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Rimfire Ammunition

Order rimfire ammunition for nationwide shipping, or pick up in store at our El Dorado Springs, Missouri gun shop. Bear Arms offers dependable Rimfire Ammunition in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, perfect for small game hunting, target shooting, and training. Rimfire cartridges are an affordable and versatile option for many Rifles and Handguns, including popular platforms like Bolt Action Rifles, Semi Auto Rifles, and Single Shot Handguns. Keep your rimfire firearms ready with spare Rifle Magazines or Handgun Magazines and sharpen your accuracy with Gun Sights or Red Dots Sights. Known for low recoil and high reliability, rimfire ammo is an essential part of every shooter’s kit. Shop online today.

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Rimfire Ammunition for training and small game

At Bear Arms, located in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, we carry a full selection of Rimfire Ammunition trusted by hunters, competitors, and recreational shooters. Rimfire ammunition is popular for its affordability, light recoil, and versatility across platforms like Bolt Action Rifles, Semi Auto Rifles, and Single Shot Handguns. From training youth shooters to pursuing varmints or enjoying a quiet day at the range, rimfire remains one of the most practical choices in the shooting world. Keep your firearms ready with spare Rifle Magazines and Handgun Magazines, and improve accuracy with Gun Sights or Red Dots Sights. Shop rimfire ammunition online today and stock up with confidence.

We ship ammunition nationwide, and we offer in-store pickup at our El Dorado Springs, Missouri gun shop.

What rimfire ammunition is

Rimfire ammunition uses a priming compound spun into the rim of the cartridge case rather than a central primer. When struck by the firing pin, the rim crushes and ignites the powder inside. This design makes rimfire economical and lightweight, while still offering reliable performance for small game hunting, pest control, and target practice.

Key features of rimfire cartridges

  • Affordability: Cost-effective for high-volume training and plinking.
  • Low recoil: Perfect for introducing new shooters or refining fundamentals.
  • Variety: Available in calibers and bullet styles for everything from competition to varmint hunting.
  • Accuracy: Many rimfire rifles deliver surprising precision with the right loads.
  • Quiet report: Especially true for subsonic rounds, ideal when paired with suppressors where legal.

Types of rimfire ammunition

  • .22LR (Long Rifle): The most widely used rimfire cartridge, versatile for training, small game, and general plinking.
  • .22 Short: Light-recoil option with a quieter report, often used for youth training and vintage handguns.
  • .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire): Offers more velocity and energy than .22LR, excellent for varmint hunting.
  • .22 Hornet: Though technically a centerfire round, it is often grouped with rimfire due to its light recoil role; ideal for small game and pests at extended ranges.
  • .17 HM2 (Hornady Mach 2): A high-velocity option with a flatter trajectory than .22LR, excellent for precision varmint control.

Each caliber provides a balance of recoil, range, and terminal effect, giving shooters options for any purpose.

Caliber compatibility

Always verify the caliber marked on your firearm’s barrel before loading. For example:

  • .22LR: Works with the widest array of rifles and handguns; some semi-autos are tuned for high-velocity loads.
  • .22 Short: Primarily chambered in older rifles or revolvers; also cycles in select firearms designed for multiple .22 rimfire lengths.
  • .22 WMR: Requires firearms specifically chambered for WMR; not interchangeable with .22LR.
  • .22 Hornet: A centerfire cartridge that bridges the rimfire role, requiring a correctly chambered rifle for safe use.
  • .17 HM2: Strictly for firearms marked for HM2; not interchangeable with .17 HMR.

When in doubt, consult your firearm manual or ask our team at Bear Arms.

Best practices for rimfire ammunition

  • Clean chambers and barrels regularly: Rimfire cartridges leave more residue than centerfire.
  • Store in dry, cool conditions: Moisture can compromise priming compound.
  • Test different loads: Rimfire performance varies widely between rifles; try multiple brands for best results.
  • Inspect before loading: Look for dented cases or misaligned bullets.
  • Rotate stock: Cycle older boxes through the range to keep hunting and defensive ammunition fresh.

Trusted rimfire brands at Bear Arms

  • Aguila Ammunition: Known for consistent, budget-friendly rimfire across .22 Short, .22LR, and specialty loads.
  • CCI Ammunition: A leader in rimfire innovation, with high-performance .22LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HM2 offerings.
  • Federal Ammunition: Offers everything from affordable bulk packs to premium hunting loads with reliable ignition.
  • Hornady: Creator of the .17 HM2, delivering flat-shooting rimfire precision and specialized varmint rounds.
  • Winchester: A long-standing brand trusted for rimfire reliability in both training and hunting loads.

Rimfire applications

  • Hunting and varmint control: .22 WMR and .17 HM2 excel against varmints, while .22LR is a classic for rabbits and squirrels.
  • Target shooting and plinking: Bulk .22LR and .22 Short loads allow economical practice and recreational fun.
  • Competition: Match-grade rimfire ammunition provides consistent velocities for rimfire challenge matches and precision events.
  • Training new shooters: Low recoil and quiet operation make rimfire perfect for introducing safe firearm handling.

Rimfire load selection by distance and purpose

Rimfire works best when we choose a load that matches the shot, not the label on the box. A smart pick keeps recoil light, groups tight, and terminal effect predictable on small targets.

These are the selection habits that tend to pay off fastest.

Training that builds repeatable fundamentals

For skills work, we look for steady ignition and consistent velocity. Standard-velocity .22 LR often prints tighter groups in many rifles at 25 to 50 yards, and recoil stays smooth for high-rep drills. High-velocity .22 LR can run better in some semi-autos, especially in new guns with stiffer springs. Once a firearm shows a preference, sticking with that load reduces flyers and saves time on the line.

Subsonic loads have a place, too. The report stays mild, and recoil feel stays soft. That combination helps new shooters stay focused on sight picture and trigger press. Real-world testing still matters, since some semi-autos need more energy to cycle.

Small game and varmint control that stays practical

Hunting loads need clean hits and reliable penetration on small animals. Plated hollow points in .22 LR offer a good balance for rabbits and squirrels at typical woods ranges. When distance opens up, .22 WMR brings more speed and energy, and wind holds get easier. For precise pest work, .17 HM2 offers a flatter path than .22 LR, and it can reduce holdover at longer rimfire ranges.

Cold weather and dirty chambers can change rimfire performance. A quick function check before a hunt helps confirm that the load still fires consistently and extracts cleanly.

Match-style consistency for rimfire events

Competition rewards uniformity. Match-grade .22 LR often uses tighter tolerances and steadier velocities. That can shrink vertical spread and make elevation holds more predictable. Many rimfire match shooters keep one load for practice and matches so sight settings stay stable. We can help you test a few options and settle on the one that prints the best groups in your rifle.

Sight upgrades that make rimfire more precise

Rimfire builds skill fast, and good sights help confirm that progress. A clear aiming system tightens groups, improves speed on steel, and makes load testing more honest.

These are the sighting setups we see work well across rimfire platforms.

Red Dots Sights

A red dot helps keep eyes on the target and simplifies alignment. That helps new shooters learn trigger control without fighting front-sight focus. Dots also shine on rimfire pistols and carbines for fast steel work. A consistent dot zero makes it easier to spot ammunition differences, since the aiming point stays precise across strings.

Battery discipline matters. A quick brightness check before a session prevents wasted range time and keeps practice focused on reps.

Scopes, Sights & Optics

Rimfire scopes support load testing, small-game shots, and precision practice at longer distances. A modest magnification range often covers most rimfire needs, from 25-yard groups to field shots. Clear glass and a stable reticle make it easier to read group shape, confirm holds, and spot subtle shifts between loads.

Iron sights still earn their place for training. They build strong fundamentals and keep rifles light for woods carry. When a shooter wants a simple, durable setup, quality irons can deliver excellent results with the right ammunition and steady technique.

Legal and safety notes

Rimfire ammunition is widely available, but always observe federal, state, and local regulations. Be aware of hunting restrictions on specific calibers, bullet types, or magazine capacity when pursuing game. Practice proper storage and safe transport, and always wear protective gear while shooting.

Why buy rimfire ammunition at Bear Arms

At Bear Arms in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, we provide rimfire ammunition from trusted names like Aguila Ammunition, CCI Ammunition, Federal Ammunition, Hornady, and Winchester. With calibers ranging from .22 Short to .22 WMR and precision options like .17 HM2 and .22 Hornet, our inventory covers training, hunting, and competition needs. Order rimfire ammunition online today and keep your firearms ready for any challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rimfire Ammunition

1. What rimfire ammunition do you carry at Bear Arms?

Bear Arms stocks rimfire options for training, hunting, competition, and casual range use. Common choices include .22 LR, .22 Short, .22 WMR, and .17 HM2, along with specialty offerings when available.

2. What makes rimfire ammunition different from centerfire?

3. Is rimfire ammunition a good choice for teaching new shooters?

4. Which rimfire caliber should I use for small game or varmints?

5. Can I shoot .22 LR in a firearm marked for .22 WMR?

6. Do some .22 LR semi-autos prefer high-velocity loads?

7. How should I store rimfire ammunition to prevent misfires?

8. Which rimfire brands do you recommend?

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