Hunter-Ed Certification Practice Exam

What is the main difference between center fire and rimfire ammunition?

1. Center fire has a lead base

2. Rimfire primer is in the rim of the casing

3. Center fire is only for rifles

4. Rimfire is more powerful

The correct answer is: Rimfire primer is in the rim of the casing

The main difference between center fire and rimfire ammunition lies in the design and placement of the primer within the cartridge casing. In rimfire ammunition, the primer is located in the rim of the casing itself. This design allows the firing pin of the firearm to strike the rim, igniting the primer and subsequently firing the round. Rimfire cartridges are typically less powerful and designed for smaller calibers. On the other hand, center fire ammunition features the primer located in the center of the cartridge base. This allows for more robust ignition of the powder charge, enabling the use of larger and more powerful calibers, suitable for rifles as well as handguns. The construction of center fire cartridges also allows for the use of reloadable brass casings, making them highly popular among target shooters and hunters. The other options provided do not accurately describe the fundamental difference in construction between center fire and rimfire ammunition. While some may contain elements that are true independently (like the lead base in certain cartridges), they do not directly address the critical distinction related to primer placement. The comparative power of rimfire versus center fire ammunition also doesn't reflect a universal truth, as power can vary greatly within each category depending on the specific ammunition type.