155gr TMK for .30-06?

[Schmoops]

Good morning folks!

I’m curious if anyone has played around with 155gr TMKs in a .30-06, and can speak to its performance. Heck, I’d be curious to hear about the 125gr TMKs too, if folks have info on it.

I’ve got a delightful early 80s Ruger M77 that has been sitting around for far too long. I only used Core-Lokt ammo when I was hunting with it, and haven’t killed anything with it. With all the awesome info around the TMKs and smaller calibers, I started pondering what’s possible with the .30-06. Given that I’m perfectly happy heading toward lighter calibers, I don’t feel a need to sling 175s or 180s, and I’m more interested in light and zippy loads for the .30-06. The other option would be the 155 ELD-M, so kinda curious about that, too.

 

[SloppyJ]

Let me say I havent personally used them but the 77s are money. The 95s can get a bit nasty from reports so I imagine the 155 at full 30-06 speed is going to be overwhelming. On one hand, try it, id love to see. On the other, you might be better off with a different load. If you dont need the BC and want a lighter bullet, the 150 patition would do everything you'd ever need.

 

[Nine Banger]

Let me say I havent personally used them but the 77s are money. The 95s can get a bit nasty from reports so I imagine the 155 at full 30-06 speed is going to be overwhelming. On one hand, try it, id love to see. On the other, you might be better off with a different load. If you dont need the BC and want a lighter bullet, the 150 patition would do everything you'd ever need.

I have some 195 tmk loaded in 300 Fury which is pretty similar to 30-06.

It's tempting to pop a doe with one.

I looked at 155, 168 and 175 but wanted to get the BC up.

 

[BLJ]

A friend loaded some for his 30-06.
No info on the load but I’ll get it for you.
This is the entrance. If I remember correctly there was lung hanging out the other side.

 

[Schmoops]

View attachment 959141

A friend loaded some for his 30-06.
No info on the load but I’ll get it for you.
This is the entrance. If I remember correctly there was lung hanging out the other side.

I appreciate you asking him!

 

[SloppyJ]

I have some 195 tmk loaded in 300 Fury which is pretty similar to 30-06.

It's tempting to pop a doe with one.

I looked at 155, 168 and 175 but wanted to get the BC up.

Let's see it!

 

[Fireflyfishing]

I’m am 3 for 3 killing animals (1 antelope and two elk) with 155 TMKs in my .308. .30-06 will simply give you more velocity compared to the .308. I would have no hesitation using them in a .30-06.

 

[Schmoops]

I’m am 3 for 3 killing animals (1 antelope and two elk) with 155 TMKs in my .308. .30-06 will simply give you more velocity compared to the .308. I would have no hesitation using them in a .30-06.

What sort of velocities are you getting? I’m assuming performance is standard TMK fare, yeah?

 

[Fireflyfishing]

What sort of velocities are you getting? I’m assuming performance is standard TMK fare, yeah?

I’m about 2825 from a 20” barrel.
Yes, they kill!

 

[Tanner]

I’d way sooner run a 155 Scenar… Mile and a half long resume for that bullet for stacking up basically every animal in North America.

 

[BLJ]

I appreciate you asking him!

He said 50ish grains of H4350 to get 2930.
I believe a 22” barrel.
I know that probably doesn’t help a lot but I’d start low and work up.

YMMV.

 

[Wrench]

I’d way sooner run a 155 Scenar… Mile and a half long resume for that bullet for stacking up basically every animal in North America.

This is good intel. Look up Hondo's stack of kills with 155's from a 308 at similar velocities and you'll stop your quest and open your wallet.

 

[Tanner]

This is good intel. Look up Hondo's stack of kills with 155's from a 308 at similar velocities and you'll stop your quest and open your wallet.

Indeed…Pat Sinclair also stacked up a literal ark of game with that bullet out of a GAP 308…

My 300 WSM with 155s had dall sheep, mountain goat, caribou, grizzly, Muley, elk, mule deer, antelope, and a few coyotes under its belt by the time I sold it and it killed all with aplomb…. Truly one of the best killing bullets in .308” ever made I believe….

 

[Schmoops]

He said 50ish grains of H4350 to get 2930.
I believe a 22” barrel.
I know that probably doesn’t help a lot but I’d start low and work up.

YMMV.

Thanks man, I appreciate it!

 

[Wrench]

There's a reason Pat goes by "Scenar shooter"!

 

[BLJ]

He said 50ish grains of H4350 to get 2930.
I believe a 22” barrel.
I know that probably doesn’t help a lot but I’d start low and work up.

YMMV.

COREECTED

60 grains of H4350 get 2960 from a 22” barrel with 155 TMK’s.

 

[Schmoops]

COREECTED

60 grains of H4350 get 2960 from a 22” barrel with 155 TMK’s.

Sweet, thanks for the update!

 

[Schmoops]

I’d way sooner run a 155 Scenar… Mile and a half long resume for that bullet for stacking up basically every animal in North America.

Doing some reading on the scenar, and it seems to be a harder bullet than I’m looking for. I’ve no doubt it kills stuff (it’s got the resume to speak for itself), but it doesn’t line up with what I want to have. Thank you for the rec, though!

 

[Tanner]

Doing some reading on the scenar, and it seems to be a harder bullet than I’m looking for. I’ve no doubt it kills stuff (it’s got the resume to speak for itself), but it doesn’t line up with what I want to have. Thank you for the rec, though!

What are you looking to shoot with them? They kill thin skinned game just as well as they do anything else…

 

[Schmoops]

What are you looking to shoot with them? They kill thin skinned game just as well as they do anything else…

All your standard North American critters. It seems they require higher velocities for consistent expansion, and that the expansion is somewhat unpredictable, as well as ‘later,’ penetrating further before opening up.