22 TCM Rifle

[dfletcher]

Picked up one today - for no particular reason other than it's different and about $300.00. Am wondering if anyone else has one and especially if you reload for it. The receiver is dovetail grooved but I don't know the width or what mount/rings to use. And there's a hex head screw sticking out of thetop of the front ring. I presume that's to anchor a base, which I'd rather not do. Would rather have rings attach directly to the receiver.

For reloading I generally prefer neck size only on a bolt gun, don't see any dies available for that. Just Lee at about $35.00 and Redding, RCBS, etc for alot more.

Any info appreciated.

[MongooseV8]

Im guessing you bought a Rock Island? The 22 TCM sure is a cute little round. Ive always been intrigued by the micro cartridges but havent built one yet.

I wouldnt be too concerned with neck sizing something like that. Just set your die up to barely bump the shoulder where your chamber likes it.

[MongooseV8]

Looks like DIP makes a scope base for the RIA TCM BA. They normally make great quality products.

https://www.diproductsinc.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=1205891&CAT=3654

[Dirtlaw]

Last time I checked they weren't available in CA (at least Turner's). They're available in CA? Where did you buy? Yes. A neat round.

[Barbarosa]

Mine had frequent light primer strikes and had to go to Armscorp for warranty work. They fixed it and it works fine now but it's a common problem so be prepared. Also, make sure your ammo is 22 TCM, and not 22 TCM 9R as it will cause problems.

A very accurate and hard hitting round that Coyotes do not like.

[dfletcher]

Last time I checked they weren't available in CA (at least Turner's). They're available in CA? Where did you buy? Yes. A neat round.

Yes, Rock Island made and bought it at Bay Area Gun Vault in Mountain View. Am having a heck of a time finding ammo for the darn thing. I got brass and dies from Grafs but I'd like to be a little lazy and see how the factory stuff works too.

That screw is there to evidently prevent rimfire "tip off" scope rings from slipping.

[dfletcher]

Mine had frequent light primer strikes and had to go to Armscorp for warranty work. They fixed it and it works fine now but it's a common problem so be prepared. Also, make sure your ammo is 22 TCM, and not 22 TCM 9R as it will cause problems.

A very accurate and hard hitting round that Coyotes do not like.

Thanks for the heads up. Double checked my Grafs order and the brass is TCM. Read up on the TCM 9 and can't quite figure out the problem - looks like the TCM is closer to 38 Super dimensions, TCM 9r to 9mm? Sloppy fit would result?

[SilentPea]

It's same case for both applications, just a 38gr round nose seated very deep vs a 40gr hollow point that's longer. the 9r stuff is designed to fit in a 9mm magazine. The original tcm stuff needs a 45acp sized magazine.
The rifle doesn't like to feed the shorter version, though the pistols supposedly work fine with both.

[MongooseV8]

Last time I checked they weren't available in CA (at least Turner's). They're available in CA? Where did you buy? Yes. A neat round.

The OP bought the RIA rifle not the 1911 version.

[dfletcher]

It's same case for both applications, just a 38gr round nose seated very deep vs a 40gr hollow point that's longer. the 9r stuff is designed to fit in a 9mm magazine. The original tcm stuff needs a 45acp sized magazine.

The rifle doesn't like to feed the shorter version, though the pistols supposedly work fine with both.

I've been reading Para P18 magazines work in this thing - true?

[LWP]

I have been looking at that little cartridge for a while now. I even purchased a mini chop saw from HF to make 223 brass into 22TCM. I haven't pursued it any father. I was looking at loading with 36gr bullets for the most speed and expansion to prairie dogs. Even the 30gr Barnes and Speer TNT looked promising. But the 35gr Varmageddon just looked the best to me and are fairly cheap to buy in bulk. The only thing that has stopped me on this project is the mag length.

[LWP]

I wounder how much work it would be to build one on a mini Howa action in 223? I'm sure that there would have to be spacers built for the mag. And then I don't know how reliable it would feed?

[sunnysmarine]

I did this about a month and a half ago, Found a MGM barrel for my contender found 1000pcs brass, and already knew at 1-12 it would shoot 34-50 grain bullets well, It does, As far as dies go I did start with the Lee die the FL die had to go back to Lee they did fix it. it still has way to tight of a neck but I did find another die I had that just kisses it .002 under an upside down 223 trim die, I wish I had got the Hornady set oh well, The Armscor brass is thick, even after annealing it still has to be run in an M die if you cant light neck size it takes way to much force to start seating otherwise, the chamber was sized no turn so just going to deal with it

[dfletcher]

^
I like the Hornady neck size die. That long "VLD" type button just slides right through the neck. Not specific to cartridge but a "short 30" or "magnum 30" length type. I doubt the make one short enough for the TCM though.

I got brass and bullets from Grafs. Lil Gun for powder and already have H110. See how it works out, found 100 rounds of ammo on GB for $95.00.

Contender barrel from MGM sounds excellent. Maybe I should add that to the collection.