About .22 TCM

Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are covering about .22 TCM today. The .22 TCM is another example of a unique bottleneck round which is utilized by a variety of shooters. We are going to delve into .22 TCM’s traits, features, use cases, and more. Without further ado, let’s talk about .22 TCM.

What is .22 TCM?

The .22 TCM, formally “.22 Tuason, Craig, Micromagnum,” is a bottleneck cartridge developed by Martin Tuason of Rock Island Armory/Armscor and Fred Craig. Despite being a .22 diameter round, the cartridge is a centerfire cartridge derived from the 5.56x45mm NATO. Since the round’s introduction, the .22 TCM has been employed in pistol and rifle form, primarily in the form of Rock Island Armory offerings. The round is well-suited for use in autoloading mechanisms due to its short length. When compared to the 9mm Luger, the .22 TCM is roughly 3mm longer. The .22 TCM features a length similar to that of the .38 Super.

The cartridge notably features a light, smallbore projectile which is conducive to high velocities. When fired from a pistol, most .22 TCM loadings are capable of reaching velocities of about 2,000 FPS. If employed in a rifle, shooters can expect velocities of up to about 2,800 FPS. These high velocities are accompanied by a soft recoil impulse which allows for fast follow-up shots and minimal sight picture disruption. Recoil impulse yielded by .22 TCM can be described as feeling like something in between that of the .380 ACP and 9mm Luger.

Is .22 TCM Interchangeable with Any Other Calibers?

While the .22 TCM ‘s parent case is the 5.56x45mm NATO, there is no interchangeability between the two calibers. The .22 TCM is considerably shorter than the 5.56x45mm NATO, making them easily distinguishable. The two cartridges should only be used in specific chambers designed for an intended caliber. Additionally, the cartridge is not interchangeable with any of the other .22 caliber rounds on the market such as .22 Long Rifle and .22 Magnum. Simply put, the .22 TCM is a unique cartridge which has zero interchangeability with other cartridges, no matter how similar in name or lineage.

Another Bottlenecked Pistol Cartridge

The .22 TCM represents another bottlenecked pistol cartridge alongside the likes of the 7.62x25mm Tokarev and the 5.7x28mm. These cartridges are designed to provide considerable velocities in exchange for projectile mass. In addition to high velocities, rounds also have soft recoil impulses and flat shooting trajectories. These types of rounds deviate from the norm of straight, non-bottlenecked rounds like 9mm Luger and .45 ACP.

How Available is .22 TCM Ammunition?

At this point in time, the .22 TCM does not see the mainstream support that 9mm Luger and .45 ACP do. While loadings for 9mm Luger and .45 ACP can be found in most areas where ammunition is sold, the same cannot be said for .22 TCM. At this point in time, Armscor is the premier manufacturer of ammunition for the caliber. Armscor engages in large scale ammunition production and manufactures a variety of loadings for the .22 TCM and other conventional calibers. That being said, options for .22 TCM ammo are essentially limited to what Armscor produces, meaning that shooters have fewer options to consider.

If one is having issues finding ammo of this type, they can buy bulk .22 TCM ammo or shop for ammo online. If you buy bulk ammo, you are setting yourself up with a more significant stock of ammunition, allowing one to have good supply of ammo on hand. Additionally, if one elects to buy ammo online, one will have access to more product offerings in the way of .22 TCM ammo for sale.

How Available are Firearms Chambered in .22 TCM?

Like .22 TCM ammo, firearm offerings in the caliber are limited when compared to firearms in more conventional chamberings. Also, like ammunition for .22 TCM, the caliber is best supported by Armscor in the form of Rock Island Armory offerings. These offerings are generally available in the form of pistols and rifles. One can even build an AR pattern firearm in the caliber if they want to. Notably, the caliber can be utilized by pistol shooters by utilizing a conversion kit. Conversion kits for handguns such as 1911 style firearms and Glocks have become available, allowing a user to convert an existing firearm. Additionally, some offerings from Rock Island Armory come with both a 9mm Luger barrel and a .22 TCM barrel, providing an end user with versatility and access to two calibers.

What is .22 TCM Used For?

The .22 TCM, like most calibers, is often employed in recreational target shooting capacities. The round has a great accuracy potential, soft recoil, and a flat shooting trajectory, making it easy to shoot well. Shooting firearms and calibers which are easy to shoot always makes for a good time. In rifles, the cartridge is actually an effective choice for dispatching small game, varmints, and general pest control. The higher velocities afforded by longer barrels allows for great effect on target, something which enhances the round’s efficacy in hunting applications.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the .22 TCM represents a niche but capable bottleneck pistol cartridge. The round is versatile and can be enjoyed by shooters of all types. We here at True Shot Ammo offer a range of .22 TCM ammo for sale in addition to our other ammo offerings. Whether you are looking to buy .22 TCM ammunition or are after another type of ammo, we here at True Shot Ammo have you covered. As always, happy shooting.

Need bulk ammo? At True Shot Ammo, we have a wide variety of handgun ammo and rifle ammo available to purchase. Please visit our website trueshotammo.com, call us at (888) 736-6587, or you can email us at [email protected] for more ammo options.

Tyler Elsberry

Tyler Elsberry is an author for True Shot Ammo, boasting over a decade of experience in the firearms industry. His extensive knowledge and hands-on expertise make him a valuable asset to the True Shot team. Tyler's deep understanding of firearms, coupled with his passion for the ammunition industry, allows him to provide insightful and practical guidance to enthusiasts and professionals alike. His writings often reflect his commitment to delivering accurate, up-to-date information on the latest trends, products, and advancements in the field. Tyler's ability to convey complex technical details in an accessible manner has earned him a loyal following among readers seeking reliable advice and information in the world of firearms and ammunition.