Rimfire vs Centerfire
• Centerfire cartridge detonates when the firing pin hits the primer that is located at the centre of the base. On the other hand, rim cartridge detonates when it is hit by the firing pin on its edge.
Rimfire and Centerfire are words that are used to refer to different types of cartridges as well as rifles that make use of these cartridges. Someone using a rifle for the first time finds it difficult to understand the difference between Rimfire and Centerfire. It is only when he has made use of the two different types of cartridges that he knows the advantages and disadvantages of these two different types of cartridges. This article attempts to explain the features of the two types of cartridges to enable shooting lovers to come to grips with these two types of ammunitions. This is necessary whether you are buying a firearm for gaming or for target shooting.
If you are not aware of, the working principle behind all bullets is more or less the same. All bullets have a casing, the gunpowder, a primer, and a bullet. It is the firing pin of the bullet that hits the primer to create a small explosion. It is this small explosion that sets off the gunpowder, and the bullet is propelled out of the barrel of your gun. The location of the primer is what makes all the difference between a Rimfire and a Centerfire cartridge. In a Centerfire cartridge, the primer is located at the center of the base. On the other hand, there is no special primer in Rimfire cartridge and the priming compound is in the rim. When the firing pin hits the rim, this priming compound is activated, and this compound activates the gunpowder.
Rimfire vs Centerfire
• Centerfire cartridge detonates when the firing pin hits the primer that is located at the centre of the base. On the other hand, rim cartridge detonates when it is hit by the firing pin on its edge.
• Centerfire ammunition is more powerful than Rimfire ammunition.
• Centerfire ammunition can withstand rough usage while Rimfire cannot. This is because of the fact that Centerfire cartridge has a thicker metal.
• Rimfire cartridge is very inexpensive, but it cannot be reloaded.
• Rimfire cartridge is today obsolete with most rifles making use of Centerfire cartridges.
• .22 LR is the most popular Rimfire cartridge around the world as it is very cheap and also has a low recoil.
• In Rimfire cartridge, the entire inside edge of the casing is primer.
• Though inexpensive, Rimfire design can be used to manufacture low caliber rifles only.
• Rimfire is an older technique, but it has remained static, and nothing much has changed in its design since it was patented in 1831.