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

[bpctcb]

If 450 yards is the max for 77tmks because of wind... then stepping up to 140s isn't going to make a difference at 800. If someone can't shoot 450 in the wind, they sure don't need to be trying 800 in the wind just because they are using a bigger caliber. Wind calls don't get easier with a bigger caliber.

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The 77 TMK is showing a bc of .420.
There are several 6.5 caliber bullets with a bc over .600.
There will simply be less wind drift with the larger caliber, higher bc bullets.
If I’m shooting 300+ yards on a windy day then no way in hell do I want a .223 rifle in my hands. My wind calls aren’t perfect and I’ll take all the help I can get from a higher bc bullet.

BP

 

[AlpineCarpetbagger]

22cal isn't the only green tipped offering from Sierra... could just as easily been a bad shot from a number of calibers.

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I was tempted to focus complaint on the cartridge assumption, but in the context of that shot placement it would have felt like correcting the grammar of someone in the middle of having a stroke.

 

[Luke S]

Don't know if I missed it any reason to use a Tikka over an AR for normal mortals (i.e. people who have no business shooting at 700 yards)?

 

[Marbles]

Don't know if I missed it any reason to use a Tikka over an AR for normal mortals (i.e. people who have no business shooting at 700 yards)?

Short answer: No

Long answer: Preference, same manual of arms as the larger caliber rifles I use in the field, depending on state/country legality issues. Don't have to listen to random people tell you the 223 is too small for ___________. Some of us are not modern enough for an MSR.

 

[SquatchHunter]

Don't know if I missed it any reason to use a Tikka over an AR for normal mortals (i.e. people who have no business shooting at 700 yards)?

I use the AR because I already have a bunch. One already set up for “precision” so that was the go to. A sbr for the walking days.

 

[Luke S]

Well I was hoping to work out a bolt gun. But failing that I think I can bring back an AR upper from the lower 48. Not sure of its accuracy but it was built by a knowledgeable relative with a free floated barrel. I just had the idea to stick 45 degrees BUIS on it. Not pretty but practical if your caribou hunt turns into a bear fight.

 

[MTN BUM]

Well I was hoping to work out a bolt gun. But failing that I think I can bring back an AR upper from the lower 48. Not sure of its accuracy but it was built by a knowledgeable relative with a free floated barrel. I just had the idea to stick 45 degrees BUIS on it. Not pretty but practical if your caribou hunt turns into a bear fight.

Been rolling this over in my mind too. If you hunt in grizz territory, wonder how this 77tmk holds up. Im all in at reasonable distances on deer/elk/antelope/bears. The scenario in my mind is what about the unwanted grizz surprise at closer range? If youre charged (assuming you have time to fire anything) do you want 77gr between you and a rough day? Kinda brings back the 9mm vs 10mm handgun for bears debate, but I can also see the idea that if you are gonna stop a bear in a charge you better hit CNS. Opinions on how a TMK might do with a bear skull? Again, I know Im assuming a lot and that planets would have to align in order for me to appropriately deploy the system and hit a charging bear head/spine, but if I am gonna do it I want it to work.

 

[BLJ]

IMO an AR/223 with an LPVO wouldn’t be the worst way to go.
I would think that an AR/223would provide multiple chances at a CNS instead of one or maybe two from something larger.
And not that you would get them all off, but having 10/20/30 in the mag instead of 3/4 would be nice as well if you were going to get into a bear fight in the thick stuff.

Disclaimer to all this is that I’ve never been in a bear fight.

 

[fwafwow]

Been rolling this over in my mind too. If you hunt in grizz territory, wonder how this 77tmk holds up. Im all in at reasonable distances on deer/elk/antelope/bears. The scenario in my mind is what about the unwanted grizz surprise at closer range? If youre charged (assuming you have time to fire anything) do you want 77gr between you and a rough day? Kinda brings back the 9mm vs 10mm handgun for bears debate, but I can also see the idea that if you are gonna stop a bear in a charge you better hit CNS. Opinions on how a TMK might do with a bear skull? Again, I know Im assuming a lot and that planets would have to align in order for me to appropriately deploy the system and hit a charging bear head/spine, but if I am gonna do it I want it to work.

There are other posts on this topic. I don’t mean to say “use the search function” - I’m just too lazy at the moment to find and link them myself. Maybe search for Form posts with bear in them.

 

[Luke S]

If I can get a bear skull I'll try it.

 

[eric1115]

Thanks. When you do have an opportunity to chronograph it, please let us know.

Average ended up being 2765 (77SMK, 24.0 TAC, mostly LC brass, T3x Compact) on the magnetospeed.

Poor SD (33 for 10 rounds) but I expected it with bulk thrown charges.

A couple more 10 round groups, 0.9 and 1.1 MOA. 100% happy with this for practice ammo.

 

[jadkins223]

It’s always bitter sweet opening a new box

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[Tahr]

Post #1 asked for experience with "similar bullets" to the 77TMK. Ive tried a variety and the TMK is at the top of the heap but hard to get and expensive.
One line of bullets that have performed very well for me are custom made using Berger jackets. 74 and 80 grn. The secret is the composition of their core.

Ive shot dozens of deer with them. Here's an example vid. Shot a couple of evenings ago an hour after shooting light. This is culling. 230 yds (ive posted vids previously using the 77TMK).

Standard 1:8 twist Tikka. Extended Waters mag. Suppressor.

 

[Grundy53]

Been rolling this over in my mind too. If you hunt in grizz territory, wonder how this 77tmk holds up. Im all in at reasonable distances on deer/elk/antelope/bears. The scenario in my mind is what about the unwanted grizz surprise at closer range? If youre charged (assuming you have time to fire anything) do you want 77gr between you and a rough day? Kinda brings back the 9mm vs 10mm handgun for bears debate, but I can also see the idea that if you are gonna stop a bear in a charge you better hit CNS. Opinions on how a TMK might do with a bear skull? Again, I know Im assuming a lot and that planets would have to align in order for me to appropriately deploy the system and hit a charging bear head/spine, but if I am gonna do it I want it to work.

If you had a 30 round magazine. It would be 2,310 grains between you and the grizz.

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[ianpadron]

Finally have my own .223 on its way.

1) anyone shooting 5.56 through a Howa Mini in 223?

2) I've got a few boxes of AAC TMKs squirreled away for hunting, any thoughts on which of the recommended practice ammo (77 OTMs, Hornady Frontier 75s, 73 ELDMs etc) is the best analogue for training?

 

[SamsonMan22]

Finally have my own .223 on its way.

1) anyone shooting 5.56 through a Howa Mini in 223?

2) I've got a few boxes of AAC TMKs squirreled away for hunting, any thoughts on which of the recommended practice ammo (77 OTMs, Hornady Frontier 75s, 73 ELDMs etc) is the best analogue for training?

Any of those three are good buy what’s most available.

 

[roosiebull]

I’ve heard of guys running 77gr TMK’s and doing well dropping deer!

Interesting, please tell

 

[Old Dog]

Finally have my own .223 on its way.

1) anyone shooting 5.56 through a Howa Mini in 223?

2) I've got a few boxes of AAC TMKs squirreled away for hunting, any thoughts on which of the recommended practice ammo (77 OTMs, Hornady Frontier 75s, 73 ELDMs etc) is the best analogue for training?

I've been shooting IMI 77gr Razor Core which is a SMK projectile. Usually can find it for around $1.00 a round.

 

[Wapiti151]

Hornady 73 gr ELD-M factory ammo back in stock if anyone is looking. Just got notification from Midway and also back in stock at the below. De Leon is GTG, great people and some of the best prices I find online. Takes them a while to ship, but worth it at the price if you don't need it rushed. I've successfully ordered from them multiple time and their customer service is great.

Hornady Match 223 Rem 73 gr Extremely Low Drag-Match Box of 20

<p>Hornady's Match ammunition features extremely tight tolerances and strict quality control for superior lot-to-lot consistency. Cases are carefully selected based on wall thickness uniformity, internal capacity, case weight and consistent wall concentrically, while the powder is matched...

www.deleonrxgunsandammo.com

 

[Veloci_Wrench]

Finally have my own .223 on its way.

1) anyone shooting 5.56 through a Howa Mini in 223?

2) I've got a few boxes of AAC TMKs squirreled away for hunting, any thoughts on which of the recommended practice ammo (77 OTMs, Hornady Frontier 75s, 73 ELDMs etc) is the best analogue for training?

Yes, I've been shooting factory 5.56 loads in my Howa, no problem.