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

[JCMCUBIC]

This. I keep it simple, too.

I experiment with new bullets from time to time, but have two main loads. A cheaper 75 bthp load and a 73 eld load. I don't bother tuning to a specific gun and just shoot those in everything. I might see an accuracy difference in a tuned load, but I'm not a good enough shot for it to matter from field positions.

I'm in this camp as well. I've come to MUCH prefer a generic load, using a known bullet (on game performance/acceptable BC/available), with "good" accuracy in multiple rifles than the same bullet in a "tuned to one rifle" load that's .5 MOA tighter on grouping...but needs different loads/bullets/etc for different rifles of the same chambering.

 

[Rolltide]

I hope this helps anyone looking for Black Hills TMKs...

Black Hills 77gr TMKs In Stock

 

[Rolltide]

Also...FWIW...I haven't shot any of my .223s more than a few hundred rounds in the last 10 years combined.

This thread has led me to drag out a comp rifle I put together years ago as well as picking up a Gen II Ruger Ranch in 5.56...and about 2k rounds of Norma 77gr OTM...not to mention that crap load of Black Hills TMKs I just ordered...

I guess I should say Thanks!

 

[Lawnboi]

I think if most guys saw what a 77tmk did at 2800+ impact velocity they would be saying it’s too much.

 

[Ozarkansas]

Not to derail this thread with non-.223 autopsy photos, but in response to what “maximized wound channels” look like in larger calibers, here’s a deer my dad shot at about 150 yards with a 168 grain ELD-M from his .308. The bullet went in a touch higher than ideal, going from left to right in the photo. you can see from this perspective that it bulged out the back of the deer, destroying both backstraps in the process. This is a bullet that passed several inches UNDER the spine, yet still managed to destroy everything above the spine. Definitely way more than you need (or should want) for deer.

 

[Thegman]

Not to derail this thread with non-.223 autopsy photos, but in response to what “maximized wound channels” look like in larger calibers, here’s a deer my dad shot at about 150 yards with a 168 grain ELD-M from his .308. The bullet went in a touch higher than ideal, going from left to right in the photo. you can see from this perspective that it bulged out the back of the deer, destroying both backstraps in the process. This is a bullet that passed several inches UNDER the spine, yet still managed to destroy everything above the spine. Definitely way more than you need (or should want) for deer.

That's interesting, thanks for posting it. I posted the pic below months ago. It was kind of a head scratcher at the time as I'd never seen something like this. It seems to be the little 77TMK version of your 168 ELDM experience.

This hit was at a little over 300 yards, and like your pic, the shot was broadside through the ribs/lungs and was nowhere near the spine. Regardless, it put a hole up through the spine as well, although I didn't lose nearly as much backstrap as your 168ELDM example.

Maybe this is more common with these various match bullets than other types of bullets as I'd not previously seen anything like this (or like your example).

 

[Formidilosus]

Maybe this is more common with these various match bullets than other types of bullets

This is correct. Heavily fragmenting bullets cause both a larger temporary, and larger permanent crush cavity.

 

[letrbuck]

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[wyosam]

I think if most guys saw what a 77tmk did at 2800+ impact velocity they would be saying it’s too much.

Impacts over 2800 make a mess with lots of bullets.


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[Pharmseller]

Which ones? Monos? I have 77tmks, but also have a tendency to shoot deer through the front shoulders as well.

If you’re gonna shoot shoulders, make sure they’re the front ones.




P

 

[TX_Diver]

Stupidly just got into my last dozen loaded rounds with 75gr ELD-M and N140.

Can load more at the same recipe (24.3gr N140 to get ~2713fps from a 18" barrel) or can try some 77TMKs I've got.

What powder would you guys suggest for 77TMK? Varget seems poorly reviewed due to case fill issues but I also have N140. I have 1lb of staball match and could probably trade for more but would hate to have to buy more at current prices!

 

[wyosam]

Stupidly just got into my last dozen loaded rounds with 75gr ELD-M and N140.

Can load more at the same recipe (24.3gr N140 to get ~2713fps from a 18" barrel) or can try some 77TMKs I've got.

What powder would you guys suggest for 77TMK? Varget seems poorly reviewed due to case fill issues but I also have N140. I have 1lb of staball match and could probably trade for more but would hate to have to buy more at current prices!

Doubt those prices are going anywhere but up.


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[TX_Diver]

Doubt those prices are going anywhere but up.


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Agreed. $100/lb is probably only a few years away, maybe not even that far. If Match is really the best option I'd probably just try to trade Varget for it.

 

[Billogna]

Stupidly just got into my last dozen loaded rounds with 75gr ELD-M and N140.

Can load more at the same recipe (24.3gr N140 to get ~2713fps from a 18" barrel) or can try some 77TMKs I've got.

What powder would you guys suggest for 77TMK? Varget seems poorly reviewed due to case fill issues but I also have N140. I have 1lb of staball match and could probably trade for more but would hate to have to buy more at current prices!

8208 XBR is the answer for the 77 tmk. load to saami mag length 2.260 OAL, 23.3 - 23.5 grains of powder and the primer and casing of your choice.

 

[Fireflyfishing]

These arrived on my doorstep today. Time for some load development.

 

[TX_Diver]

8208 XBR is the answer for the 77 tmk. load to saami mag length 2.260 OAL, 23.3 - 23.5 grains of powder and the primer and casing of your choice.

In sold 10lbs of it in 2020. Literally the last Time I’ve seen it

 

[Billogna]

In sold 10lbs of it in 2020. Literally the last Time I’ve seen it

Well that'll learn ya!!! lol Yeah. It's pretty scarce but it IS popping up on shelves from time to time. might check ammo seek and see if anyone has any kind of free hazmat promo.

 

[TX_Diver]

Well that'll learn ya!!! lol Yeah. It's pretty scarce but it IS popping up on shelves from time to time. might check ammo seek and see if anyone has any kind of free hazmat promo.

Is it that much better than varget, match, or n140? Also have imr 4064 (closer to 8208 on a chart actually) and imr 4895 and 4350.

 

[Billogna]

Is it that much better than varget, match, or n140? Also have imr 4064 (closer to 8208 on a chart actually) and imr 4895 and 4350.

It's FAR superior to Varget for velocity. 24- 24.5 grains of TAC is a good option too but isn't as temp stable.

 

[Lawnboi]

Stupidly just got into my last dozen loaded rounds with 75gr ELD-M and N140.

Can load more at the same recipe (24.3gr N140 to get ~2713fps from a 18" barrel) or can try some 77TMKs I've got.

What powder would you guys suggest for 77TMK? Varget seems poorly reviewed due to case fill issues but I also have N140. I have 1lb of staball match and could probably trade for more but would hate to have to buy more at current prices!

Benchmark may be worth a shot. I’m convinced it’s nearly the same as xbr. Looks the same, smells the same, meters the same. I havnt shot it specifically with 77s yet but it’s worked with everything else