.22 TCM

Last updated
22TCM
TCM FN Rem.jpg
From left: .22 TCM, FN 5.7×28mm, .223 Remington
TypePistol/Rifle
Production history
DesignerFred Craig
Specifications
Parent case 5.56×45mm NATO
Case typeRimless, bottleneck
Bullet diameter0.224 in (5.70 mm)
Neck diameter0.255 in (6.48 mm)
Shoulder diameter0.362 in (9.19 mm)
Base diameter0.376 in (9.55 mm)
Rim diameter0.378 in (9.60 mm)
Rim thickness0.045 in (1.1 mm)
Case length1.022 in (26.0 mm)
Overall length1.265 in (32.1 mm)
Case capacity15.2 gr H2O
Ballistic performance
Bullet mass/typeVelocityEnergy
40 gr (3 g) Pointed flat nose2,800 ft/s (850 m/s)696 ft⋅lbf (944 J)
40 gr (3 g) Pointed flat nose2,070 ft/s (630 m/s)381 ft⋅lbf (517 J)
Test barrel length: 22.75" rifle (higher velocity) and 5.0" pistol (lower velocity)

The .22 TCM or 22TCM (.22, Tuason, Craig, Micromagnum) is a proprietary bottle-necked rimless cartridge created from a 5.56mm NATO / 223 Rem parent case. It was developed by custom gunsmith Fred Craig and Martin Tuason, President of Rock Island Armory (RIA) Armscor, and is used in the RIA M1911 pistols and the M22 TCM bolt-action rifle. Before the cartridge was commercialized, it was called the 22 Micro-Mag. It is similar in concept to other bottle-necked pistol cartridges such as the 7.62×25mm Tokarev and the FN 5.7×28mm. The 22TCM trades bullet mass for increased velocity and lower recoil. [1] [2] [3]

Contents

22TCM (left) with 40gr long bullet; 22TCM-9R (right) with 39gr short bullet. TCM + TCM 9R.jpg
22TCM (left) with 40gr long bullet; 22TCM-9R (right) with 39gr short bullet.
22TCM9R, 9mm Luger, 22TCM, and .38 Super 22TCM9R, 9mm, 22TCM, 38 Super.jpg
22TCM9R, 9mm Luger, 22TCM, and .38 Super
Early model RIA Armscor 22TCM M1911 A2, double stack 17 round Para P18 type mag. RIA Armscor M1911 A2 22TCM.jpg
Early model RIA Armscor 22TCM M1911 A2, double stack 17 round Para P18 type mag.

Based on the 5.56×45mm NATO case and shortened so overall cartridge length matches .38 Super, the 22TCM is approximately 3 mm longer than a standard 9×19mm. It is designed to be fired from the RIA M1911 line of pistols, which also included 9mm barrel swaps. The factory M1911 recoil spring weights: 8 lbs for 22TCM; and 12 lbs for 9mm. Magazines are based on the Para P18 pattern in 9mm/.38 Super, and are double column, with a 17 round capacity. There was a limited production run on Glock 19 and 17 conversion barrel kits. By changing the barrel and recoil spring (11 lbs) a 9mm Glock pistol could be converted to 22TCM. This created another ammunition option 22TCM-9R or "9R" with a shorter bullet (projectile or slug) and shorter overall length. The 9R ammo can fit in Glock and other magazines limited to standard length 9mm cartridges. Standard factory loads: 40-grain jacketed hollow point (JHP), the long slug; and 39-grain JHP, the 9R short slug. Note both are still the same 22TCM case, but different projectile slugs. This caused confusion for some users and even ammunition sellers thinking they are different calibers. Both projectiles can be used in either pistol or rifle, as long as they fit in the relevant magazines. Also of note is that the bottle neck case can be 'sticky' as it fireforms to the chamber. A quick fix is to lubricate the chamber with oil for more reliable cycling and avoid stuck cases. This applies to any straight walled bottle neck case. For example .223 Remington steel case ammo is known for being 'sticky'. Simply lubing the chamber helps it extract and cycle reliably. The Armscor bulk factory ammo tends to 'spill', leaving unburned powder inside pistol internals. This can cause reliability issues, and big fireballs as muzzle flash. The original 40-grain factory long slug is less than ideal in overall length and ballistic performance. It is has a flat shooting trajectory, accuracy, and low recoil from a pistol. But accuracy can be inconsistent and result in flyers and target groups stringing. [4] [5]

Handloaders have perfected the 22TCM by using more suitable projectiles and powder. John Taffin, a well known gun author, published his handloading data in GUNS Magazine twice: in 2017 focused on powder loads; and in 2023, focused more on different projectiles. Velocity and accuracy results using RIA M1911 pistols with 5" barrels were four shots at 20 yards. Best powder results: Hodgdon Lil Gun at 10.5 grains; and Alliant 2400 gun powder at 9.3 grains. Faster burning pistol powders meant for magnum and high velocity loads. This improved reliability and accuracy. The Speer 22 caliber (.224") 40-grain Soft Point (SP) projectile is ideal for 22TCM. Also increased reliability and accuracy. [6] [7] [8]

22TCM Factory Ammo Performance
Brand, Bullet, Weight, TypeVelocity FPSVelocity FPSGroup Size InchesGroup Size Inches
Armscor 40gr HP, older ammo1,9822,0111.75"1.625"
Armscor 40gr HP, newer ammo2,0442,0610.875"1.375"
22TCM Handloaded Ammo Performance
Brand, Bullet, Weight, TypePowder BrandCharge Grains WeightVelocity FPSGroup Size Inches
Armscor 40gr HPHodgdon Lil Gun10.52,0741.125"
Armscor 40gr HPAlliant 24009.31,9420.75"
Armscor 40gr factory ammo vs Speer, and Sierra projectiles in handloads. Armscor 22TCM, Speer, Sierra.jpg
Armscor 40gr factory ammo vs Speer, and Sierra projectiles in handloads.

22tcm prm.jpg

22TCM vs 22TCM9R overall length, same case different slugs. 22TCM vs 22TCM9R.jpg
22TCM vs 22TCM9R overall length, same case different slugs.
22TCM, 22TCM9R, 5.56x24mm with different projectiles. 22TCM 22TCM9R 556x24.jpg
22TCM, 22TCM9R, 5.56x24mm with different projectiles.

22TCM Improved: 5.56×24mm. Randall Scott-Key is an expert on forming 223 Rem and 5.56mm NATO cases into 22TCM and reloading it. He published concise and detailed data on his YouTube channel by the same name, and on the Glock Talk and other forums. Pioneering an improved 22TCM as 5.56×24mm. By slightly modifying the case shoulder and neck lower it allows more .224" projectiles to be used. It helps reliability by acting as a reverse piston during the firing process. This also allows the cartridge to fit inside popular 9mm Glock magazines and feed more reliably. It is backwards compatible and can be fired from any 22TCM/9R chamber. He also noted the excellent all round performance of the Speer .224" 40-grain SP projectile. [9] [10] [11]

5.56x24mm vs 22TCM case 5.56x24 vs 22TCM.jpg
5.56×24mm vs 22TCM case
5.56x24mm and 22TCM9R in ETS Glock mags 5.56x24mm and 22TCM9R in ETS Glock mags.jpg
5.56×24mm and 22TCM9R in ETS Glock mags
5.56x24mm with Speer 40gr Soft Points, next to 9mm at the back. 5.56x24mm Wildcat Pistol cartridge (9mm reference) 2.jpg
5.56×24mm with Speer 40gr Soft Points, next to 9mm at the back.

Purpose of use. Basically '223 short'. A more efficient pistol caliber. Velocities of 2,000 fps out of a pistol, and 2,800 fps out of a rifle. Very low recoil compared to 9mm. Easier to train new shooters and the recoil sensitive. Size and weight constraints: 22TCM is lighter weight and higher velocity than popular 9mm; and competing 7.62×25mm Tokarev and FN 5.7×28mm. Ideal for a light weight and compact AR-15-style pistol PDW, like the Colt MARS Program. 22TCM ammo prices tend to be half that of FN 5.7mm in the US and other regions. Making a competitive option. 22TCM may be an ideal 'civilian caliber' in countries with restrictions. In some regions civilians cannot legally own the same calibers as the military or certain bore size. 22TCM can be an attractive alternative to 9mm, 45ACP, 5.56mm and 7.62mm NATO and other military calibers. Parent case is 223 Rem / 5.56mm NATO, open source so will never die. Good for handloaders. Reload 223 Rem and if you get a split case, cut it down to 22TCM. Hunters have used both the pistol and bolt-action rifle on varmints such as coyote and feral swine. Good for pest control. And of course fun and easy handling for experienced shooters. [12] [13] [14]

22TCM AR-15 pistol with 8.5" barrel and DI gas system. 22TCM AR mags, 18 rounds. 40gr factory ammo, and 55gr bullets in handloads. Made by Tim, The AR Guy 22tcmL 2.jpg
22TCM AR-15 pistol with 8.5" barrel and DI gas system. 22TCM AR mags, 18 rounds. 40gr factory ammo, and 55gr bullets in handloads. Made by Tim, The AR Guy
22TCM AR-15 magazines designed to take the 40gr factory ammo, holds 18 rounds. Made by Tim, The AR Guy. TheARguy TCM AR Mags 1.jpg
22TCM AR-15 magazines designed to take the 40gr factory ammo, holds 18 rounds. Made by Tim, The AR Guy.
22TCM AR-15 mag with handload. Designed to be reliable with longer bullets. Made by Tim, The AR Guy. TheARguy TCM AR Mags 3.jpg
22TCM AR-15 mag with handload. Designed to be reliable with longer bullets. Made by Tim, The AR Guy.
2 types of dedicated 22TCM AR-15 mags. Note the different length followers and built in feed ramps. Designed for either the 40gr factory ammo, or longer handloads. More reliable compared to 9mm conversion mags as 22TCM is slightly longer overall length. Hold 18 rounds but can be extended. Made by Tim, The AR Guy. TheARguy TCM AR Mags 5.jpg
2 types of dedicated 22TCM AR-15 mags. Note the different length followers and built in feed ramps. Designed for either the 40gr factory ammo, or longer handloads. More reliable compared to 9mm conversion mags as 22TCM is slightly longer overall length. Hold 18 rounds but can be extended. Made by Tim, The AR Guy.

See also

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References

  1. ↑ "An Official Journal of the NRA | .22 TCM".
  2. ↑ Tuason, Carlos "Caloy" (19 March 2019). "Armscor 22TCM". 413 Media Group (Mar 20, 2019) – via YouTube.
  3. ↑ Harrell, Paul (3 January 2019). "22tcm vs 5.7x28 vs 7.62x25". YouTube.
  4. ↑ @BAdventures, B Adventures (16 April 2017). "Armscor RIA 22TCM & 9mm 1911, Manila Philippines". YouTube.
  5. ↑ Miller, Brad (April 25, 2016). "Review: RIA .22 TCM Conversion Kits". Shooting Times.
  6. ↑ Taffin, John (June 1, 2017). "Speed Demon: Reloading 22TCM". Guns .
  7. ↑ Taffin, John (April 15, 2023). "A Pair With A Kicker, 22TCM Pistol and Rifle Review". Guns .
  8. ↑ Cepeda, Fausto (3 January 2015). "Reloading the 22TCM". YouTube.
  9. ↑ Scott-Key, Randall (30 October 2019). "Forming cases for the 5.56x24 Rowell". YouTube.
  10. ↑ Scott-Key, Randall (31 October 2019). "5.56x24 Basic Overview". YouTube.
  11. ↑ Scott-Key, Randall. "NEW 5.56 x 24!". Glock Talk. Retrieved Dec 16, 2018.
  12. ↑ @PCC_AR_Builder, 500tsm (10 June 2018). "22 TCM 9R DI AR15". YouTube.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  13. ↑ @LegallyArmedAmerica, Legally Armed America (10 November 2014). "22 TCM rifle drops hog in its tracks on night vision". YouTube. Retrieved November 10, 2014.
  14. ↑ @kak_industry, KAK Industry (7 June 2024). "KAK Industry 22 TCM AR15 Barrels and Uppers". YouTube. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
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