What is Rimfire Ammo?
Rimfire ammunition is a type of handgun or rifle cartridge that is designed to be fired from a rimfire firearm, which has a firing pin that strikes the rim of the cartridge rather than the center of the cartridge’s primer. Rimfire ammunition is typically less powerful than centerfire ammunition and is often used for target shooting, hunting small game, and plinking.
History of Rimfire Ammunition
The concept of rimfire ammunition dates back to the mid-19th century, when firearms manufacturers began experimenting with new designs for cartridges. The first rimfire cartridges were developed in the 1830s by French gunsmith Casimir Lefaucheux, who used a copper casing and a percussion cap to ignite the primer. The first rimfire cartridge to gain popularity was the.22 Long Rifle, which was introduced in the late 19th century and quickly became a favorite among target shooters and hunters.
Types of Rimfire Ammunition
There are several types of rimfire ammunition available, including:
- .22 Long Rifle: This is the most popular type of rimfire ammunition and is used for target shooting, hunting small game, and plinking. The.22 Long Rifle cartridge has a bullet diameter of.22 inches (5.6 mm) and a case length of 29 mm (1.14 in).
- .22 Short: This cartridge is similar to the.22 Long Rifle but has a shorter case length of 20 mm (0.79 in) and a slightly shorter bullet. The.22 Short is used for target shooting and is often preferred by younger shooters due to its lower recoil.
- .22 Long: This cartridge is similar to the.22 Long Rifle but has a longer case length of 33 mm (1.3 in) and a slightly heavier bullet. The.22 Long is used for hunting small game and is often preferred by hunters who need a bit more power than the.22 Long Rifle.
- .17 HMR: This is a high-velocity rimfire cartridge that is used for hunting small game and varmints. The.17 HMR has a bullet diameter of.17 inches (4.3 mm) and a case length of 33 mm (1.3 in).
- .17 HM2: This is another high-velocity rimfire cartridge that is used for hunting small game and varmints. The.17 HM2 has a bullet diameter of.17 inches (4.3 mm) and a case length of 29 mm (1.14 in).
Advantages of Rimfire Ammunition
Rimfire ammunition has several advantages over centerfire ammunition, including:
- Less recoil: Rimfire ammunition typically has less recoil than centerfire ammunition, making it easier to handle for younger shooters and those who are new to shooting.
- Less noise: Rimfire ammunition is generally quieter than centerfire ammunition, making it a good choice for indoor shooting ranges and hunting in areas where noise needs to be minimized.
- Less expensive: Rimfire ammunition is often less expensive than centerfire ammunition, making it a good choice for target shooters and hunters who are on a budget.
- Easier to load: Rimfire ammunition is often easier to load than centerfire ammunition, as the rimfire case is typically shorter and thinner than a centerfire case.
Disadvantages of Rimfire Ammunition
While rimfire ammunition has several advantages, it also has some disadvantages, including:
- Less powerful: Rimfire ammunition is typically less powerful than centerfire ammunition, making it less effective for hunting larger game.
- Less accurate: Rimfire ammunition can be less accurate than centerfire ammunition, as the rimfire cartridge is more prone to deformation and the firing pin strike can be less consistent.
- Less reliable: Rimfire ammunition can be less reliable than centerfire ammunition, as the rimfire cartridge is more prone to misfires and the firing pin strike can be less consistent.
Conclusion
Rimfire ammunition is a type of handgun or rifle cartridge that is designed to be fired from a rimfire firearm. It has several advantages, including less recoil, less noise, and less expense, but also has some disadvantages, including less power, less accuracy, and less reliability. Rimfire ammunition is a popular choice among target shooters and hunters who are looking for a more affordable and manageable alternative to centerfire ammunition.
Table: Comparison of Rimfire Ammunition
| Cartridge | Bullet Diameter | Case Length | Muzzle Velocity | Muzzle Energy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .22 Long Rifle | .22 inches (5.6 mm) | 29 mm (1.14 in) | 1,200-1,300 ft/s (365-400 m/s) | 150-200 ft-lbs (203-272 J) |
| .22 Short | .22 inches (5.6 mm) | 20 mm (0.79 in) | 1,000-1,100 ft/s (305-335 m/s) | 100-150 ft-lbs (136-203 J) |
| .22 Long | .22 inches (5.6 mm) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 1,300-1,400 ft/s (400-427 m/s) | 200-250 ft-lbs (272-339 J) |
| .17 HMR | .17 inches (4.3 mm) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 2,500-2,600 ft/s (762-792 m/s) | 300-400 ft-lbs (406-542 J) |
| .17 HM2 | .17 inches (4.3 mm) | 29 mm (1.14 in) | 2,300-2,400 ft/s (701-732 m/s) | 250-350 ft-lbs (339-476 J) |
Bullet Points: Key Takeaways
- Rimfire ammunition is a type of handgun or rifle cartridge that is designed to be fired from a rimfire firearm.
- Rimfire ammunition has several advantages, including less recoil, less noise, and less expense.
- Rimfire ammunition also has some disadvantages, including less power, less accuracy, and less reliability.
- The most popular type of rimfire ammunition is the.22 Long Rifle, which is used for target shooting, hunting small game, and plinking.
- Other types of rimfire ammunition include the.22 Short,.22 Long,.17 HMR, and.17 HM2.
- When choosing rimfire ammunition, consider the type of shooting you will be doing, the type of firearm you will be using, and your personal preferences.
