Rimfire vs Centerfire Ammo: What's the Difference?
March 16, 2026 · AmmoBin.com
Rimfire and centerfire describe how a cartridge is ignited. It's a fundamental distinction that affects cost, reliability, and whether you can reload. Here's the simple version.
How they differ
Centerfire cartridges have a separate primer in the center of the case head; the firing pin strikes it. Rimfire cartridges have the priming compound spun into the rim, which the firing pin crushes. That one difference drives everything below.
What it means for you
- Cost: rimfire (e.g. .22 LR) is cheap to make and buy; centerfire costs more
- Reliability: centerfire is generally more reliable; rimfire has occasional duds
- Reloadability: centerfire is reloadable; rimfire is not
- Power: centerfire covers everything from 9mm to magnum rifle; rimfire is low-power
.22 LR is the classic rimfire; nearly all defensive and rifle rounds like 9mm are centerfire. Reloadable brass centerfire is covered in our brass vs steel guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is .22 LR rimfire or centerfire?
.22 LR is rimfire — the priming compound is in the rim of the case, not a separate central primer.
Can you reload rimfire ammo?
No — rimfire cases can't be reprimed, so they aren't reloadable. Centerfire brass can be reloaded many times.
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