What is the main difference between centerfire and rimfire ammunition?

The primary difference between centerfire and rimfire ammunition lies in the location of the primer.

  • Centerfire: The primer is located in a replaceable primer%20pocket at the center of the cartridge base.

  • Rimfire: The priming compound is contained within the hollow rim of the cartridge case. The firing pin crushes the rim, igniting the priming compound. Since the rim is crushed in firing, rimfire cartridges are generally not reloadable.