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

Dave0317

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Mar 22, 2017
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North MS
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

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Feb 3, 2019
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Montana
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

FNG
Joined
Nov 3, 2014
Messages
43
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

FNG
Joined
Nov 3, 2014
Messages
43
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

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Aug 20, 2023
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Montana
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

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Apr 8, 2018
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5,513
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

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Dec 30, 2023
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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.
 

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MT_Fin

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Joined
Jul 18, 2014
Messages
375
Location
Montana
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.

IMG_5506.jpeg
 

Heat

FNG
Joined
Nov 3, 2014
Messages
43
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.
 
Joined
Aug 20, 2021
Messages
374
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.
 
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