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

[woods89]

Loving all the dead animals on here from the last month or so.

I've got some 77gr TMK loaded up for our antlerless season in 2 weeks. Hoping to add something.......

 

[Billogna]

Loving all the dead animals on here from the last month or so.

I've got some 77gr TMK loaded up for our antlerless season in 2 weeks. Hoping to add something.......

Same here!!

 

[ARK_Ginger]

Since I haven't graduated to TMKs yet, 75 gr Gold Dot. Second picture is exit, you couldn't see the entry because of all the trauma/blood-gel. He made it about 30 yards.

 

[GLB]

Anybody getting similar results with the regular 77 SMK?

 

[BigNate]

Anybody getting similar results with the regular 77 SMK?

Read a couple posts back.

 

[grappling_hook]

Read a couple posts back.

I don’t see any posts showing similar results with SMKs. Just past experiences that SMKs are inconsistent.

 

[WheatWhacker]

I don’t see any posts showing similar results with SMKs. Just past experiences that SMKs are inconsistent.

That is indeed correct.

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

 

[cod0396]

Since I haven't graduated to TMKs yet, 75 gr Gold Dot. Second picture is exit, you couldn't see the entry because of all the trauma/blood-gel. He made it about 30 yards.
View attachment 349068View attachment 349069

How was the internal damage? I'm really curious how the 75gr gold dot compares to the 77gr TMK.

 

[ARK_Ginger]

How was the internal damage? I'm really curious how the 75gr gold dot compares to the 77gr TMK.

I don't gut them anymore, but there was significant blood trauma at the entry. The Gold Dot is a barrier blind bullet so it's not as destructive as the TMK but it'll kill'em.

 

[Castle Rock]

View attachment 349068

I like the look of that gun, is it a sporter barrel on a ctr?
how does the 223 feed from those magazines

 

[ARK_Ginger]

I like the look of that gun, is it a sporter barrel on a ctr?
how does the 223 feed from those magazines

It's a T3x lite with a CTR stock. The magazine I have feeds okay. Need to experiment more but I believe the MDT AICS I've modified to fit might feed better with these magazine length loads.

 

[chicoredneck]

I have been using Hornady 75gr BTHP factory ammo to good effect. I have taken mule deer, white tail, and pronghorn with the bullet. All one shot. The bullet behaves similarly to a Berger VLD in flesh.

 

[Lawnboi]

Another mag option for those running longer. Was supposed to be a 10 rounder but got sent a 6…. In the works to get a 10 here from Australia. Not cheap mags that’s for sure but initial impression is it looks good. Fits 2.6” which is way more than I need, and this one feeds my 2.3” practice ammo just fine. Sucker goes in tight! It ain’t falling out it really hangs on once in. This one leaves a hair more case head exposed than factory. Was hoping to use the 10 round mag for a one day match possibly with 75eldm loaded long and not have to reload as much when shooting at prairie dogs.

 

[Castle Rock]

Yeah Waters magazine, I was going to suggest that
CTR magazines
I used to shoot withe the guy that makes them, really smart bloke

 

[PNWGATOR]

TMK delivered. My EXwife killed this buck today. She said he took four steps. No autopsy photos, but she said heart and lungs were destroyed.

 

[11Justin22]

Here's my contribution to the research. Ruger MPR (18" barrel) at 160 yards . Slightly quarteing towards me. Hit in the shoulder and excited behind the opposite shoulder few inches . Everything in the vitals was jelly except for the heart strangely. It was whole just kinda floating around in there but not attached to anything weird. Shot his girlfriend at about 80 yards with same results. Both ran about 50 yards. I'm a believer. Also my biggest deer ever. For reference I'm 6'2" 220lbs. Edited to add ammo was black hills 77gr tmk.

 

[PNWGATOR]

Great buck! Thank you for sharing your experience with both of your deer.

 

[BAKPAKR]

To no one in particular-

You’re pole vaulting over mouse turds. Take a 77gr TMK, put 23.7gr (or 23.5or 23.3gr) of 8208 in a case (any case), with any standard SR primer, seat it to 2.26” COAL, shoot. That’s it. That combo has shot well in every single 223/5.56 we’ve tried it in.

I finally have some 8208 in hand!

 

[BAKPAKR]

Great thread. Thanks for all the data, experiences and photos.

What are the best lead free alternatives to the 77 TMK for those who must go that route?

If you have to go lead-free, try 62 gr Barnes TTSXs. A couple of the quickest deer kills I have seen were with them. I haven’t tried any of the Hammer .224 bullets but I sure like their 30 cal offerings.

 

[BAKPAKR]

I would stop listening to other Forums!

But, but, but…

(I just realized that I have the last three posts. It has been awhile since I have looked at the 223 thread).