---
title: Ammunition (Bullet) - Rimfire- Centerfire  - Magnum
description: What are the basic parts of ammunition? - Bullet components - Bullet calibers - What is rimfire primer made of? Centerfire bullet. What does magnum mean?
image: https://beasafehunter.org/hubfs/courses/hunter2021/images/ammunition-01.png
---

![Centerfire vs Rimfire](https://beasafehunter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/courses/hunter2023/images/chapter-03/centerfire-vs-rimfire.png?width=1920&height=325&name=centerfire-vs-rimfire.png)

The ammunition is classified as **rimfire or centerfire** based on where the primer is located.

## Centerfire

![Centerfire primer projectiles](https://beasafehunter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/courses/hunter2023/images/chapter-03/centerfire-primer-projectiles.png?width=1920&height=376&name=centerfire-primer-projectiles.png)

- Primer is located in the center of the base.
- Centerfire - used for rifles, shotguns, and handguns.

## Rimfire

![Rimfire primer projectiles](https://beasafehunter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/courses/hunter2023/images/chapter-03/rimfire-primer-projectiles.png?width=1920&height=477&name=rimfire-primer-projectiles.png)

- Primer is contained in the rim of the ammunition
- Limited to low pressure
- .22 caliber loads are most common
- Casings cannot be reloaded

## Magnum loads

Magnum loads have more powder and/or shot than target or field loads. The same ammunition can be filled with several power charges. The boxes may be marked target, field or magnum load.

### Magnum cartridge

![Magnum cartridge](https://beasafehunter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/courses/hunter2023/images/chapter-03/magnum-vs-22-lower-caliber.png?width=1100&height=455&name=magnum-vs-22-lower-caliber.png)

### Magnum shotshell

![Magnum gauge shotshells](https://beasafehunter.org/hs-fs/hubfs/courses/hunter2023/images/chapter-03/magnum-gauge-shotshells.png?width=1100&height=434&name=magnum-gauge-shotshells.png)

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