.223 for bear, mountain goat, deer, elk, and moose.

[Matt5266]

Took my first Pronghorn with the Tikka .223 and Black Hills factory 77 gr. TMK
500 yards off tripod. Did almost no damage visually, but big puddle of blood in the cavity like so many others. There were a few small holes in the lungs and heart. This is my kids compact stock .223. It has killed 2 deer and 3 Antelope to date. I like this outfit so much I ordered another T3X stainless lite and its getting chopped and threaded this week. View attachment 789109
View attachment 789098

Awesome. Out of curiosity how far did he make it after the shot?

 

[Dust Rider]

Awesome. Out of curiosity how far did he make it after the shot?

He took a few steps, maybe 5 yards and lied down. No running, no jumping, no burst of speed. I was ready to shoot again but he just went down and stayed down.

 

[ztc92]

I know killing deer with the .233 and 77 TMK is old news by now but I’m glad I get to contribute once again.

Small whitetail yearling buck.
110 yards, quartering away.
Rockslide special - Tikka 223 with 77 TMK, SWFA 6x and suppressor.

Shot was about 3” behind the shoulder, blew up 2 ribs, then hit diaphragm, turned liver to hamburger and went on to destroy onside lung with small wound in offside lung. Bullet found on outer edge of lung pushed up against a rib on far side of chest. Chest cavity still had at least 2 gallons of blood in it after removing all the organs and guts.

Most impressive thing to me was watching the deer hunch at the shot in the scope and feeling complete confidence I hit him and made a good shot. Reloaded and followed him in the scope for a 30 yard death run and watched him tumble. I’ve only shot a couple animals suppressed and this was the first time I recall hearing a hollow “thunk” at the shot, which I assume was the bullet striking the deers chest and causing it to resonate like a drum.

We live in a 6mm minimum state for elk and I had planned to build a 6CM for next fall but the ease of shooting the 223 has me thinking I may build a 6ARC instead to ensure I have as little recoil as possible.

 

[Heat]

Did Black Hills quit making 77 TMK or is it just gone everywhere due to the popularity of this thread? I don't reload or know anyone that does.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Did Black Hills quit making 77 TMK or is it just gone everywhere due to the popularity of this thread? I don't reload or know anyone that does.

It’s often out of stock everywhere.

 

[Dust Rider]

Did Black Hills quit making 77 TMK or is it just gone everywhere due to the popularity of this thread? I don't reload or know anyone that does.

hard to source. Sign up for in stock alerts and when they have it buy as many bricks as you can.

 

[Matt5266]

Did Black Hills quit making 77 TMK or is it just gone everywhere due to the popularity of this thread? I don't reload or know anyone that does.

Start reloading man, I enjoy it. Relaxing and satisfying.

 

[Heat]

Start reloading man, I enjoy it. Relaxing and satisfying.

I have been contemplating that very seriously.

 

[Matt5266]

I have been contemplating that very seriously.

Possibilities are endless, kind of a rabbit hole though especially for someone like me who likes to tinker and is never satisfied. Haha.

 

[Dave0317]

It’s more likely out of stock due to military contracts and Sierra’s method of doing bullet “runs” sporadically rather than continuous production.

 

[hunterjmj]

Did Black Hills quit making 77 TMK or is it just gone everywhere due to the popularity of this thread? I don't reload or know anyone that does.

That 73 gr eldm is a killer bullet as well and easy to find on the shelves. I'll be loading the 77's but killed an antelope and a cow elk with the 73's this year. I wouldn't hesitate to shoot it next year.

 

[Heat]

It’s more likely out of stock due to military contracts and Sierra’s method of doing bullet “runs” sporadically rather than continuous production.

Cool, I'm seeing bullets on the street, maybe the loaded ammo isn't far behind.

 

[Heat]

That 73 gr eldm is a killer bullet as well and easy to find on the shelves. I'll be loading the 77's but killed an antelope and a cow elk with the 73's this year. I wouldn't hesitate to shoot it next year.

Appreciate the experienced recommendation. I have seen that will pick some up to try.

 

[The Guide]

I also won't hesitate to use the 73eldm. I have a 16" Ruger American Ranch that shoots that ammo phenomenally and my daughter has taken two whitetail does with it and it has become her preferred carry rifle. With the 223 she has zero anxiety about recoil and wants to shoot more often. I'm to the point where I just buy the 73eldm ammo by the case and let her ring steel to 500 yards. We have a 400 yard limit on game and that is ok for us.

Jay

 

[fwafwow]

Appreciate the experienced recommendation. I have seen that will pick some up to try.

I was going to make the same suggestion, both because BH isn’t around at the moment, and because even if you can find it, the price is significantly higher than the 73 pricing

 

[HNTR_NW]

Another photo to add. 77gr TMK AAC ammo. 230yds whitetail doe. First time trying it out after reading the thread and being slightly skeptical before reading. I have No hesitation using this on elk in the future. That will be the next project. Happy hunting everyone.

 

[MT_Fin]

My daughter shot her first deer, a small doe, at just over 100 yards with Tikka 223/SWFA 6x/77gr TMK. Impact velocity about 2450. Doe was facing us and she hit him exactly where I told her on the point of the chest resulting in her humping up and stumbling a couple feet before falling.

Externally, no obvious damage, upon breaking her down the top of the heart was gone and the remainder was free floating in a chest cavity full of blood. I forgot to take pics of entrance/tissue, there was no exit.

Zero meat damage, almost immediate death, and a happy girl. The RSS continues to impress, up to two WT does and an antelope with it this year.

 

[Heat]

Got some ELD-M inbound. Thanks everyone! Will be keeping my eye out for the TMK but have something to mess with in the meantime. Just tinkering right now, no hurry for a hunt or anything. Appreciate the help.

 

[houser52]

Sierra Tipped MatchKing Bullets .224 Diameter (22 Caliber) 77 Grain Polymer Tipped | Powder Valley Outdoors

The Sierra .224 / 22 77 Grain Tipped MatchKing bullet is specially designed for improved ballistic efficiency and accuracy for experienced shooters.

www.powdervalley.com

 

[Chris_in_Idaho]

Did Black Hills quit making 77 TMK or is it just gone everywhere due to the popularity of this thread? I don't reload or know anyone that does.

I purchased some Black Hills factory seconds (cosmetic blem only) from @h2so4. He shipped very quickly and the ammo shot .75moa at 200 yards from my RSS and has so far crumpled one small whitetail buck.