Final answer:
The main difference between centrefire and rimfire cartridges is the location of the primer; rimfire has it in the rim of the case, while centrefire has it in the center. Rimfire is generally used in smaller caliber firearms, while centrefire is used in a broader range of more powerful firearms. Rifling inside the barrel is crucial for the accuracy of both kinds of firearms.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing centrefire vs rimfire, we are talking about two types of cartridge ignition systems used in firearms. The main difference lies in the location of the primer. In rimfire cartridges, the primer is located in the rim of the cartridge case. When the firing pin hits the rim, it ignites the primer and then the gunpowder within the cartridge. Rimfire ammunition is generally smaller and less powerful, typically used in .22 caliber pistols and rifles.
Centrefire cartridges, on the other hand, have the primer located in the center of the base of the cartridge case. The firing pin strikes the center of the primer cap to ignite the gunpowder. This design is more reliable and suitable for higher pressures, enabling the use of centrefire ammunition in a larger range of calibers and more powerful firearms such as hunting rifles and handguns.
Both systems have the same goal of causing a projectile to be expelled from the barrel with force, and rifling within the barrel plays a crucial part in this. Rifling purposefully imparts a spin to the projectile, providing stability in flight which results in greater accuracy. The concept of rifling is equally applicable to larger, historical firearms such as a cannon, wherein the term 'rifle' originates from the grooves (rifling) that are cut inside the barrel to make the cannonball spin.