.22 TCM Ammo

22 TCM Ammunition: In Depth

The .22 TCM (Tactical Custom Match) is a unique and innovative cartridge that has carved out a niche in the firearms world. Developed to bridge the gap between rimfire and centerfire performance, this caliber offers an intriguing blend of high velocity, low recoil, and impressive accuracy. While not as widely known as some mainstream calibers, the .22 TCM has gained a dedicated following among shooting enthusiasts, particularly those interested in high-performance compact firearms.

History and Development

The .22 TCM was created by custom gunsmith Fred Craig in collaboration with Rock Island Armory (RIA), a division of Arms Corporation of the Philippines (Armscor). The development began in 2009 with the goal of creating a high-velocity round that could be used in modified 1911-style pistols and other compact firearms.

The cartridge was officially introduced to the market in 2012, marking a significant milestone in small-caliber, high-velocity ammunition design. Craig's vision was to create a round that could deliver performance similar to the FN 5.7x28mm, but in a package that could be easily adapted to existing firearm platforms, particularly the 1911.

The .22 TCM is essentially a shortened .223 Remington case necked down to .22 caliber. This ingenious design allows for high pressures and velocities while maintaining compatibility with existing firearm actions. The original concept was to provide a round that could offer significant advantages in terms of velocity and energy over traditional handgun calibers, while still being manageable in compact firearms.

Since its introduction, the .22 TCM has seen steady growth in popularity, particularly among competitive shooters and firearms enthusiasts looking for something out of the ordinary. Armscor has continued to develop and refine the cartridge, introducing variants like the .22 TCM 9R, which is designed to function in firearms converted from 9mm.

Performance

The .22 TCM is known for its impressive ballistic performance, particularly when fired from handguns. Here are some key performance characteristics:

• Velocity: One of the most notable features of the .22 TCM is its high muzzle velocity. From a 5" barrel, it typically achieves velocities between 2,000 and 2,200 feet per second (fps) with a 40-grain bullet. This is significantly faster than most handgun rounds and even surpasses some rifle cartridges.
• Energy: Despite its small bullet size, the .22 TCM delivers considerable energy on target due to its high velocity. Muzzle energy typically ranges from 350 to 400 foot-pounds, comparable to many .357 Magnum loads.
• Trajectory: The high velocity of the .22 TCM results in a relatively flat trajectory, making it easier to achieve accuracy at varying distances without significant holdover.
• Recoil: Despite its high velocity, the .22 TCM produces surprisingly low recoil. This is due to the light bullet weight and the efficient use of powder. The low recoil allows for quick follow-up shots and makes the cartridge manageable even in compact firearms.
• Accuracy: The .22 TCM has gained a reputation for excellent accuracy. Its high velocity and flat trajectory contribute to this, as does the inherent accuracy potential of the .22 caliber projectile.

Applications

The .22 TCM's unique characteristics make it suitable for various applications:

• Target Shooting: The cartridge's high velocity, flat trajectory, and low recoil make it excellent for target shooting, especially at medium ranges.
• Competitive Shooting: Some competitive shooters have adopted the .22 TCM for specific disciplines where its high velocity and low recoil provide an advantage.
• Self-Defense: While not as common as traditional self-defense calibers, the .22 TCM's high velocity and energy make it a viable option for personal protection, especially in situations where over-penetration is a concern.
• Varmint Hunting: The high velocity and accuracy of the .22 TCM make it suitable for varmint hunting, particularly in areas where noise is a concern, as it's typically quieter than larger centerfire cartridges.
• Training: The low recoil of the .22 TCM makes it an excellent option for training, allowing shooters to practice with a centerfire round that approximates the ballistics of larger calibers without the associated recoil.

Available Firearms

While not as widely available as some mainstream calibers, there is a growing selection of firearms chambered in .22 TCM:

1. Pistols:
   • Rock Island Armory 1911 series (various models)
   • Rock Island Armory TCM TAC Ultra Series
   • Some custom 1911-style pistols from various manufacturers
2. Rifles:
   • Rock Island Armory TCM Bolt Action Rifle
   • Rock Island Armory TCM Semi-Auto Rifle (based on the VZ58 design)
3. Conversion Kits:
   • Rock Island Armory offers conversion kits to change some of their 9mm 1911-style pistols to .22 TCM

It's worth noting that many firearms chambered for .22 TCM can also fire 9mm ammunition with a simple barrel change, adding to their versatility.

Available Ammunition

While not as widely available as more common calibers, there is a growing selection of .22 TCM ammunition on the market:

• Armscor:
  • 40-grain JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point): 2,000 fps, 355 ft-lbs
  • 39-grain FMJ (Full Metal Jacket): 2,100 fps, 380 ft-lbs
• Handloads: Many enthusiasts handload for the .22 TCM, experimenting with different bullet weights and powder charges to optimize performance.
• Special Variants:
  • .22 TCM 9R: A slightly shorter version designed for use in converted 9mm firearms.

When shopping for .22 TCM ammunition, it's important to verify compatibility with your specific firearm, as some loads may be optimized for either pistols or rifles.

Comparisons

To better understand the .22 TCM's place in the firearms world, it's helpful to compare it to other calibers:

• vs. .22 LR: The .22 TCM is significantly more powerful, with about 3-4 times the muzzle energy of a typical .22 LR load. However, it's also more expensive and has more recoil.
• vs. 9mm: The .22 TCM typically has higher velocity but lower bullet weight than 9mm. Energy levels are comparable, but the .22 TCM often has less recoil and a flatter trajectory.
• vs. 5.7x28mm: These cartridges are often compared due to their similar concept. The .22 TCM generally offers slightly higher velocities and energies in handguns, while the 5.7x28mm may have an edge in longer-barreled firearms.
• vs. .223 Remington: While both use .22 caliber bullets, the .223 Remington is a much more powerful rifle cartridge. The .22 TCM can be thought of as a "mini .223" optimized for shorter barrels.