About Rimfire Ammo
Rimfire ammo is one of the oldest and most widely used types of ammunition, valued for its affordability, low recoil, and versatility.
Invented in 1845 by Louis-Nicolas Flobert, rimfire ammunition uses a unique ignition method where the firing pin strikes the rim of the cartridge to ignite the primer, unlike centerfire ammo, which contains a primer in the center of the cartridge base.
The first true rimfire metallic cartridge was the .22 BB Cap (6mm Flobert), consisting of a percussion cap with a projectile attached. While many priming systems were tested throughout the 19th century, rimfire and centerfire cartridges are the only designs that remain in widespread use today.
The most well-known rimfire caliber is 22 LR, famous for its low cost, minimal recoil, and ease of use. These characteristics make 22 LR rimfire ammo an excellent choice for new shooters, high-volume range training, and recreational shooting.
Beyond 22 LR, popular rimfire calibers also include 22 Magnum (22 WMR), 17 WSM (Winchester Super Magnum), and 17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire), each offering increased velocity and extended range for specialized applications.
Rimfire ammunition is commonly used for small game hunting, competitive shooting, training, and pest control. Its moderate power makes it effective for game like squirrels and rabbits while minimizing meat damage, and its manageable report and recoil make it practical for use in rural and residential-adjacent areas where appropriate.
With a long history and broad range of calibers, rimfire ammo remains a cornerstone of shooting sports, offering reliability, efficiency, and accessibility for shooters of all experience levels.
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.
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.
HANGUNS
- 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 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-SIZE 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.
Popular Rimfire Ammo Uses
Rimfire ammo is widely used by shooters of all experience levels due to its low recoil, affordability, and versatility. From casual range sessions to practical field applications, rimfire ammunition supports a wide range of shooting activities.
Training & New Shooter Practice
- Rimfire ammo, especially 22 LR, is a top choice for training and skill development.
- Its minimal recoil and lower noise help new shooters focus on fundamentals like sight alignment, trigger control, and accuracy without fatigue.
Recreational & Plinking Shooting
- Many shooters use rimfire ammo for plinking and casual range use.
- Its affordability allows for high-volume shooting, making it ideal for informal target practice and recreational fun.
Competitive Shooting
- Rimfire ammunition is commonly used in rimfire competitions and precision matches, where consistency and accuracy are critical.
- Shooters appreciate the predictable performance and manageable recoil rimfire cartridges offer.
Small Game Hunting
- Rimfire ammo is well suited for small game hunting, including squirrels, rabbits, and similar game.
- The moderate power of rimfire cartridges helps minimize meat damage while providing effective performance at typical hunting distances.
Pest Control
- Rimfire ammunition is often chosen for pest control in rural or agricultural settings.
- Its controlled energy and accuracy make it practical for managing small pests while reducing the risk of over-penetration when used responsibly.
Thanks to its versatility and ease of use, rimfire ammo remains a staple for training, competition, and field use, making it one of the most popular ammunition categories available.
Best-Selling Rimfire Ammunition Brands
Choosing rimfire ammo from trusted, best-selling brands helps ensure reliable ignition, consistent accuracy, and dependable performance across rifles and pistols.
The following manufacturers are among the most popular rimfire ammunition brands, trusted by shooters for training, plinking, competition, and small game hunting.
- CCI is widely regarded as one of the most reliable rimfire ammo manufacturers.
- Known for consistent priming and clean-burning performance, CCI rimfire ammunition is a top choice for semi-automatic firearms, suppressed shooting, and high-volume range use.
- Federal offers a broad lineup of rimfire ammo designed for accuracy and reliability.
- Shooters choose Federal rimfire ammunition for training, target shooting, and hunting, thanks to its dependable ignition and uniform performance.
- Remington has a long-standing history in rimfire ammunition production.
- Remington rimfire ammo is valued for its versatility and accessibility, making it a popular option for recreational shooting and small game hunting.
- Winchester is a well-known name in ammunition, producing rimfire loads backed by decades of experience.
- Winchester rimfire ammo is trusted for balanced performance, reliable feeding, and consistent accuracy across a wide range of firearms.
- Browning rimfire ammunition is designed to complement the brand’s firearms with precision-engineered loads.
- Shooters appreciate Browning rimfire ammo for its smooth cycling and dependable performance during training and range sessions.
Rimfire Ammo FAQs
QUESTION: What is rimfire ammo?
ANSWER: Rimfire ammo is a type of metallic cartridge where the primer compound is contained inside the rim of the casing, rather than in the center. When fired, the firing pin strikes the rim to ignite the primer. Common rimfire cartridges include 22 LR, 22 Magnum (22 WMR), 17 HMR, and 17 WSM.
QUESTION: What is rimfire ammunition used for?
ANSWER: Rimfire ammunition is commonly used for training, recreational shooting, plinking, competitive shooting, pest control, and small game hunting. Due to its lower recoil and lower operating pressure, rimfire ammo is especially popular with new shooters and high-volume range users.
QUESTION: Is rimfire ammo good for beginners?
ANSWER: Yes. Rimfire ammo, particularly 22 LR, is one of the best options for beginner shooters. Its low recoil, minimal noise, and affordability allow new shooters to focus on fundamentals like accuracy and trigger control without excessive fatigue.
QUESTION: Can rimfire ammo go bad over time?
ANSWER: Rimfire ammo does not have a fixed expiration date. When stored properly in a cool, dry environment, rimfire cartridges can remain reliable for decades. Poor storage conditions, such as moisture or extreme heat, are the primary causes of degradation.
QUESTION: Can you hunt with rimfire cartridges?
ANSWER: Yes. Rimfire cartridges are widely used for small game hunting, including squirrels, rabbits, gophers, and other small pests. 22 LR rimfire ammo is the most commonly used option due to its balance of accuracy, effectiveness, and minimal meat damage.
QUESTION: Is rimfire ammo suitable for self-defense?
ANSWER: Rimfire ammo is generally not recommended for self-defense. While it can be effective in certain situations, rimfire cartridges are less powerful and less reliable than centerfire ammunition, which is typically preferred for defensive use.
QUESTION: What’s the difference between rimfire and centerfire ammo?
ANSWER: The primary difference is how the cartridge is ignited. Rimfire ammo uses a primer embedded in the rim, while centerfire ammo has a primer in the center of the case base. Rimfire ammo is usually cheaper and lower recoil, while centerfire ammo is more powerful and better suited for defense and big game hunting.
QUESTION: What are the most popular rimfire calibers?
ANSWER: The most popular rimfire calibers include 22 Long Rifle (22 LR), 22 Magnum (22 WMR), 17 HMR, and 17 Winchester Super Magnum (WSM). Each offers different performance levels depending on shooting distance and application.
QUESTION: How should rimfire ammunition be stored?
ANSWER: Rimfire ammunition should be stored in a dry, temperature-stable location, preferably in sealed containers or ammo cans. Proper ammunition storage helps maintain reliability and extends the lifespan of your rimfire rounds.
QUESTION: Why buy rimfire ammo from Ammunition Depot?
ANSWER: Ammunition Depot offers a wide selection of rimfire ammo for sale, including 22 LR and other popular rimfire calibers from trusted brands. With competitive pricing, bulk options, and reliable shipping, Ammunition Depot makes it easy to stock up on rimfire ammunition with confidence.