If you’re new to the world of shooting sports and self-defense, you’ve probably stumbled upon the terms “rimfire” and “centerfire.” Understanding the nuances between these two types of cartridges is crucial for anyone looking for the best concealed carry caliber. Let’s dive into the history, mechanics, and pros and cons of rimfire versus centerfire ammunition, offering you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.
Rimfire Ammunition
The roots of rimfire ammunition can be traced back to the mid-19th century with the introduction of the .22 Short. This innovation marked the inception of a successful self-contained cartridge, revolutionizing the firearms industry. Before the .22 Short, a single round of ammunition consisted of a charge of powder, a lead ball, a cloth patch to separate the ball from the powder and a percussion cap to fire the complete round.
The .22 Short was introduced just before the Civil War in Smith & Wesson’s tiny Model 1 seven-shot, single-action revolver. The Model 1 was produced from 1857 to 1882 and found great popularity with Union military officers as an emergency vest pocket pistol.
How Does a Rimfire Cartridge Work?
The answer lies in the priming compound encircling the inner rim of the cartridge. With the firing compound around the entirety of the rim, a rimfire cartridge can fire regardless of its position in the chamber.
To fire a rimfire round, the firing pin must quickly compress the bottom of the cartridge rim against the top of the rim, which is being held in place by the chamber. The top and bottom of the rim being slammed together by the firing pin is what detonates the priming compound. And the priming compound ignites the powder. The burning powder gases then force the bullet from the case, down the bore of the firearm and out of the muzzle. The system has worked extremely well for 165 years.
Despite the success of rimfire cartridges, they come with a caveat. To maintain reliability, the entire rimfire case must be delicately balanced, requiring thin and soft brass. Consequently, this limits rimfire cartridges to relatively low pressure and power. Today’s rimfires, such as the .22 LR and .22 Magnum, are stellar choices for personal defense, particularly for those adverse to heavy recoil. Additionally, they shine in recreational shooting, hunting and pest control.
Currently, 10 rimfire cartridges are still readily available ranging in size from .17 to .22. At one time there were rimfire cartridges as large as .58 caliber available.
Centerfire Ammunition
Enter the centerfire cartridge, exemplified by the iconic .44-40 Winchester. Originally designed for Winchester’s 1873 lever-action rifle, this load replaced the .44 Henry Rimfire cartridge and rifle. The .44-40 gained prominence for its adaptability across rifles and handguns, simplifying resupply for frontier dwellers.
The centerfire ignition system was also superior. It propelled the bullet around 100 feet per second faster than the .44 Henry and from a shorter 20-inch barrel. This increase in power was made possible due to much stronger, solid-brass cartridge cases that contained the primer in their base. When the firing pin strikes that central primer, it too detonates. That ignites the powder in the cartridge case and sends the bullet down the barrel. All powerful modern cartridges are centerfire.
The centerfire system, with its extra primer component, delivers higher power but comes at a cost – a higher manufacturing expense compared to the disposable rimfire rounds. Therefore, many who own a centerfire handgun or rifle (say in 9mm) also own another one just like it in .22 caliber as an “understudy” gun. These can be used to train a new shooter for the 9mm, in place of a 9mm where noise and penetration are a concern or simply to save money during practice
Rimfire vs. Centerfire: The Verdict
In the quest for innovation, various attempts to supplant rimfire and centerfire systems have emerged, such as the Gyrojet Pistol System and the Remington EtronX electronic primer ignition system. Yet, none have managed to eclipse the reliability and practicality of these tried-and-true systems. As the saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Rimfire firearms, particularly in .22 Long Rifle, should be a staple in every gun owner’s arsenal. Their reliability, coupled with the ability to handle personal defense, makes them indispensable. When it comes to centerfire cartridges, the power they bring is unmatched, making them a standard for modern firearms.
Whether you find yourself drawn to the precision of rimfire or the commanding power of centerfire, each has its distinct advantages. Rimfire excels in versatility, making it an excellent choice for various applications. On the other hand, centerfire dominates in raw power and is the go-to for serious marksmanship. The key lies in understanding your needs, preferences and the role you want your firearm to play in your shooting journey.
