Rimfire Ammunition Reliability

by
posted on September 10, 2019
rimfireammo2.jpg

Above: Notice the perfectly-placed dent from where the firing pin struck this Lapua Center-X .22 LR rimfire cartridge. This is what you want to see from expended .22 LR cases!

In the past, rimfire ammunition wasn’t always as reliable as it is today.

During the American Civil War, 16-shot Henry rifles, chambered for .44 rimfire cartridges, were fitted with two firing pins, doubling the potential of firing ammunition quickly manufactured under wartime conditions. Other rifles that used rimfire cartridges during that time, like the popular Spencer rifles and carbines, did not have the double firing pin feature and many undischarged Spencer cartridges that bear only a single firing pin “hit” on the base of the cartridge have been recovered from battlefields. Archaeology in the West has also revealed that many Native Americans with Henry rifles recycled ammunition that didn’t work the first time as cartridges with multiple firing pin impacts were recovered at the Little Bighorn battlefield.

Eley ammunition
Savvy competitive shooters note the lot numbers of rimfire ammunition they purchase.


Rimfire ammunition depends on the priming fulminate being equally distributed around the base of the cartridge. If no fulminate is under the firing pin where it hits the base of the cartridge, no ignition can take place. Modern ammunition manufacturers use special processes to ensure even distribution in today’s ammunition, but perhaps gunmakers could also learn a lesson from the Henry rifle.

Although rimfire cartridge cases are the oldest self-contained cartridges around today, thanks to their versatility, they will be around for many years to come.

Rimfire ammo photo courtesy of Eley.


See more:

Latest

Buildingstagespeed 4
Buildingstagespeed 4

Guide To Building Stage Speed

These tips for building stage speed in action shooting will help you rise to the top of the match leaderboard at your next competition.

More Than 6,000 Shooters Experience An Improved Range: 1961 National Matches

A refurbished range greeted the more than 6,000 competitors at the 1961 National Matches, a number which broke attendance records.

Rich Combination Of History & Shooting On Display At Creedmoor 150 Match

A weeklong competition with period and recreated rifles was held in October to recognize the 150th anniversary of the original 1874 Creedmoor International Match.

NRA Announces 2025 National Matches Locations & Schedule

The 2025 NRA National Rifle and Pistol Championships will be held at the Cardinal Shooting Center, Alliance Rifle Club, Oklahoma City Gun Club and Winnequah Gun Club next June and July.

2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Rifles

Five rifles that are excellent presents for competitive shooters this holiday season.

All About The 2024 USPSA Alabama State Championship

The 2024 USPSA Alabama State Championship was held at Cavern Cove Competitive Shooting Range in Marshall County, Ala., May 16-18.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.