RIMFIRE AMMO
About Rimfire Ammo
Invented in 1845 by Louis-Nicolas Flobert, rimfire ammunition has been a key part of the firearms world for over 150 years.
What sets it apart from other types of ammo is that the primer, which ignites the powder, is located in the rim of the cartridge instead of the center.
The first successful rimfire round was the .22 BB Cap, which combined a percussion cap with a bullet. This design quickly became the first commercially successful metallic cartridge.
Over the years, rimfire ammo has evolved. The 22 Long Rifle (22LR) has become one of the most popular and enduring calibers.
Known for its affordability, low recoil, and versatility, 22 LR is often the go-to choice for beginners, competitive shooters, and hunters. It’s especially popular for small game hunting, such as squirrels and rabbits, where minimal damage to the game is important.
Innovation in rimfire ammo didn’t stop with the .22 LR. Other calibers, such as 22 Magnum (WMR), 17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire), and 17 WSM (Winchester Super Magnum), have made their mark by offering higher velocity and flatter trajectories.
These modern rimfire cartridges are favored by varmint hunters and target shooters for their precision and low recoil. The 17 HMR, for example, is known for its high speed, making it perfect for small game and pest control.
Today, while 22 Long Rifle remains the most popular rimfire caliber, other historical calibers like the .25 Stevens and .44 Henry Flat still hold a place in the industry.
More modern rounds, like the .17 HMR and .17 Mach 2, continue to offer high-velocity performance with less noise than centerfire ammo, making them ideal for quiet shooting in small game hunting and target shooting.
With ongoing advancements in design and technology, rimfire ammo remains an essential part of the firearms industry, showing no signs of losing popularity.
Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-learn round or a hunter seeking a quiet, powerful option, rimfire ammo continues to offer reliability and performance.
Purchasing Rimfire Ammunition Online
Maintaining a steady supply of rimfire ammunition is crucial for every shooting enthusiast—whether you're practicing at the range, teaching new shooters, or enjoying a day of small-game hunting.
However, due to consistent demand and fluctuating availability, finding popular rimfire calibers like .22 LR or .22 Magnum in local stores can sometimes be a challenge.
Fortunately, buying rimfire ammo online offers a convenient and reliable solution.
At Top Gun Ammo, we provide easy access to a wide range of in-stock rimfire ammunition, including everything from 22 Long Rilfe and 22 Mag/WMR to 17 HMR and 22 Short options.
Whether you’re looking for bulk boxes for recreational shooting or specialty rounds for pest control or small-game hunting, purchasing online gives you access to better availability, a wider selection, and competitive prices compared to traditional brick-and-mortar stores.
Many shooters wonder, “Can I buy rimfire ammo online?” The answer is yes!
As long as you're familiar with the specific ammunition laws in your state or locality, buying ammo online is legal in most areas. It's also one of the most efficient ways to find hard-to-get calibers, especially during times of limited supply or when you're looking to stock up for the future.
Even better, in many states, your rimfire ammunition can be delivered directly to your door, eliminating the need to visit multiple stores or settle for limited in-store options.
Before making your purchase, it's always a good idea to check your local regulations to ensure compliance with any laws regarding age restrictions, background checks, or shipping zones.
Once you’re informed and prepared, you’ll find that purchasing rimfire ammunition online is not only convenient—it’s one of the smartest ways to keep your firearms supplied and ready for action, no matter the season or shooting activity.
Popular Rimfire Calibers
Rimfire ammunition is available in several popular calibers, each designed for specific shooting applications. Whether you're plinking, hunting small game, or training at the range, there are different types of rimfire ammo to suit your needs.
Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used rimfire ammunition:
22 LONG RIFLE
*The Most Popular Rimfire Caliber - The 22LR is by far the most widely used rimfire cartridge. It’s known for its versatility, making it suitable for target shooting, small-game hunting, and training. This caliber is extremely affordable, with a wide range of ammo brands and bullet types available. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shooter, the 22LR is the go-to choice for most rimfire users.
22 MAG / 22 WMR
*More Power for Bigger Game - The 22 Magnum (also known as 22 WMR) offers more power than the traditional 22 LR, providing greater velocity and stopping power. It is commonly used for hunting small to medium-sized game, such as squirrels, rabbits, and even coyotes. The 22 Magnum is also favored by some for personal defense in a compact pistol.
17 HMR
*Used for High-Speed Precision - The 17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) is a high-velocity rimfire cartridge, known for its flat trajectory and exceptional accuracy over long distances. It’s an ideal choice for varmint hunting, such as for groundhogs or prairie dogs. The 17 HMR delivers impressive speed and power for a rimfire round, making it a favorite for precision shooting at longer ranges.
22 Short
*Compact and Quiet - The 22 Short is one of the smallest and quietest rimfire cartridges available, making it an excellent option for close-range, low-noise shooting. While it lacks the power for hunting or long-range accuracy, it's a great option for target practice and training new shooters. Its low recoil and noise make it an ideal choice for backyard plinking.
17 Mach 2
*Speed and Accuracy with a Smaller Bullet - The .17 Mach 2 is another high-velocity rimfire cartridge, similar to the .17 HMR but with a slightly smaller bullet. It’s designed for superior accuracy and speed, making it a great choice for precision varmint hunting and long-range shooting. However, it's not as widely used as .17 HMR and tends to be a niche option for dedicated shooters.
Rimfire Ammunition Features
Affordable Pricing
Rimfire ammunition is known for its cost-effectiveness, offering a budget-friendly option for shooters.
Its widespread use and simpler manufacturing process make it an economical choice, particularly for those looking to maximize their shooting experience without breaking the bank.
Low Recoil for Comfortable Shooting
One of the standout features of rimfire ammo is its minimal recoil, which allows shooters—especially beginners and younger users—to shoot comfortably and accurately for longer periods. This makes rimfire ammo a great choice for both practice and casual shooting.
Quieter Shots
Rimfire ammo produces significantly less noise than centerfire rounds, making it ideal for environments where noise restrictions are in place.
Whether you're shooting at an urban range or plinking in your backyard, rimfire cartridges keep things quieter, ensuring a more considerate shooting experience.
Less Power, More Fun
Although rimfire ammo lacks the power of centerfire rounds, this is part of what makes it perfect for recreational shooting.
Its lower power means reduced risks and is less effective for long-range shots or hunting larger game. However, it's more than sufficient for small-game hunting and training purposes.
Popular for Smaller Calibers
Rimfire cartridges are typically available in smaller calibers, such as the well-known .22 LR, making them ideal for target shooting, small-game hunting, and beginner training.
These smaller calibers are less intimidating for new shooters, making them a perfect starting point.
Easily Available and Accessible
Rimfire ammunition is widely available, both online and in physical stores. Its popularity ensures a steady supply, making it an easy choice for gun owners looking for an inexpensive, reliable ammo option. With a variety of firearm rifles and pistols available in rimfire calibers, there's something for everyone of all skill levels.
Rimfire Ammo FAQs
Question: What ammo is rimfire?
Answer: Rimfire ammo is a type of cartridge where the firing pin strikes the rim of the cartridge base to ignite the primer. Unlike centerfire rounds, which have a primer located in the center of the case head, rimfire cartridges contain the primer compound inside the rim itself. This design is most commonly used in small-caliber rounds like 22 LR (Long Rifle).
Question: Can Rimfire Cartridges go bad?
Answer: Yes, rimfire cartridges can go bad, especially if they are exposed to moisture, heat, or humidity. Over time, the primer compound in the rim and the gunpowder inside the case can degrade, which may lead to misfires or inconsistent performance. Proper storage in a cool, dry place can significantly extend their shelf life.
Question: What is rimfire ammo used for?
Answer: Rimfire ammunition is widely used for:
- Target shooting
- Plinking (recreational shooting)
- Small game hunting
- Firearms training
Thanks to its low recoil, low noise, and affordability, rimfire ammo is ideal for beginners, youth shooters, and anyone looking to practice marksmanship without spending a lot
Question: What is the difference between rimfire and centerfire ammo?
Answer: The main difference lies in the primer location:
- Rimfire ammo has the primer built into the cartridge’s rim.
- Centerfire ammo has a separate primer located in the center of the cartridge base.
- Centerfire cartridges are generally more powerful, reloadable, and used for larger calibers, while rimfire rounds are smaller, non-reloadable, and used for lighter shooting tasks.
Question: Can you hunt with rimfire ammo?
Answer: Yes, you can hunt small game with rimfire ammo. Rounds like 22LR and 22 Mag/WMR are commonly used for hunting squirrels, rabbits, and other small animals. However, rimfire cartridges lack the power for larger game, so they're not suitable for hunting deer or bigger animals in most states.
Question: What is the advantage of rimfire?
Answer: Rimfire ammunition offers several advantages:
- Low recoil – great for beginners and long shooting sessions
- Affordability – ideal for high-volume practice
- Quiet shooting – less noise compared to centerfire rounds
- Widely available – sold by most ammo retailers and manufacturers
These features make rimfire ammo especially popular for training and recreational shooting.
Question: Why is rimfire ammunition so cheap?
Answer: Rimfire ammunition is cheaper to produce due to its simple design and small size. The rimfire case is made from thin brass and doesn't require a separate primer, which reduces manufacturing costs. Additionally, the lightweight bullets and minimal powder charge make rimfire rounds economical for bulk production.
Question: What does LR mean in Long Rifle ammo?
Answer: LR stands for Long Rifle and refers to the popular 22 Long Rifle cartridge. It's one of the most widely used rimfire rounds and is known for its versatility, low recoil, and cost-effectiveness. The 22 LR is used for everything from target shooting and hunting to tactical training and survival kits.
Question: What is the most popular rimfire round?
Answer: The 22 Long Rifle (22LR) is by far the most popular rimfire cartridge in the world. Its widespread use in rifles and pistols, combined with its affordability, low recoil, and broad range of applications, make it a favorite among new shooters, hunters, and seasoned marksmen alike.