About Rimfire Ammo
Invented in 1845 by Louis-Nicolas Flobert, rimfire ammunition is a popular type of ammo where the firing pin strikes the cartridge's rim to ignite the primer.
This is different from centerfire ammunition, where the primer is in the center of the cartridge base.
The first rimfire metallic cartridge was the .22 BB Cap (a.k.a. 6mm Flobert) cartridge, which consisted of a percussion cap with a bullet attached to the top.
While many other different cartridge priming methods have been tried since the 19th century, only rimfire and the later centerfire cartridges survive to the present day with regular usage.
One of the most well-known calibers for rimfire ammo is the .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR). It's famous for being affordable and having low recoil, making it great for learning how to shoot.
Other popular rimfire calibers include the .22 Magnum (also known as .22 WMR), .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire), and .17 Winchester Super Magnum (WSM).
Rimfire ammunition is commonly used for a variety of activities.
It's great for small game hunting, like chasing squirrels or rabbits, because it causes less damage to the game.
Many gun owners choose rimfire ammo when learning how to shoot, for competitive shooting, and for pest control because it's practical yet not excessively powerful for residential areas.
Common Names for Rimfire Ammunition
Since its initial release over 170 years ago, Rimfire Cartridges have come a long way and have had many different variations. Some of the most common include:
- 22LR Ammo
- 22MAG Ammo
- 22 Magnum Ammo
- 22 Long Ammo
- 22 Short Ammo
- 17HMR Ammo
Regardless of your preferred terminology, Rimfire Cartridges have come a long way, gaining massive popularity over the years. Rimfire is utilized by new and experienced firearm owners. It is available in the lineup of every significant American ammo manufacturer.
Popular Rimfire Ammo Firearms
Rifles
- Renowned for its reliability and ease of use, the Ruger 10/22 is a semi-automatic rifle with a wealth of aftermarket accessories and customizations available.
- It's a favorite among beginners and experienced shooters alike.
Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 Sport
- A tactical-style semi-automatic rifle that mimics the look and feel of a full-size AR-15.
- It's popular for training and sport shooting, offering great ergonomics and customization options.
Henry Classic Lever Action .22
- A lever-action rifle with classic styling, the Henry .22 is admired for its craftsmanship, smooth action, and accuracy. It's suitable for hunting and enjoyable for recreational shooting.
- This semi-automatic rifle is chambered in .17 HMR and known for its accuracy and use of a unique delayed-blowback action, making it a favorite for varmint hunting.
- Designed for young shooters, this single-shot bolt-action rifle comes in .22 LR.
- It's lightweight, easy to handle, and features a safety-focused design, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Handguns
- With its distinctive design and reliable performance, the Ruger Mark IV is a semi-automatic pistol that's ideal for target shooting and plinking.
- Its quick takedown button makes cleaning and maintenance simple.
- A scaled-down version of the full-size M&P pistol, this .22 LR semi-automatic handgun is designed for training and target shooting, offering excellent ergonomics and reliability in a smaller package.
- A highly accurate and modifiable semi-automatic pistol, the SW22 Victory is a favorite for competitive shooters and those who enjoy customizing their firearms.
- A tactical-style semi-automatic pistol, the Walther P22 is popular for its ergonomic design, adaptability, and suitability for training and recreational shooting.
- A newer entry to the rimfire market, this .22 LR revolver stands out for its 9-shot capacity and a swing-out cylinder, reminiscent of classic cowboy guns but with modern engineering.
- This single-action revolver, chambered in .22 LR or .22 WMR, is designed with a nostalgic look that harks back to the Wild West era, making it popular for plinking and target shooting.
- A semi-automatic pistol chambered in .22 LR, the Taurus TX22 is praised for its capacity, comfort, and reliability. It's a top choice for training and recreational shooting due to its full-size feel and minimal recoil.
Top Features of Rimfire Ammo
Inexpensive
- Rimfire ammunition is relatively inexpensive compared to other types of ammunition due to its high popularity and low manufacturing costs, making it a popular choice for budget-minded shooters.
Low Recoil
- Rimfire cartridges typically have low recoil, making them easy to shoot accurately and comfortably for extended periods of time.
Low Noise
- Rimfire ammunition is also known for producing relatively low noise, which makes it ideal for shooting in areas where noise may be a concern, such as urban shooting ranges or backyard plinking.
Limited Power
- Rimfire ammunition is generally less powerful than centerfire ammunition, making it less effective at longer ranges and for hunting larger game.
Small Caliber
- Rimfire ammunition is typically available in smaller calibers, such as .22 Long Rifle, making it ideal for shooting small game or for recreational shooting and plinking.
Availability
- In many ways, gun enthusiasts consider Rimfire rifles and pistols a top choice for new gun owners and youths.
- With countless firearm models to choose from and ammunition being easily found and purchased online and throughout most gun shops.
Rimfire Ammo FAQs
QUESTION: What ammo is rimfire?
ANSWER: Rimfire ammunition is a type of metallic cartridge whose primer is located within a hollow circumferential rim protruding from the base of its casing. Among the most common rimfire cartridges are 22 caliber and 17 calibers.
QUESTION: What is rimfire ammo used for?
ANSWER: The lower pressure loads of rimfire cartridges tend to be popular for small-game (or varmint) hunting, sport shooting, and plinking. Rimfire is also commonly used in competitive shooting, but less preferred for self-defense.
QUESTION: Can Rimfire Cartridges go bad?
ANSWER: There is no actual expiration date for Rimfire ammo. However, keeping it in the correct conditions (cool and dry) will ensure that your rimfire rounds will last over a lifetime! For more information, check out our article How to Store Ammo.
QUESTION: Can you hunt with rimfire ammo?
ANSWER: Rimfire cartridges are often used when hunting small game like rats, gophers, and smaller sized birds. They kill quickly but are not likely to cause excessive damage unless headshots are taken. When utilizing a rimfire rifle or rimfire pistol for small game hunting, 22LR ammunition is often the preferred choice.
QUESTION: Which is better rimfire or centerfire?
ANSWER: While rimfire is excellent for rookie shooters and those who are into small game hunting, centerfire is perfect for big game hunting and home defense. Additionally, rimfire ammo is usually cheaper and offers a lower recoil than its counterpart. In the end, the choice will depend on the intended use.
QUESTION: Why Choose Ammunition Depot for Rimfire Ammo?
ANSWER: With the best selection of ammo, magazines, and firearms online, Ammunition Depot is your go-to source when purchasing ammo online. Our extensive online catalog of target practice and small game Rimfire Ammo for sale is available to ship at low prices.