Rimfire: What are They and Why Everyone Should Have at Least One
Rimfire ammunition is a very popular type of ammunition used for hunting and target shooting. In this article, we will discuss what it is, the history of the rimfire cartridge, how to identify when a firearm uses rimfire cartridges, why they are so popular with hunters and target shooters in particular, and why you may need one in your collection, as well as when not to use them!
The internal primer is a "primer compound" that acts like a match head. The compound is worked into the cavity of the rim at production.
What exactly is Rimfire ammunition?
"Rimfire" ammunition is not just .22 ammo, but for this article we will focus on .22s because they are by far the most popular modern rimfire round.
Rimfire ammunition is a type of cartridge that uses the firing pin located in front of the hammer to ignite or strike the rim of a cartridge, igniting an internal primer. The internal primer is a "primer compound" that acts like a match head. When the compound is struck against another object the compount ignites. The compound is worked into the cavity of the rim at production. When fired, the rim is struck, causing the cavity of the rim to be crushed, crushing the rim causing the primer compound to ignite, thus igniting the propellent.
These cartridges have a lower cost per round than center fire ammo because the priming material is not stored within a primer cartridge case like it is with center fire rounds which means that when the primer is detonated, it takes a much shorter distance to ignite the powder in the cartridge.
It might be worth mentioning that rimfire cartridges have a higher failure rate than center fire rounds, so if you're going to invest in this type of ammo make sure it's high quality.
Is "Rimfire" the most common form of ammunition?
The lack of a visible primer distiguishes “Rimfire” ammo (left) from “Centerfire” ammo (right)
Although rimfire ammunition has been around for a long time it is not the most common form of ammunition. The most common type of ammunition is centerfire.
What is "Centerfire" Ammo?
Centerfire ammo is different from "rimfire" ammo because the primer is located within the center of a metal chamber called a "primer pocket". A primer is inserted into the primer pocket. The primer then can be removed after being used up and another primer can be installed to reuse the cartridge. Centerfire ammo is considered to be more reliable than rimfire ammo.
The history of the rimfire cartridge
Rimfires are often thought to have been first developed in 1845 by Colonel Samuel Colt's patent on a "revolving firearm." However, Frenchman Louis-Nicolas Flobert invented the first rimfire metallic cartridge in 1845. The first commercial manufacture of .22 caliber rimfires took place in 1857 for Smith & Wesson revolvers, and the ammunition became commercially available to the public by 1860. Although the first rimfires appeared around 1845, they saw a big jump in popularity after World War I when new materials made them more affordable to manufacture on a large scale.
The most popular types of modern day rimfire ammunition are .22LR, .17HMR, and .25acp, but througout history there have been numerous other calibers that were rimfire. There have been big bore rimfire rifles, rimfire shotguns, and rimfire pistols.
How to identify if a firearm uses rimfire ammunition
One way to identify if a gun is made for rimfire ammo is by the caliber markings on the side of the barrel. if it says .22 it’s most likely rimfire.
If it has an opening or slight protrusion on the top of a circle that is in line with the barrel, like with this .22 revolver, then it has been designed for rimfire ammunition.
There are a Couple different ways to identify if a gun uses rimfire ammunition. One way is through the caliber markings on the side of the barrel. Rimfire ammunition has classifications, just like any other type of ammo used in firearms such as center-fire or jacketed bullets. The most common types we use today are .22LR. So, if the firearm uses a .22LR, then it's probably using rimfire ammo! A second way to identify a rimfire firearm is by looking at the firing pin location. If it's a tube-shaped metal rod protruding from the middle of a circle that is inline with the barrel, then that gun strikes the primer from the center and has been designed as a "centerfire" firearm. If it has an opening or slight protrusion on the top of a circle that is in line with the barrel, then it has been designed for rimfire ammunition.
Why are they popular for hunting small game?
This bolt has been removed from a Centerfire rifle. If the firing pin is a tube-shaped metal rod protruding from the middle of a circle that is inline with the barrel, then that gun strikes the primer from the center and has been designed as a "centerfire" firearm.
Rimfire ammunition can be loaded with a variety of different types of bullets, but they are most popular for hunting and target shooting because the low cost per round makes it more affordable to shoot.
It might be worth mentioning that modernday rimfire ammunition is not designed for high powered guns. Almost all modern highpowered firearms use a centerfire cartridge. Therefore, rimfire ammo should only be used when hunting small game or target shooting because there are more risks involved if you're using them to hunt larger game. In a do or die survival situation you can hunt larger came with a 22LR but your shot placement has to be perfect. If your shot is just a little off you would most likely just wound the animal, leaving it to live in pain the rest of its life. As a hunter, your goal should be to harvest an animal as quickly,effectivily, and humanely as possible. Yeah, sometimes you hit one and it gets away, but if you are using ammo that is not powerful enough for your prey there is a far greater chance it get away. For this reason, most states have defined regulations on what the minimum sized ammo can be for different game. This is why you'll often see small game hunters using rimfires in their rifles when pursuing animals like squirrels or rabbits. Make sure you check your state and local laws when hunting to make sure your are using the correct ammo and hunting within the defined season.
Larger, more powerful rounds would obliterate smaller game damaging the meat and hide, thus not leaving the hunter with much left. Some hunters opt for shotguns for smaller game, but the issue with shotguns is the pellets they leave behind. If you shoot a squirrel with a shotgun you will have to search the meat for shotgun pellets before eating, or else you might have a pricey dentist appointment coming up.
.22 shorts are the shorter less powerful brother to .22LR (long rifle) rounds. If you decide to use .22 shorts you need to make sure your firearm is designed to handle the ammo. .22 shorts has less power therefore if your firearme is a semi-automatic firemarm that wasn't designed to be used with .22 shorts, it will most likely not cyle and cause misfeeds. Also, since the shorts are, well, shorter they might try to double feed when cylcling also leading to a misfeed.
One summer, because of thousands of dollars of squirrel damage to our neighbors house, we decided to thin out the squirrel population in our area. I killed over 40 squirrels within 6 months using .22 shorts. They are excellent at getting the job done on small varments within 50 yards or so.
Why are they so popular for training and target shooting?
The .22 LR cartridge is one of the most popular types of ammunition for people who like to shoot targets, especially for those who are young or new to shooting because it's inexpensive and has a relatively low recoil when fired.
These benefits aren't just limited to new and young shooters. Many professional or advanced shooters will purchase a .22LR gun that is set up just like the gun they use in the field or in competitions. They do this to practice at a fraction of the cost versus using up all of their more expensive ammo required for competitions.
.22LR and other "rimfire" guns sale for a fraction of the cost of other firearms. For example, most .22 pistols sale for about half the cost of a larger caliber centerfire gun.
.22 rounds very lightweight and small. A .223 and 9mm bullet will both weigh around 173 grains and a .22LR will weigh around 51 grains.
The versatility of the .22LR round allows them to be used across many different firearms that use this type of ammunition. For example, a new shooter or someone training could take a rifle and handgun to the range, both chambered in .22LR meaning they would only have to take one type of ammo. However, if that same shooter were to take a 9mm pistol and .223 rifle, they would have to take two different types of ammo to practice with.
.22 rounds are also very lightweight and small. A .223 and 9mm bullet will both weigh around 173 grains and a .22LR will weigh around 51 grains. So, when it comes to having to carry around a bunch of ammo the .22LR is better. Also, size wise, you can carry about 2 times more .22LR than 9mm and about 4 times more .22LR than .223.
Why do I need one as part of my collection?
Some people suggest that every firearm enthusiast should have a rimfire firearm in their collection. Wherever you are, if there is no opportunity to buy another type of ammunition or the types in stock aren't adequate for your needs, .22LR rounds are the most abundant around. I have personally seen that .22LR are the first rounds to be restocked after ammo shortages and one of the last rounds to run out of supply when the shortages start to happen.
In a survival or emergency situation, many people believe that the .22 LR is considered the most cost-effective and versatile round available for hunting small game animals or if you are fortunate enough to have some other type of ammunition on hand then it's great for target practice as well.
If you are going on an adventure where weight matters. .22 LR ammunition weighs much less than a comparable number of rounds for other calibers. You can carry a light weight gun, such as the Ruger 10/22 Takedown, and feel confident that if something goes bad you will have a weapon you can use to hunt small game or defend youself from an attacker. Yes, I know the .22LR doesn't have much stopping power but it is better than a hiking stick for defense or taking down game. (and of course if you are in bear country don't rely on a .22LR as a defensive firearm, you will just make them mad!)
If you're looking for a small caliber rifle or pistol that is lightweight, can be easily transported in your vehicle (or on your person) and won't break the bank then this gun and ammo combination might just be what you are looking for.
Rimfire guns and ammunition are a great option for many shooters. They may not be the best choice for certain situations, but they offer low cost and availability in abundance to appeal to many customers looking for an affordable gun or ammo purchase. What makes rimfire rounds so popular? They are less expensive than other types of ammunition, they are lighter weight which means that you can take them on the go without any hassle, they work well for practice or teaching new shooters how to shoot, and because they are produced in abundance, it's easy to find what you're looking for when you need it. These factors make "rimfire" ammo an excellent choice.
Do these reasons justify choosing a "rimfire"? What do you think? Do you have any experience with rimfire firearms or rounds yourself?
Let us know below!
