A centerfire cartridge is a type of firearm cartridge that has a primer located in the center of the cartridge case head. This type of cartridge is contrasted with rimfire cartridges, where the primer is located on the rim of the case head. Rimfire cartridges are generally less powerful than centerfire cartridges, but they are cheaper to manufacture and can be fired in more firearms. For these reasons, rimfire cartridges are often used for training purposes or as small game hunting ammunition. Centerfire cartridges are typically more powerful and are therefore better suited for larger game hunting applications.
What is Centerfire?
Centerfire is a type of ammunition that uses a primer located in the center of the cartridge case head to ignite the powder. Centerfire ammunition is more reliable than rimfire ammo because the primer is less likely to be damaged during storage or transportation.
Centerfire cartridges can also be reloaded, which makes them a favorite among shooters who enjoy handloading their own ammunition. While centerfire ammo is more expensive than rimfire, it is generally more accurate and powerful, making it the preferred choice for many shooters.
What is Rimfire?
Rimfire is a type of firearm cartridge that is ignited by impact instead of a percussion cap. Rimfire cartridges are typically less powerful than centerfire cartridges and are often used for small game hunting or plinking. The first Rimfire cartridge was the .22 Rimfire, introduced in 1857. This cartridge is still in production today and is widely used for target shooting, varmint hunting, and plinking. Rimfire cartridges are typically made from cheaper materials than centerfire cartridges, and they are not as reliable or durable.
Rimfire cartridges are also more difficult to reload, so they are not as popular with shooters who like to reload their own ammunition. Nevertheless, Rimfire cartridges remain popular among shooters due to their low cost and ease of use.
Difference between Centerfire and Rimfire
Centerfire and Rimfire cartridges are the two most common types of ammunition used today. Centerfire cartridges have the primer located in the center of the base, while Rimfire cartridges have the primer located around the edge of the base. Centerfire cartridges are generally more powerful and accurate than Rimfire cartridges, making them the preferred choice for most shooters. Rimfire cartridges are less expensive and are typically used for plinking or target practice. Centerfire and Rimfire cartridges are not interchangeable, so be sure to use the correct type of ammunition for your firearm.
Conclusion
The next time you’re in the market for a new firearm, it’s important to understand the difference between centerfire and rimfire ammunition. Doing your research ahead of time can help ensure that you select the right weapon for your needs and preferences. We hope this article has been helpful in educating you about the differences between these two types of ammunition.
