RIMFIRE AMMO

Your Comprehensive Guide to Rimfire Ammo: Understanding Calibers, Uses, and Why It's Perfect for Every Shooter

Are you new to shooting and looking for low-recoil, affordable ammunition for practice? Maybe you're a seasoned hunter wondering "what's the best .17 HMR ammo for varmints?" or a plinker searching for the most reliable .22 LR bulk ammo. Rimfire ammunition is a unique and incredibly popular category, offering distinct advantages for a wide range of shooting activities.

At DEGuns, we understand the appeal of rimfire firearms and the need for high-quality, readily available rimfire ammo for sale. We stock many different types of rimfire ammo, including .17HMR, .22LR, and .22WMR, with varying bullet weights, velocities, and purposes. Whether you're filling your ammo boxes for a casual range day, gearing up for varmint control, or introducing a new shooter to the sport, our extensive catalog ensures you'll find the perfect rimfire ammunition for your shooting needs.

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What Exactly Is Rimfire Ammunition and How Does It Work?

Rimfire ammunition gets its name from its unique ignition system: the primer compound is located inside the rim of the casing, rather than in a separate primer cup in the center. When the firing pin strikes the rim, it crushes the priming compound, igniting the propellant and firing the bullet.

Key characteristics of rimfire ammo:

• Integrated Primer: The primer compound is spun into the hollow rim of the cartridge case.
• Non-Reloadable Cases: Due to the rim's design and the way it's struck, rimfire cases generally cannot be reliably reloaded. This contributes to their typically lower cost.
• Lower Power: Rimfire cartridges operate at much lower pressures and velocities compared to centerfire ammunition. This results in minimal recoil and less noise, making them ideal for training and plinking.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The manufacturing process is generally simpler and uses fewer materials, making rimfire ammo very economical.

Understanding these fundamentals helps clarify why rimfire ammunition is a staple for so many shooters.

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Popular Rimfire Ammo Calibers and Their Best Uses

While .22 LR is king, other rimfire calibers offer specialized performance. Let's explore the most common types of rimfire ammo you'll find at DEGuns.

.22 LR Ammo: The Undisputed King of Rimfire

Why is .22 LR ammo the most popular ammunition in the world?
.22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) is an iconic cartridge, famous for its affordability, minimal recoil, and incredible versatility. It is arguably the most widely used firearm cartridge globally, making .22 LR bulk ammo a constant demand for shooters everywhere.

Key benefits of .22 LR ammo:

• Unbeatable Affordability: No other firearm cartridge comes close to the low cost per round of .22 LR ammo. This makes it the ultimate cheap ammo for high-volume practice, training, and casual plinking.
• Minimal Recoil: The extremely light recoil makes it perfect for introducing new shooters (including youth) to firearms, building fundamental skills, and extended shooting sessions without fatigue.
• Low Noise: .22 LR firearms are inherently quieter than their centerfire counterparts, making them more enjoyable to shoot, especially at indoor ranges, and often suitable for suppressed shooting with proper equipment.
• Ubiquitous Availability: .22 LR ammo is found virtually everywhere firearms ammunition is sold, and DEGuns ensures a deep stock to meet demand for .22 LR bulk ammo.
• Wide Range of Firearms: It's chambered in an enormous variety of firearms, including pistols, rifles, revolvers, and even some unique multi-barrel guns.

Common uses for .22 LR ammo:

• Target Shooting & Plinking: The quintessential choice for informal shooting, honing marksmanship skills, and fun at the range.
• Varmint Hunting: Highly effective for small game and pests like squirrels, rabbits, groundhogs, and coons due to its precision and low cost per shot.
• Firearms Training: Used extensively by instructors and new shooters to learn safety, sight alignment, trigger control, and basic firearm manipulation before transitioning to larger, more powerful calibers.
• Competitive Shooting: Dedicated .22 LR competitions emphasize extreme accuracy.

Whether you need CCI .22 LR ammo, Federal .22 LR bulk ammo, or Winchester .22 LR rounds, DEGuns has the reliable selection you need.

.17 HMR Ammo: The Speedy Varmint Hunter

What is .17 HMR ammo and why is it so fast?
.17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (.17 HMR) is a modern rimfire cartridge introduced in 2002. It's essentially a .22 WMR case necked down to accept a much smaller, lighter .17 caliber bullet (typically 17-20 grains). This design allows it to achieve incredibly high velocities for a rimfire round.

Key benefits of .17 HMR ammo:

• Blazing Fast Velocity: Known for its blistering muzzle velocities, often exceeding 2,500 feet per second (fps). This translates to a very flat trajectory, simplifying aiming at varying distances.
• Exceptional Accuracy: The high velocity and typically high-quality, pointed bullets contribute to outstanding precision, making it incredibly accurate at extended rimfire ranges.
• Minimal Drop: Due to its flat trajectory, .17 HMR ammo experiences very little bullet drop out to 150-200 yards, making it easier to hit small targets without significant holdover.
• Devastating Terminal Performance: The small, frangible bullets expand or fragment violently on impact, delivering excellent terminal performance on small varmints.

Common uses for .17 HMR ammo:

• Varmint Hunting: The primary application, highly effective for prairie dogs, groundhogs, coyotes, and other small to medium-sized pests at ranges up to 200 yards.
• Target Shooting: Its inherent accuracy makes it a fun and challenging round for precision target shooting at rimfire distances.

If you're asking "what's the best .17 HMR ammo for prairie dogs?", look for lightweight, rapidly expanding bullet types. DEGuns offers a variety of .17 HMR ammo for sale from brands like Hornady and CCI.

.22 WMR Ammo: The Original Magnum Rimfire

What is .22 WMR ammo and how does it compare to .22 LR?
.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR), often just called .22 Magnum, was introduced in 1959. It's a significantly more powerful and larger cartridge than the .22 LR, offering increased velocity, energy, and range.

Key benefits of .22 WMR ammo:

• Increased Power & Velocity: Offers a substantial step up in power from .22 LR, with velocities often in the 1,500-2,000 fps range, depending on bullet weight. This translates to more effective range and stopping power.
• Enhanced Terminal Performance: Capable of more effective performance on slightly larger varmints and small predators compared to .22 LR.
• Greater Effective Range: Provides a flatter trajectory and more energy retention at longer distances than .22 LR, extending its effective range for hunting.

Common uses for .22 WMR ammo:

• Hunting Small to Medium Game: Suitable for larger varmints like coyotes, foxes, and even raccoons, where .22 LR might be insufficient.
• Self-Defense (in some contexts): While less common than centerfire handguns, .22 WMR revolvers or pistols can serve as a lightweight, low-recoil option for personal defense for those who struggle with larger calibers.
• Target Shooting at Extended Rimfire Ranges: Offers more challenge and precision at distances beyond standard .22 LR capabilities.

DEGuns stocks reliable .22 WMR ammo for sale from brands like CCI and Hornady, ensuring you have the power you need for your .22 Magnum rifle or handgun.

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Specialized Rimfire Bullet Types and Their Features

Beyond the caliber, the specific bullet construction of your rimfire ammunition can further fine-tune its performance.

Lead Round Nose (LRN) / Lead Hollow Point (LHP)

What are LRN/LHP bullets in rimfire ammo?
These are traditional rimfire bullets made almost entirely of lead. Lead Round Nose (LRN) are basic, non-expanding bullets, while Lead Hollow Point (LHP) bullets feature a hollow cavity designed for expansion.

• Use: LRN is standard for plinking and basic target practice with .22 LR ammo. LHP offers better terminal performance for hunting small game.
• Benefit: Very cost-effective, especially for .22 LR bulk ammo.

Copper-Plated Round Nose (CPRN) / Copper-Plated Hollow Point (CPHP)

What are CPRN/CPHP bullets in rimfire ammo?
These rimfire bullets have a thin wash or plating of copper over the lead core. This plating is not a full jacket like centerfire FMJ.

• Use: Very common for .22 LR ammo.
• Benefit: Reduces lead fouling in the barrel, making cleaning easier, and can improve feeding reliability in semi-automatic firearms.

Varmint Specific / Frangible Bullets

What are varmint-specific rimfire bullets?
These are lightweight, highly frangible bullets designed for rapid and often violent expansion or disintegration upon impact. They are usually found in .17 HMR ammo and .22 WMR ammo.

• Use: Primarily for varmint hunting, ensuring quick, humane kills and reducing ricochet risk.
• Benefit: Maximizes energy transfer within the target, ideal for small, thin-skinned animals.

Subsonic Rimfire Ammo

What is subsonic rimfire ammo?
Subsonic rimfire ammo is loaded to a velocity below the speed of sound (approximately 1,125 fps at standard conditions).

• Use: Essential for optimal performance with sound suppressors (silencers), as it prevents the supersonic crack (sonic boom) a bullet makes when breaking the sound barrier, resulting in a much quieter shot.
• Benefit: Maximizes the effectiveness of a suppressor, making it ideal for discreet varmint control or very quiet range sessions.

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Rimfire Ammo Lifespan and Proper Storage: Maximize Your Investment

How long does rimfire ammo last?
Like other modern ammunition, rimfire ammo can have an impressive shelf life. When stored correctly, it can remain viable for over a decade, and sometimes much longer (20-30 years is not uncommon for well-preserved .22 LR bulk ammo). The key is consistent storage conditions.

How to properly store rimfire ammo to maximize its lifespan:

• Cool, Dry Place: Store your rimfire ammunition in a stable environment away from extreme temperature fluctuations. A climate-controlled room, a cool closet, or a dedicated ammunition safe is ideal. Avoid attics, garages, or basements with high humidity.
• Low Humidity: Humidity is the primary enemy of rimfire ammo. The primer compound in the rim is more susceptible to moisture degradation than centerfire primers. Use desiccant packs in sealed ammo boxes or airtight containers to absorb any moisture.
• Original Packaging or Sealed Containers: Keep rimfire ammo in its original boxes or transfer it to airtight plastic or metal ammo cans. This provides protection from environmental factors and simplifies organization.
• Away from Chemicals: Never store rimfire ammo near solvents, oils, or other chemicals that could degrade the brass casings or priming compound.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV light and heat from direct sunlight can degrade propellant over time.

Investing in proper rimfire ammo storage solutions is a wise choice for any shooter to protect their valuable ammo boxes.

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Buying Rimfire Ammo Online: Convenience and Compliance with DEGuns

The convenience of purchasing rimfire ammunition online has made it easier than ever to keep your ammo boxes full, whether you need .22 LR bulk ammo or specialized .17 HMR rounds. Understanding the legalities is key for a smooth process.

Can I buy rimfire ammo online?
Yes, you can absolutely buy rimfire ammo online! In most cases, you do not need a Federal Firearms License (FFL) to purchase ammunition. You can buy rimfire rounds and have them shipped directly to your residential address, depending on your state and local laws.

Important considerations before buying rimfire ammo online:

• Check Local and State Laws: Before making any purchase, it's absolutely crucial to check your local and state laws to confirm that rimfire ammunition can be shipped directly to your specific address. Some states (like California, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, etc.) have specific restrictions on online ammo sales, often requiring it to be shipped to an FFL or requiring a permit.
• State-Specific Taxes: Be aware that state-specific armament taxes or other fees may apply at checkout during your rimfire ammunition purchase.

Reputable online retailers, like Deguns.net, facilitate this process by often accounting for applicable laws and taxes at checkout. This ensures a compliant and straightforward purchasing experience, allowing you to get the rimfire ammunition you need conveniently and legally, helping you find that perfect rimfire ammo for sale.

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Popular Rimfire Ammo Brands Carried by DEGuns

When it comes to rimfire ammo brand selection, DEGuns offers an unparalleled choice from the industry's most trusted manufacturers. We strive to bring you reliable performance and value across all rimfire calibers and bullet types.

Some of the best-selling and most trusted rimfire ammo brands we carry include:

• CCI Ammunition: Often considered the industry leader for rimfire ammo, known for its reliability, consistency, and wide variety of loads for plinking, hunting, and competition. Their Mini-Mag and Blazer .22 LR lines are legendary.
• Federal Ammunition: A top-tier manufacturer offering a broad range of rimfire ammo, including bulk packs of .22 LR and specialized .17 HMR and .22 WMR loads.
• Winchester Ammunition: An iconic brand with a long history, providing reliable and affordable rimfire ammunition for various uses, from Super-X to M-22 bulk packs.
• Remington Ammunition: Another long-standing name, offering dependable rimfire rounds like Golden Bullet bulk packs and specialty loads.
• Hornady Ammunition: Particularly renowned for its precision .17 HMR ammo and .22 WMR loads, often featuring V-Max or FTX bullets for superior varmint hunting performance.
• Aguila Ammunition: Known for its consistent and affordable .22 LR ammo, including unique sub-sonic options.
• Browning Ammunition: Offers a range of high-quality rimfire ammo for hunting and target shooting, leveraging the brand's firearm legacy.
• SK Ammunition / Lapua: While often premium-priced, these brands are highly sought after by serious competitive shooters for their extreme accuracy in .22 LR precision rifles.

When it’s time to fill your rimfire ammo boxes with .17 HMR, .22 LR, .22 WMR, or other rimfire caliber you’re looking for, be sure to check out our rimfire ammo for sale first. We always carry a massive inventory of rimfire bullet types and calibers to ensure you get high-quality rimfire ammunition precisely when you need it for your next range session, hunt, or training exercise.

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Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Rimfire Ammunition

Selecting the right rimfire ammo is a critical decision that impacts your shooting experience, safety, and effectiveness. By understanding the nuances of different rimfire calibers and bullet types, you can confidently choose ammunition that perfectly matches your rimfire firearm and your intended purpose, whether it's high-volume plinking, ethical varmint hunting, or precise competitive shooting.

At DEGuns, we're here to support your journey. Explore our comprehensive selection of rimfire ammo for sale and equip yourself for success. What kind of rimfire shooting are you planning next?