How Are Rimfire Cartridges Made?

by
posted on September 2, 2017
rimfire.jpg
Above: ELEY's contact .22 LR subsonic ammo. This particular round uses 42-grain round nose bullets at 1090 fps.

Rimfire cartridge cases are the oldest self-contained cartridge in existence, having been in continuous production since the mid-1850s. These cases are cheap and easy to manufacture and provide customers with a low-cost, reliable round. 

Rimfire cases are drawn from a thin piece of brass and formed with a hollow rim. A priming compound is then forced into the case using centrifugal force, where it is charged with powder and a bullet is seated in the mouth of the case. The case is then crimped around the bullet to ensure sufficient push and pull when the round is fired. When the firing pin strikes the thin brass rim of the case, the hollow rim is crushed and the primer is ignited.

Initially, rimfire ammo was made using black powder. Smith & Wesson’s original .22 used four grains of black powder. The .22 Long upped that to five grains, and the .22 Extra Long used six. Nowadays, there are even kits available for reloading .22 LR. New disciplines, such as the ELEY Practical Rimfire Challenge, are gaining in popularity alongside traditional Smallbore Rifle competition.

The rimfire cartridge has also been used extensively for self-defense, mostly because of the convenience factor.

We've listed below some of our favorite rimfire cartridge articles from across the NRA Publications network:

Latest

Cecilrhodes 1
Cecilrhodes 1

Legends: Cecil Rhodes 1956-2023

With great sadness, we share the news of the passing of Bullseye Pistol competitor Cecil Rhodes II on Monday, November 27, 2023. He was famous for mentoring new shooters.

Classic SSUSA: 2003 NRA Junior Air Gun Championship

In 2003, some of the nation’s most accomplished young shooters assembled in Wilmington, N.C., for the NRA Junior Air Gun Championship.

Entry Restrictions Lifted: 1919 National Matches

In 1919, NRA worked to broaden the appeal of the National Matches, including civilian participation, program diversity, and school and college attendance, expanding the competition beyond its military origins.

New: Walther PDP Match Polymer

Walther Arms has released a new polymer-framed PDP Match full-size pistol chambered in 9 mm with 18-round capacity.

Fiocchi Adds Rachel Barringer To Pro Shooting Team

Fiocchi welcomes top skeet competitor Rachel Barringer to its Pro Shooting Team.

USA Shooting: Athletes Earn Seven Medals At 2023 Parapan American Games

Five U.S. athletes—YanXiao Gong, Marco De La Rosa, Mike Tagliapietra, Stetson Bardfield and Kevin Nguyen—secured seven medals at the 2023 Parapan American Games in Santiago, Chile, Nov. 17-21.

Interests



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