ThatDUDE
WKR
- Joined
- Oct 8, 2023
- Messages
- 366
What are the go to powders for the 77 TMK? I can’t find XBR 8208. What are some comparable, preferably temp stable, alternatives? I saw someone using Varget and some recommending TAC.
What are the go to powders for the 77 TMK? I can’t find XBR 8208. What are some comparable, preferably temp stable, alternatives? I saw someone using Varget and some recommending TAC.
What are the go to powders for the 77 TMK? I can’t find XBR 8208. What are some comparable, preferably temp stable, alternatives? I saw someone using Varget and some recommending TAC.
I've heard of people having good results with AR Comp and LevrRevolution as well. I personally don't have any experience with either.Hodgdon 4895, and Vihta N530 are right next to Tac and XBR 8208 on the burn charts.
H4895, Benchmark, N135, TAC, LVR, AR-CompWhat are the go to powders for the 77 TMK? I can’t find XBR 8208. What are some comparable, preferably temp stable, alternatives? I saw someone using Varget and some recommending TAC.
I’m using 24.2gr of varget with the 77’s at 2780 velocity out of my 22” tikka t3x lite, not the fastest but it shoots greatView attachment 726041
After slumming it out with 73 ELDMs for the last couple years finally found some 77 TMKs.
I’ve been using Varget with the 73’s. Am I giving up much performance sticking with that powder or should I hunt for something else?
There seems to be a sufficiently large pile of elk posted in this thread that I think we're beyond the level of isolated examples in respect to that particular breed of ungulate.I think that better than just identifying the 77TMK as being top draw the greatest benefit of this thread is that it has confirmed and validated with data the usefulness of a whole range of heavy and not so heavy projectiles that are almost as good as each other on deer. And some wishful thinking and isolated examples on other large game species which I think based on my large deer experience is pushing the envelope a bit.
From what I remember of standard 75 gr Hornady BTHP testing, it typically performs a bit better than 77 gr SMK. A slightly shorter neck, maybe a little more frag, bit more consistent.I will add that the 75 Hornady BTHP seems to stay together well and slightly mushroom or tumble upon impact. Every deer I have shot with it has had a 1 to 2 inch exit hole, instant blood trail, and has died within 30 meters. Everything I have shot with them I have gotten complete pass through.
77 SMK seem to frag out more. This is consistent with their historical performance in ballistic gel, animals, and humans. You typically get 4 inches of straight penetration, then a violent yaw, and the bullet breaks apart at the cannelure and frags out. Massive damage. Almost too much but very effective.
If you're willing to use factory ammo and skip the loading process, I believe Black Hills 77 gr TMK is available from a number of online retailers right now. I can't speak as to the exact properties of their proprietary powder blend but it seems to be some very efficient stuff; the primers from the fired brass have been some of the roundest I've ever seen.What are the go to powders for the 77 TMK? I can’t find XBR 8208. What are some comparable, preferably temp stable, alternatives? I saw someone using Varget and some recommending TAC.
What kind of yardages and impact velocity have you used these at? I am thinking of using them for my son’s mule deer hunt.
and has died within 30 meters.
What are the go to powders for the 77 TMK? I can’t find XBR 8208. What are some comparable, preferably temp stable, alternatives? I saw someone using Varget and some recommending TAC.
Any thoughts on the Starline brass? I'm considering Starline for other calibers if it's decent.Anyone use Starline? I got 1k coming. No lapua and adi, while consistent, dosnt have the tightest primer pockets.
Curious on thoughts particularly how it relates to lapua.
I’m running 22.5 grains of H4895 at AR mag length about 2600 out of an AR with a 16” barrel. I run 24.5 in a 22 nosler, haven’t chronod but I imagine it is smoking along pretty good.What are the go to powders for the 77 TMK? I can’t find XBR 8208. What are some comparable, preferably temp stable, alternatives? I saw someone using Varget and some recommending TAC.
No use yet. Been shooting my PRS rifle too much lately.Any thoughts on the Starline brass? I'm considering Starline for other calibers if it's decent.
I haven't used the 223. But I have used the 30-06 and currently use the 6.5cm. I think it's quality brass.Any thoughts on the Starline brass? I'm considering Starline for other calibers if it's decent.
I’m running 22.5 grains of H4895 at AR mag length about 2600 out of an AR with a 16” barrel. I run 24.5 in a 22 nosler, haven’t chronod but I imagine it is smoking along pretty good.
Wouldn’t mind if it were a little faster in the 223 but really don’t need it to, where I’ll be using it is sub 100 yard shots all day long. It shoots good out of my poverty parts bin upper I put together a couple years ago.
Edit: I’m surprised I haven’t seen much love for the 22nosler here considering it’s just a barrel change away for an AR. I would think it is a good way to get Tikka 223 velocities out of an AR due to the extra case capacity where you are limited to 2.26” for AR mags.