Hunters Guide

CFSC · topic practice

Ammunition practice questions for Canada

By Hunters Guide. Last reviewed September 18, 2026.

These 3 ammunition questions are drawn from the CFSC Practice Test. They are original practice items written from published Canadian Firearms Safety Course curriculum topics, with an explanation on every answer.

Ammunition questions

  1. 1What is the difference between rimfire and centrefire ammunition?

    1. Rimfire is more powerful
    2. The priming compound sits in the rim of a rimfire case and in a central primer on a centrefire case
    3. Rimfire is only used in shotguns
    4. Centrefire cannot be reloaded
    Show the answer

    The priming compound sits in the rim of a rimfire case and in a central primer on a centrefire case

    Where the primer sits determines how the firing pin must strike it, and centrefire cases can be reloaded because the spent primer is replaceable.

  2. 2A cartridge chambers in your firearm. Is it therefore safe to fire?

    1. Yes, if it chambers it fits
    2. No. Several cartridges will chamber in the wrong firearm while producing pressures the action cannot contain
    3. Yes, if the case is the same length
    4. Only if it is centrefire
    Show the answer

    No. Several cartridges will chamber in the wrong firearm while producing pressures the action cannot contain

    Fit is not authorisation. The only authority is the cartridge designation stamped on the barrel, matched to the headstamp on the case.

  3. 3You pull the trigger and nothing happens. What is the first thing you do?

    1. Open the action immediately
    2. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and wait, in case it is a hangfire
    3. Shake the firearm
    4. Remove the cartridge and inspect it
    Show the answer

    Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and wait, in case it is a hangfire

    A hangfire is a delayed ignition, and opening the action into your own face during one is how people get seriously hurt. Wait with the muzzle controlled before you investigate.

Ready for the full set? Take the CFSC Practice Test.