What type of ammunition is typically used in revolvers?

Revolvers are commonly designed to use centerfire cartridges, which have their primer located at the center of the cartridge case base. This design allows for reliable ignition and a robust cartridge construction, making centerfire ammunition ideal for the repetitive firing and mechanical operation of revolvers.

Centerfire cartridges provide a range of options in terms of caliber, bullet type, and power levels, meeting the diverse needs and preferences of shooters. This type of ammunition is also more durable than rimfire cartridges, as the brass casing can handle the higher pressures generated during firing.

While rimfire cartridges can also be used in certain revolvers—most notably in smaller calibers like .22 LR—centerfire ammunition is more widely associated with the majority of revolving firearms, particularly in standard and larger calibers used for self-defense, law enforcement, and competitive shooting. Shotgun shells are specifically designed for shotguns and are incompatible with revolvers, while specialty rounds may include various types of ammunition tailored for specific applications but do not form the mainstay of revolver ammunition.