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

[BOLIO]

If a person wants 100% certainty of an exit and zero bloodshot meat then the 77 TMK isn’t for you. If you want a disruptive bullet which penetrates to the offside ribcage and is very destructive to all things between the entrance and to the offside ribcage then the TMK is a champ.

 

[FredH]

You mean like this?

Post in thread '6mm /.243 hunting success on Big Game'

Oct 25, 2024

The Femur of an Alaskan moose destroyed by a 88 ELDm out of a 22 ARC. A .243 with a good bullet couldn’t possibly take on a deer or elk shoulder….

• Ryan Avery

• 

And what happened after? Was this animal shot again? That does look nasty but was there much of a bullet left on the other side under the hide?

 

[FredH]

I think there are multiple pics in this thread demonstrating the 77TMK, e.g., being able to do this just fine. Not saying anyone should or shouldn't use them, just that they do seem to be capable of accomplishing this.

Well maybe so. However I am not going to test it purposely on a deer. Might find out though night hunting feral hogs. Wish it would cool off a bit. We finally got a bit of rain and it looks like the highs are going to be mid eighties for a week.

 

[RockAndSage]

Well maybe so. However I am not going to test it purposely on a deer. Might find out though night hunting feral hogs. Wish it would cool off a bit. We finally got a bit of rain and it looks like the highs are going to be mid eighties for a week.

Just keep an open mind, and run the hell out the TMKs on hogs. And definitely let us know how it goes.

 

[FredH]

If a person wants 100% certainty of an exit and zero bloodshot meat then the 77 TMK isn’t for you. If you want a disruptive bullet which penetrates to the offside ribcage and is very destructive to all things between the entrance and to the offside ribcage then the TMK is a champ.

Where I like to hunt an exit that leaks blood is a plus. I don't mind a bit of bloodshot and in reality you can clean it up pretty good if you put in some effort. The hamburger laced with lead pieces sucks though. That said if meat is your goal don't shoot into the meat.

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

And what happened after? Was this animal shot again? That does look nasty but was there much of a bullet left on the other side under the hide?

Sounds like a question for the person who posted the picture.

 

[FredH]

Fwiw imo

Comes down to low recoil preference and cost for practice.

223 55 GR soft point isn’t a great big game at 400+ but that 77 tmk is. puny cartridges benefit with increased destruction making more than suitable and capable vs a bigger caliber.

But I’m not sure I’d use a tmk in a 30 cal based early thread pics for the reason you bring up. 308 w/ 165 accubond is capable and yet 223/77 is equal easily in damage at 300 yards.

I’d just rather have 4 vs 16 lbs of recoil…

I'd say not as capable as far as penetration goes. As for the level of damage, controlled expanding bullets at least partly reduce meat damage. However a standing broadside elk hit through the ribs with either would soon be dead.

 

[FredH]

Sounds like a question for the person who posted the picture.

Good point.

 

[ztc92]

Finally got my hands on some XBR 8208 and loaded up 100 of the 77 TMK for the coming season and beyond. Hoping to kill my first antelope next month with this load and add another animal to the thread

View attachment 940048

Good news, the XBR combo is shooting great. I’ve never been able to do much better than 1.5 MOA for 10 rounds prone off a pack so I’m quite pleased with these groups. These are all 1.5” dots.

First target was the top and I went left 0.3 before shooting the bottom left. The bottom right is same zero as bottom left but with some factory second TMK’s that have a cannelure. I moved another 0.1 mil left after that and set the turrets. Confirmed on another target and the group was spot on. Using a RSS really boosts your confidence and it’s so nice to use a system that just works as it should.

After getting zeroed, I took it out to 650 to true velocity. The POI was spot on from a prior load using the same recipe of XBR that a friend loaded for me over 3 years ago. That was a nice surprise!

For anyone wondering, the TMK's with a cannelure had same POI as the normal TMK’s out to 650 despite being factory seconds. Good to know if they come up for sale cheap in the future.

 

[Pharmseller]

Getting ready for deer season in Oregon.



Using the load I named Kyle in my stainless T3 Varmint I named Varmint Cong. Hoping to fill my tag with the .223 for the third straight year.



P