A Comprehensive List of Rimmed Cartridges: History, Uses, and Popularity
Rimmed cartridges, a fascinating chapter in firearms history, represent a distinct design where the case mouth is larger than the case body. This design feature, while less common in modern firearms, boasts a unique set of characteristics influencing its application and legacy. This detailed guide will explore a comprehensive list of rimmed cartridges, categorized for clarity, and discuss their historical significance and continued relevance.
Understanding Rimmed Cartridges: Advantages and Disadvantages
Before diving into the specific cartridges, it's crucial to understand the inherent advantages and disadvantages of this design.
Advantages:
- Simplicity of Early Firearms: Rimmed cartridges were essential for early breech-loading firearms, providing a reliable method for extracting spent cases. The rim provided a consistent point for the extractor to grip.
- Consistent Ignition: The larger rim helped ensure consistent primer placement and reliable ignition in early designs.
Disadvantages:
- Feeding Issues: The rim can cause feeding problems in magazine-fed firearms, particularly when cartridges are stacked. The rim can interfere with smooth feeding, leading to jams.
- Reduced Cartridge Capacity: The rim takes up valuable space within the cartridge case, potentially reducing the amount of powder and projectile it can hold, leading to lower energy output compared to rimless designs.
- Headspacing Issues: Headspacing (the precise alignment of the cartridge case in the chamber) relies on the rim, making it more critical to have perfectly uniform rim dimensions. Slight inconsistencies can cause dangerous pressure issues.
Categorizing Rimmed Cartridges by Caliber and Application
Categorizing rimmed cartridges provides a clearer understanding of their varied uses. The following sections will broadly outline different categories, listing representative examples (Note: this isn't an exhaustive list, as thousands of rimmed cartridges exist):
Pistol Cartridges:
- .22 Short, .22 Long, .22 Long Rifle: These are arguably the most popular rimmed pistol cartridges globally, used extensively in plinking, target shooting, and small game hunting.
- .32 S&W Long, .32 ACP (While technically a semi-rimmed cartridge, it often functions similarly): Popular in older revolvers and some semi-automatic pistols.
- .38 Special, .38 Long Colt: Classic revolver cartridges with a rich history in law enforcement and self-defense.
- .44 Special, .44-40 Winchester: Powerful cartridges used in revolvers, with the .44-40 gaining popularity in lever-action rifles as well.
Rifle Cartridges:
- .22 Winchester Rimfire: Used in many rimfire rifles, often for small game and target shooting.
- .45-70 Government: A powerful black powder cartridge with a long and storied history, used in lever-action rifles and single-shot rifles. Still popular amongst enthusiasts.
- .44-40 Winchester (as mentioned above): Versatile cartridge used in both rifles and revolvers.
- Many obsolete black powder cartridges: Numerous rimmed cartridges were used in black powder rifles, many of which are now only found by collectors.
Shotgun Shells:
While not strictly "cartridges" in the same sense as the above examples, shotgun shells typically have a rim. The vast majority of shotgun shells are rimmed.
The Legacy of Rimmed Cartridges
Despite the advantages of rimless and bottlenecked cartridges in modern firearms, rimmed cartridges maintain a niche but significant presence. Their reliability in certain applications, particularly in older firearms and specific hunting scenarios, ensures their continued use and relevance in the world of shooting sports and hunting.
Conclusion
This exploration of rimmed cartridges provides a valuable insight into their design, historical significance, and continued application. While not as prevalent in modern firearms design, the impact of rimmed cartridges on the history of firearms remains undeniable. Further research into specific cartridges mentioned here and beyond will reveal a deeper appreciation for their individual roles and impact on firearm development.