Video: Difference Between Centerfire & Rimfire Ammunition

You'll hear and read these two terms used constantly to describe your gun's ammo. Here's what they mean.

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posted on January 14, 2025

If you're new to the world of firearms, you've no doubt noticed that there's a lot of jargon we use to describe ammunition. One of the most important distinctions to be made in ammunition is between "centerfire" and "rimfire" ammo. Essentially, this just describes which part of the cartridge the gun's hammer or striker makes contact with in order to set off the chain of events that results in a bullet hitting a target downrange. In this excellent video from our friends at NRAWomen.com, we'll explain the difference (and what it means to you) in two short minutes! 

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Video: What All That Ammunition Jargon Means

Ammo, bullet, cartridge, round, shell: Some of these terms are interchangeable, but some aren't. We explain it all here.

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