NC BLET Firearms Practice Test

In rimfire ammunition, the primer compound is located in a small gutter or indentation around the rim of the cartridge case. This design is a key feature of rimfire cartridges that differentiates them from centerfire cartridges, where the primer is placed in the center of the base of the cartridge. When the firing pin of a firearm strikes the rim of a rimfire cartridge, it crushes the rim, causing the priming compound to ignite. This ignition then ignites the gunpowder within the cartridge, leading to the discharge of the bullet. This arrangement allows for a simpler and often less expensive manufacturing process, which is why rimfire ammunition is commonly used for sporting purposes and training.