What’s the difference between rimfire and centerfire ammunition?

Imagine this: your hands are steady on the rifle, your sights locked on the target. The world goes quiet around you as you breathe in deep, feeling the weight of your weapon. You line up the shot, your heart racing in your chest. The adrenaline starts to surge. And then, bang! The shot rings out, sending a shockwave of energy through your body, the recoil biting into your shoulder as the bullet flies downrange. You’ve just made the perfect shot. 

Now, as you take a moment to savor that rush, you realize something: every piece of equipment you use matters. The gun, the stance, the sights, but perhaps most importantly, the ammunition. It’s the one thing that makes the shot possible. But here's the kicker: not all ammo is created equal. Whether you're slinging lead on the range, hunting in the field, or testing your skills in a precision match, the ammo you choose plays a massive role in your success. 

This is where the choice between rimfire and centerfire ammo comes in. From the satisfaction of ringing steel at 100 yards to landing the perfect shot in the field, knowing what ammo works best for you is key to your performance. 

At Creedmoor Sports, we understand the thrill that comes with every shot and we have the right ammo to make sure you experience it to the fullest. Want to know how the right ammo can unlock your shooting potential? Then keep reading.  

Rimfire ammunition: the basics 

Rimfire ammo is generally the go-to choice for those just getting started, as well as for more casual shooters. If you’ve ever picked up a .22 LR (Long Rifle), you’ve already handled rimfire ammo. What makes it different from other types, you may be wondering. 

In simple terms, rimfire ammo gets its name because the primer is located around the edge (or "rim") of the cartridge. Pretty on the nose, right? When the firing pin hits the rim, it ignites the primer and sends the bullet flying. This type of ignition system is simple but effective and it’s what makes rimfire ammo more affordable compared to its centerfire counterparts. 

Why rimfire ammo works for you 

1. Affordable practice 

Let’s face it, ammo can get expensive. Rimfire rounds are relatively inexpensive, meaning you can shoot more without having to worry about the cost piling up. If you’ve got a .22 LR, for example, you can spend hours at the range without burning a hole in your wallet. If you’re just plinking or working on your fundamentals, rimfire ammo lets you rack up the rounds without the price tag of centerfire options. 

2. Light recoil 

If you’re not into heavy recoil or are new to shooting, rimfire is the way to go. The lower recoil lets you maintain better control and focus on your technique, instead of worrying about a sore shoulder after a long day of shooting. Plus, the lighter recoil makes rimfire great for younger shooters, women, or anyone who prefers a gentler experience on the range. 

3. Small game hunting 

Need something for small game hunting, like rabbits or squirrels? Rimfire’s your ammo. You don’t need a massive caliber to take down smaller animals and rimfire rounds like the .22 LR do the job with precision. This makes it the perfect choice for hunters who want a clean shot. 

4. Great for high-volume shooting 

Do you love shooting a lot? Working on your aim or just enjoying the sport? Rimfire ammo is designed for high-volume shooting. It’s affordable, reliable and consistent, so you can shoot hundreds of rounds without feeling the sting of a hefty ammo bill. For fun, for practice, or just to hone your skills, rimfire ammo is built to keep you going without slowing down. 

5. More options than you think 

While the .22 LR is the most popular rimfire cartridge, there are more options to explore. .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) and .17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) are just a couple of examples. These calibers give you more power and versatility without jumping into centerfire territory, making rimfire ammo a great all-around choice for different shooting needs. 

Premium rimfire at Creedmoor Sports 

At Creedmoor Sports, we don’t just carry any ammo—we’ve got the best of the best for shooters who demand precision and consistency. If you’re after something high-quality, browse our selection of SK Ammunition and Eley Ammunition. These rounds are designed for the shooter who expects nothing less than exceptional accuracy and reliability. 

• SK Ammunition: SK is a brand known for delivering unbeatable performance in rimfire ammo. If you’re serious about precision, SK’s reliability and consistency will make a difference every time you pull the trigger. 

• Eley Ammunition: Eley is another premium brand trusted by shooters for its incredible accuracy and performance. When every shot counts, you can rely on Eley ammo to deliver. 

Centerfire ammunition: what’s the deal? 

If you’re stepping up your game for more serious hunting, self-defense, or long-range shooting, centerfire is probably what you’ll be working with. The difference with centerfire ammo lies in the primer. The primer is located in the center of the cartridge and when the firing pin strikes it, the round ignites. This makes it more reliable and capable of handling higher pressure loads, which translates to more power and performance. 

Centerfire ammunition is used for everything from tactical shooting to big-game hunting, making it a must-have for any shooter who wants versatility, performance and reliability. 

Why choose centerfire ammo? 

1. More power and punch 

Centerfire ammo is built for more power. Taking on larger animals in the field or preparing for self-defense requires rounds with the velocity and force to get the job done. Rounds like the .308 Win (Winchester) and .223 Rem (Remington) are perfect for long-range shots or stopping power when you need it most. 

2. Unmatched reliability 

Ever had a rimfire round misfire? It’s rare, but it happens. With centerfire ammo, misfires are even rarer because of the separate primer. The more reliable primer system makes sure your ammo goes off when you want it to, especially when it’s critical to your safety or success in the field. 

3. Great for reloading 

One of the best things about centerfire ammo is that it can be reloaded. Once you’ve fired a round, you can collect the brass and reload it, which saves you money in the long run. Serious shooters and hunters who go through a lot of ammo can especially appreciate this advantage. 

4. Versatile calibers 

From handguns to hunting rifles to precision shooting rigs, you can find centerfire ammo for just about any firearm you own. You’ve got a ton of options and if you’re after something small like a .380 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) for concealed carry or a heavy-hitter like a .338 Lapua (Lapua Magnum) for long-range precision, centerfire has you covered. 

5. Perfect for long-range accuracy 

If you’re into long-range shooting, centerfire ammo is the ammo you’ll want in your chamber. The consistency, stability and performance at longer distances make it the choice for precision rifle shooters. Centerfire ammo is the way to go if you're competing or just pushing yourself to hit that 1,000-yard target. 

So, which should you go for? 

Rimfire ammo is perfect for beginners, budget-conscious shooters, small game hunters and anyone who loves a light recoil. Centerfire ammo, on the other hand, is the go-to choice for those who need more power, precision and versatility for everything from big game hunting to long-range shooting. 

• For beginners: Rimfire is easy on the wallet and the body, making it ideal for new shooters. 

• For training and practice: Rimfire ammo is your best bet for high-volume shooting without feeling the cost pinch. 

• For hunting: Rimfire works great for small game, but for larger animals, centerfire is the way to go. 

• For serious shooters and hunters: If you need power, precision and reliability, centerfire ammo is the choice. 

• For long-range enthusiasts: Centerfire is the go-to for hitting targets from distances, with more consistent results at range.  

Find your perfect ammo at Creedmoor Sports 

At Creedmoor Sports, we know that choosing the right ammo is essential to your shooting success. Explore our extensive selection of SK Ammunition and Eley Ammunition for the most reliable, accurate ammo on the market. 

We get it—shooting isn’t just a sport; it’s a passion. And we’re here to make sure you’ve got the best ammo to make every shot.