# Difference Between Centerfire and Rimfire Author: Nex Virox Team (Editorial Team) Reviewed by: Varshal Nirbhavane Published: 2026-08-29 Last updated: 2026-08-29 Canonical: https://nexvirox.com/difference-between/difference-between-centerfire-and-rimfire/ **Quick answer:** The main difference between Centerfire and Rimfire is that centerfire primers sit in the case head's center, while rimfire primers are inside the folded rim. Centerfire is a reloadable cartridge with a replaceable primer, while Rimfire is a cheap, non-reloadable cartridge with primer compound spun into its rim.

Difference Between Centerfire and Rimfire: Comparison Table

Aspect	Centerfire	Rimfire
Definition	Primer compound sits in a small cup at the cartridge case head's center.	Primer compound is spun inside the hollow rim of the case base.
Ignition Mechanism	Firing pin strikes the primer cup, crushing it against the anvil inside.	Firing pin strikes the case rim, crushing the compound between rim walls.
Primer Location	Centrally mounted in the case head, separate from the propellant charge.	Distributed around the entire circumference of the case rim.
Case Construction	Uses a separate, replaceable primer component installed into the case head.	Case head and primer are one inseparable, single-piece assembly.
Case Material	Typically brass, often reloadable multiple times before case failure.	Usually brass but considered single-use because the rim deforms.
Pressure Capacity	Handles significantly higher chamber pressures, commonly exceeding 50,000 psi.	Limited to lower pressures, typically below 25,000 psi, for safety.
Power Range	Spans from light handgun loads to massive magnum rifle cartridges.	Confined to low-velocity, low-energy cartridges like .22 Long Rifle.
Velocity Potential	Rifle rounds routinely exceed 3,000 feet per second with heavy bullets.	Peak velocities rarely surpass 1,600 feet per second even with light bullets.
Caliber Variety	Offers thousands of cartridge types from .17 to .50 caliber and beyond.	Limited to a handful of calibers, dominated by .22 and .17 variants.
Reloadability	Cases are reloadable dozens of times with new primers and powder.	Cases are not practically reloadable due to the destroyed rim primer.
Reloading Cost	Reloading lowers per-round cost substantially for high-volume shooters.	Reloading is impossible, so savings are unavailable to the shooter.
Manufacturing Cost	Requires multiple assembly steps, making each round more expensive to produce.	Uses a single stamping operation, enabling very cheap mass production.
Retail Price	Typically costs 20 cents to several dollars per round depending on caliber.	Often sells for under 10 cents per round in bulk quantities.
Reliability	Offers extremely consistent ignition because the primer is fully enclosed.	Can misfire occasionally because the rim compound is thin and exposed.
Accuracy Potential	Delivers tighter groups due to uniform ignition and higher-quality bullets.	Produces acceptable but inferior accuracy at longer distances.
Muzzle Energy	Delivers hundreds to thousands of foot-pounds of energy on target.	Produces roughly 100 to 200 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle.
Trajectory	High velocity yields a flatter trajectory with less bullet drop.	Low velocity causes rapid drop, requiring holdover beyond 50 yards.
Wind Drift	Heavier, faster bullets resist crosswinds far better at range.	Light, slow bullets are easily pushed off target by moderate wind.
Durability	Thick case walls withstand repeated resizing and high-pressure firing.	Thin rim deforms permanently after one firing, ending case life.
Storage Stability	Sealed primer protects the compound from moisture and degradation.	Exposed rim compound is more vulnerable to oil and humidity damage.
Maintenance	Requires cleaning of carbon from the bolt face and firing pin channel.	Leaves wax and lead residue in chambers, needing more frequent bore cleaning.
Safety	Safer to handle because the primer is recessed and protected from impact.	Dropping a round on its rim can theoretically cause an accidental discharge.
Firearm Complexity	Uses extractors and ejectors that must handle the heavier case rim.	Uses simpler bolts and firing mechanisms due to lower pressure demands.
Weapon Variety	Available in pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns, and machine guns.	Found mostly in pistols, rifles, and revolvers built for small game.
Military Use	Standard for all modern military ammunition worldwide since the 1870s.	Used only for training, target practice, and small-game survival kits.
Hunting Suitability	Capable of taking everything from varmints to large dangerous game.	Effective only for small game, pests, and birds at short range.
Typical Users	Preferred by hunters, law enforcement, military, and competitive shooters.	Chosen by plinkers, beginners, and budget-conscious recreational shooters.
Recoil	Produces noticeable to heavy recoil depending on cartridge power level.	Generates very light recoil, ideal for new shooters and youth.
Noise Level	Produces loud reports, often requiring hearing protection at all times.	Generates moderate noise, sometimes usable without ear protection outdoors.
Best-Fit Scenario	Choose for self-defense, big-game hunting, or long-range precision shooting.	Choose for inexpensive practice, small-game hunting, or teaching beginners.

What Is Centerfire?

Centerfire is a cartridge design where the primer sits in a small pocket at the center of the case head. A firing pin strikes this central primer to ignite the propellant. It exists to deliver reliable ignition for high-pressure, high-power ammunition.

Definition of Centerfire

Centerfire ammunition places a separately manufactured primer cup inside the case head's central recess. The firearm's firing pin crushes this primer against an internal anvil, detonating the priming compound and igniting the powder charge. This design permits reloading because the spent primer is replaceable.

Key Characteristics of Centerfire

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Central primer	The primer sits in the case head's center, directly aligned with the firing pin path.
Replaceable primer	Shooters can punch out the spent primer and press in a fresh one for reloading.
High pressure tolerance	The thick case head and strong primer pocket safely handle high chamber pressures.
Separate anvil	The primer contains its own anvil, so the case does not need a built-in protrusion.
Boxer vs Berdan	Boxer has one central flash hole; Berdan has two offset holes and no removable anvil.
Reusable cases	Quality brass cases survive multiple reloading cycles before they wear out.
Military durability	Centerfire cases resist rough handling and harsh storage conditions better than rimfire.
Wide caliber range	Cartridges span from .22 Hornet up to massive .50 BMG and larger.
Consistent ignition	Striking the center delivers uniform primer crush for reliable powder burn.
Sealed primer pocket	Military variants crimp or seal primers to prevent moisture ingress.

Common Examples of Centerfire

9mm Luger – the world's most popular handgun round, used by militaries and police globally.
.45 ACP – a classic pistol cartridge designed by John Browning for the 1911.
.223 Remington – the civilian twin of 5.56 NATO, dominant in AR-15 rifles.
.308 Winchester – a versatile rifle round used for hunting, sniping and target shooting.
.30-06 Springfield – a historic US military cartridge still favored for big-game hunting.
.300 Winchester Magnum – a belted magnum built for long-range hunting of large animals.
.50 BMG – a heavy machine-gun round that also powers extreme long-range target rifles.
.357 Magnum – a high-velocity revolver cartridge effective for hunting and defense.
6.5 Creedmoor – a modern precision-shooting cartridge known for flat trajectories and low recoil.
.380 ACP – a compact pocket-pistol round popular for concealed carry.

Advantages and Limitations of Centerfire

Advantages	Limitations
Cases are reloadable many times, cutting long-term ammunition costs significantly for frequent shooters.	Initial ammunition costs more than rimfire, making plinking sessions noticeably more expensive.
Primer sits in a strong, thick case head, allowing very high chamber pressures safely.	High-pressure loads demand strong gun actions, adding weight and cost to firearms.
Reliable ignition in cold, wet or dirty conditions thanks to the robust primer design.	Berdan-primed cases are hard to reload because the anvil is not removable.
Wide spectrum of bullet weights and power levels suits hunting, sport and defense.	Recoil from larger centerfire rounds can be punishing for new or small-framed shooters.
Military and law enforcement adoption ensures constant manufacturing and availability.	Centerfire rifles and pistols are generally heavier and more complex than rimfire equivalents.
Primer pocket stays sealed after firing, preventing gas escape and keeping the action clean.	Spent primers contain lead compounds, creating handling and disposal concerns.
Boxer primers are standard in the US, simplifying reloading for most hobbyists.	Reoading equipment and components require a significant upfront investment.
Cases hold up to multiple firings, reducing waste and raw material consumption.	Case stretching and head separation can occur if loads exceed safe pressure limits.
Factory ammunition is available in nearly every caliber and bullet type imaginable.	Loud report from centerfire rifles demands hearing protection and can disturb neighbors.
Consistent primer seating gives uniform ignition, improving accuracy for precision shooters.	Berdan cases are common in surplus military ammo, limiting reloading options.

What Is Rimfire?

Rimfire is a cartridge design where the primer compound sits inside the hollow rim of the case base. The firing pin strikes this rim to ignite the round. It exists as a low-cost, simple alternative for small-caliber ammunition.

Definition of Rimfire

Rimfire ammunition is a self-contained cartridge type in which the impact-sensitive priming mixture is spun into the folded rim at the case head. Striking the rim with a firing pin crushes the compound, producing ignition without a separate primer component.

Key Characteristics of Rimfire

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Integral priming	The primer is built into the rim, eliminating the need for a separate primer pocket.
Non-reloadable case	The thin case wall and crushed rim make safe extraction of spent primers impossible.
Low pressure limits	Thin brass walls restrict maximum chamber pressure to roughly 24,000 psi.
Fragile rim	Dropping a loaded round on its base can deform the rim and cause a misfire.
Low manufacturing cost	Fewer production steps and materials make rimfire rounds cheaper per unit.
Light recoil	Small powder charges and light bullets produce minimal felt recoil.
Caliber restriction	Practical calibers top out around .22 and .17 due to case strength limits.
Lead-free primer option	Many rimfire loads use non-corrosive, lead-free priming compounds.
Limited shelf life	Primer compound can degrade faster than centerfire primers over decades.
Simple bolt design	Firearms need only a firing pin, not a separate hammer and primer feed mechanism.

Common Examples of Rimfire

.22 Long Rifle – the most widely manufactured cartridge in the world, used for plinking and small-game hunting.
.22 Short – a low-velocity round used in historical target shooting and starter pistols.
.22 Long – a less common cartridge that predates the .22 LR but offers similar performance.
.22 Magnum – a higher-pressure rimfire round delivering flatter trajectory for varmint hunting.
.17 HMR – a high-velocity rimfire cartridge designed for precision small-game and predator shooting.
.17 Mach 2 – a fast, flat-shooting rimfire round based on the .22 Long Rifle case.
.22 WRF – an older rimfire cartridge developed for rifles and revolvers in the early 20th century.
.22 BB Cap – a tiny, nearly silent round used for indoor target practice and pest control.
.22 CB Cap – a conical-bullet rimfire round with very low velocity for close-range shooting.
.22 Remington Jet – a rare rimfire magnum round built for handguns and carbines in the 1960s.

Advantages and Limitations of Rimfire

Advantages	Limitations
Rimfire rounds cost a fraction of comparable centerfire ammunition per box.	Cases are single-use because the rim is destroyed during firing and cannot be reprimed.
Light recoil makes rimfire ideal for beginners, youth shooters and long practice sessions.	Muzzle energy is low, limiting effectiveness on medium or large game animals.
Simple firearm construction reduces purchase price and mechanical failure points.	Accuracy degrades at ranges beyond 150 yards due to light bullets and drop.
Lead-free primer options reduce airborne lead exposure at indoor ranges.	Moisture and oil can deactivate the exposed rim primer more easily than centerfire primers.
Massive production volume ensures consistent availability and low retail pricing.	Case walls are too thin to handle high-pressure loads, capping velocity potential.
Minimal noise and flash make rimfire suitable for suburban and rural backyards.	Firing pins must strike the rim precisely; off-center hits cause misfires.
Wide variety of bullet weights and velocities suits many shooting disciplines.	Dud rounds are more common than in centerfire due to fragile priming compound.
Small case size allows compact, lightweight rifles and handguns for portability.	Extreme cold can stiffen the priming compound and increase misfire rates.
Reloading cost is avoided entirely, saving time and equipment expense.	Bolt faces and extractors wear faster from repeated rim contact.
High production rates keep prices stable even during ammunition shortages.	No reloading means shooters cannot custom-tune loads for accuracy or velocity.

Similarities Between Centerfire and Rimfire

Shared Aspect	How Centerfire and Rimfire Are Alike
Firearm Ammunition	Both centerfire and rimfire are types of firearm ammunition designed to be fired from guns.
Primary Purpose	Centerfire and rimfire cartridges both serve the fundamental purpose of propelling a projectile from a barrel.
Cartridge Components	Both centerfire and rimfire rounds consist of a case, primer, propellant powder, and a bullet.
Ignition Trigger	Centerfire and rimfire both rely on a firing pin strike to ignite their respective primers.
Expanding Gas	Both centerfire and rimfire use rapidly expanding gas from burning powder to push the bullet forward.
Case Material	Centerfire and rimfire cases are typically constructed from brass or similar metallic alloys.
Bullet Types	Both centerfire and rimfire ammunition can be loaded with lead, jacketed, or frangible bullet designs.
Caliber Range	Centerfire and rimfire are both available in a wide variety of calibers for different shooting needs.
Firearm Platforms	Both centerfire and rimfire cartridges are chambered in rifles, handguns, and occasionally revolvers.
Shooting Sports	Centerfire and rimfire are both used extensively in competitive shooting disciplines and matches.
Hunting Use	Both centerfire and rimfire ammunition are commonly utilized by hunters for taking game animals.
Recreational Use	Centerfire and rimfire are both popular choices for casual target practice and plinking.
User Skill	Both centerfire and rimfire require a shooter to master fundamentals like sight alignment and trigger control.
Safety Rules	Centerfire and rimfire demand identical safe handling, storage, and muzzle discipline from users.
Loading Process	Both centerfire and rimfire cartridges are loaded into a firearm's chamber or magazine before firing.
Ejection System	Centerfire and rimfire spent cases are both typically ejected from the firearm after firing.
Manufacturing Standards	Both centerfire and rimfire ammunition are produced under strict industry quality control specifications.
Storage Needs	Centerfire and rimfire both require cool, dry storage conditions to maintain reliable performance.
Shelf Life	Both centerfire and rimfire cartridges can remain functional for many decades when stored properly.
Misfire Risk	Centerfire and rimfire both carry a small risk of a primer failing to ignite the round.
Dud Handling	Both centerfire and rimfire require shooters to wait before clearing a suspected misfire from the chamber.
Cleaning Need	Both centerfire and rimfire firearms produce residue that necessitates regular barrel and action cleaning.
Accuracy Potential	Centerfire and rimfire are both capable of excellent accuracy when matched with a quality firearm.
Recoil Physics	Both centerfire and rimfire generate recoil that follows the same basic physical laws of momentum.
Velocity Variation	Both centerfire and rimfire bullet velocities vary with barrel length and specific load data.
Regulated Items	Centerfire and rimfire ammunition are both subject to government regulations regarding purchase and ownership.
Reloading Option	Both centerfire and rimfire cases can be reloaded, although rimfire reloading is far less common.
Cost Factor	Both centerfire and rimfire prices fluctuate based on material costs and market demand.
Training Tool	Both centerfire and rimfire are used for marksmanship training and skill development by shooters.
Long-Term Outcome	Both centerfire and rimfire provide reliable ignition and projectile delivery when used in proper firearms.

Centerfire or Rimfire: Which Should You Choose?

The single variable that decides it for most shooters is cost per round versus intended use. Centerfire wins for self-defense, hunting, and reloading. Rimfire wins for plinking, training, and small-game hunting. If you only buy one, choose the caliber that matches your primary shooting activity.

When to Use Centerfire

Choose Centerfire when you need stopping power for self-defense, reliable ignition in any weather, or long-range accuracy beyond 100 yards. It is also the right choice for hunting medium-to-large game and for shooters who reload their own ammunition to reduce long-term costs.

When to Use Rimfire

Choose Rimfire when your priority is maximum practice volume on a tight budget, introducing new shooters to firearms, or hunting small game like rabbits and squirrels. It is also ideal for low-recoil training and for shooting indoors or in areas where over-penetration is a serious concern.

Common Misconceptions About Centerfire and Rimfire

Common Myth	The Reality
Centerfire and rimfire describe the shape of the bullet itself.	Centerfire and rimfire describe the primer location in the cartridge case, not the bullet projectile shape.
Rimfire ammunition is always cheaper than centerfire ammunition.	Rimfire is usually cheaper, but some premium rimfire rounds cost more than basic centerfire pistol loads.
Centerfire cartridges are only used in rifles, never in handguns.	Centerfire is used in most handguns, including 9mm, .45 ACP, and .357 Magnum revolvers.
Rimfire cartridges cannot be reloaded because they are too small.	Rimfire cases cannot be reloaded because the primer compound is pressed into the rim, not replaceable.
Centerfire ammunition is always more powerful than rimfire ammunition.	Centerfire dominates high-power loads, but rimfire .22 WMR exceeds some low-pressure centerfire cartridges like .32 ACP.
Rimfire primers are located in the center of the cartridge base.	Rimfire primer compound is spun inside the hollow rim, while the centerfire primer sits in a central pocket.
Centerfire cartridges were invented after rimfire cartridges became obsolete.	Centerfire was invented in the 1860s, and rimfire remains widely manufactured today for .22 caliber rounds.
All .22 caliber ammunition is rimfire ammunition.	Most .22 LR is rimfire, but .22 Hornet and .223 Remington are centerfire cartridges using .22 caliber bullets.
Rimfire ammunition is unsafe to use in semi-automatic firearms.	Rimfire .22 LR functions reliably in many semi-automatic pistols and rifles, though it is less reliable than centerfire.
Centerfire ammunition cannot be used in revolvers because of the rim.	Many centerfire revolver cartridges like .38 Special and .357 Magnum use a rim for headspacing in the cylinder.
Rimfire cartridges are only used for hunting small game like rabbits.	Rimfire .22 LR and .22 WMR are used for small game, but also for target shooting, pest control, and training.
Centerfire primers are made of lead, which makes them toxic.	Centerfire primers contain lead styphnate compounds, but rimfire primers also contain lead-based priming mixtures.
Rimfire ammunition is more accurate than centerfire ammunition at long range.	Centerfire ammunition is generally more accurate at long range due to higher velocity, better ballistics, and consistent primers.
Centerfire cases are always made of brass, never other materials.	Centerfire cases are mostly brass, but steel and aluminum cases exist for budget and military ammunition.
Rimfire cartridges cannot be used in cold weather conditions.	Rimfire ammunition functions in cold weather, but extreme cold can cause misfires more often than with centerfire rounds.
Centerfire ammunition is always boxer-primed, never berdan-primed.	Centerfire ammunition uses both Boxer and Berdan primers; Boxer is common in the US, Berdan in Europe and Russia.
Rimfire ammunition is obsolete and no longer manufactured by major brands.	Rimfire .22 LR is still mass-produced by Remington, CCI, Federal, and Winchester in millions of rounds annually.
Centerfire cartridges are all bottleneck-shaped rifle rounds.	Centerfire includes straight-walled pistol cartridges like 9mm Luger, .45 ACP, and .40 S&W, plus revolver rounds.
Rimfire ammunition is more powerful than centerfire because the rim adds strength.	The rim on rimfire is for priming, not pressure containment; centerfire cases handle higher pressures up to 65,000 psi.
Centerfire ammunition is only used by military and law enforcement, not civilians.	Centerfire is the standard for civilian self-defense, hunting, and sport shooting in calibers like 9mm and .308.
Rimfire cartridges have a primer that can be replaced after firing.	Rimfire primers are integral to the case rim, so the entire case is discarded after one firing, unlike reloadable centerfire.
Centerfire ammunition is always more expensive than rimfire because of the bullet.	Centerfire costs more due to the separate primer, stronger case, and higher manufacturing tolerances, not just the bullet.
Rimfire ammunition is not suitable for self-defense because it is weak.	Rimfire .22 LR is used for self-defense by some, but centerfire calibers like 9mm offer superior stopping power.
Centerfire cartridges cannot be rimmed, so they only work in box magazines.	Centerfire rimmed cartridges like .30-30 Winchester and .45-70 Government work in lever-action rifles and revolvers.
Rimfire ammunition is manufactured with a soft lead bullet that is always unjacketed.	Rimfire .22 rounds often use copper-plated or jacketed bullets, such as CCI Stinger and Federal Punch.
Centerfire ammunition is always reloadable, regardless of the case material.	Centerfire brass cases are reloadable, but steel and aluminum centerfire cases are generally not reloadable due to case damage.
Rimfire cartridges are less reliable than centerfire because they use a weaker primer.	Rimfire primers are thinner and more fragile, but centerfire primers are more consistent and reliable for ignition.
Centerfire ammunition was developed to replace rimfire for all calibers.	Centerfire replaced rimfire for most calibers, but rimfire remains dominant for .22 LR due to low cost and simplicity.
Rimfire ammunition is only used in bolt-action rifles, not pistols.	Rimfire .22 LR is used in semi-automatic pistols like the Ruger Mark IV and revolvers like the Smith & Wesson Model 617.
Centerfire and rimfire are interchangeable in the same firearm.	Centerfire and rimfire are not interchangeable; a firearm is chambered for one type, and using the wrong type is dangerous.

Conclusion

Difference Between Centerfire and Rimfire comes down to primer placement and durability. Centerfire cartridges have a replaceable primer in the base, making them reloadable and reliable for heavy use. Rimfire cartridges have primer compound inside the rim, making them cheaper. Choose centerfire for reloading and rugged conditions; choose rimfire for low-cost plinking.

## FAQ ### What is the difference between centerfire and rimfire ammunition? The difference is the primer location: centerfire has its primer in the center of the cartridge base, while rimfire has its primer compound inside the folded rim. ### Which is better, centerfire or rimfire? Centerfire is better for powerful, reloadable, and reliable ammunition, while rimfire is better for inexpensive, low-recoil plinking and small-game hunting. ### Is centerfire ammunition more expensive than rimfire? Yes, centerfire ammunition typically costs more per round because it uses a separate, metallic primer cup and heavier brass components than simple rimfire cases. ### Is rimfire ammunition safe to dry fire? No, dry firing a rimfire firearm is risky because the firing pin strikes the chamber edge, which can break the pin or damage the barrel breech face. ### Can you use centerfire ammunition in a rimfire gun? No, you cannot use centerfire ammunition in a rimfire gun because the chamber dimensions, firing pin location, and headspace are completely incompatible with each other. ### What is a common beginner mistake with rimfire and centerfire cartridges? A common beginner mistake is assuming all .22 caliber rounds are rimfire, when many .22 centerfire cartridges like the .22 Hornet exist for different firearms. ### Are centerfire and rimfire cartridges interchangeable in the same rifle? No, centerfire and rimfire cartridges are never interchangeable because each firearm is machined specifically for one primer type and its corresponding case dimensions. ### Why would a hunter choose rimfire over centerfire for small game? A hunter chooses rimfire for small game because its lower velocity and cheaper cost reduce meat damage and expense compared to powerful centerfire rounds. ### Can you reload rimfire brass like you reload centerfire brass? No, you cannot reload rimfire brass because the primer is crushed into the rim during manufacturing, making the case permanently unusable after firing. ### Which cartridge type is more reliable in adverse weather conditions? Centerfire is more reliable in adverse weather because its sealed, centrally-located primer resists moisture and impact better than the exposed rim of rimfire rounds.