber as well—while .22 LR is versatile and affordable, you might opt for something like a .17 HMR for higher velocity and flatter trajectory. Also, check if the firearm supports easy customization like mounting optics or other accessories.

Finally, consider the action type—semi-automatic for quick follow-up shots or bolt-action for greater accuracy. Taking the time to consider these aspects will ensure you invest in a rimfire gun that best suits your shooting needs.

Myths and Misconceptions About Rimfire

One of the most enduring myths surrounding rimfire ammunition is that it's only suitable for beginners. While it's true that the low recoil and cost-effectiveness of rimfire make it an excellent choice for those new to shooting, seasoned marksmen and hunters also frequently rely on rimfire for specific applications like varmint control and competitive shooting.

Another common misconception is that rimfire is inherently unreliable, especially when compared to centerfire ammunition. While it's true that the priming method for rimfire cartridges can result in occasional misfires, modern manufacturing techniques have made this increasingly rare. In fact, for the vast majority of shooting scenarios, rimfire ammo performs remarkably reliably. Dispelling these myths is important for a balanced understanding of where rimfire fits into the broader landscape of firearms and ammunition.

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Legal Implications of Rimfire

It's crucial for gun owners and enthusiasts to be aware of the legal landscape surrounding firearms, and this extends to the realm of rimfire as well. In some jurisdictions, the legal requirements for purchasing and owning rimfire firearms can be less stringent than those for centerfire guns.

For example, certain places may allow the purchase of rimfire ammunition at a younger age compared to centerfire. Additionally, some areas may have restrictions on centerfire rifles or handguns that don't apply to their rimfire counterparts, especially when it comes to magazine capacity or the types of firearms that can be legally used for hunting specific game.

However, it's essential to note that laws can vary significantly by location, and what holds true in one jurisdiction may not be the case in another. Always consult local and federal laws or speak with a legal expert to understand the specifics as they apply to you.

Conclusion

In summary, rimfire-primed ammo has a storied history and offers distinct advantages and disadvantages when compared to centerfire cartridges. While not ideal for all situations, rimfire remains a viable option for many shooting applications. Whether it’s a cost-effective day at the range or specialized hunting needs, rimfire ammunition is here to stay.

Thank you for tuning into True Shot Academy, brought to you by True Shot Ammo, your trusted source for both rimfire and centerfire cartridges. Stay tuned for more in-depth articles to fuel your firearm passion.

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What Is Rimfire-Primed Ammo?