88 ELD-Ms

[Alpha Echo]

No. The 88’s issue is that sometimes (not often) it doesn’t upset enough for my preference.

Didn't realize that was the case. I know the 77 TMKs are the most consistent, but putting them aside if one were looking for a higher bc, would the 80 ELD-M be the most consistent, over the 88?

 

[Formidilosus]

Didn't realize that was the case. I know the 77 TMKs are the most consistent, but putting them aside if one were looking for a higher bc, would the 80 ELD-M be the most consistent, over the 88?

I don’t want to make it seem like the 88’s aren’t good- they kill. It’s just that I prefer others. The 77gr TMK of course, and so far the 80gr ELD-X seems to be good as well.

 

[Alpha Echo]

I don’t want to make it seem like the 88’s aren’t good- they kill. It’s just that I prefer others. The 77gr TMK of course, and so far the 80gr ELD-X seems to be good as well.

Just to make sure I understand, the 80 ELD X performs better than the 80 ELD Match?

 

[Formidilosus]

Just to make sure I understand, the 80 ELD X performs better than the 80 ELD Match?

Better is subjective, and my sample size with either is relatively limited. However, what I have seen, seems to be showing that the X produces a bit more of a football shaped wound. Of what I have seen, I would choose the 80gr X if given the choice. Having said that, I would happily shoot any of them- 80gr X or M, or 88gr M if that is what was available.

 

[Alpha Echo]

Wounding is actually what I meant by "better"--I should have been more specific with my choice of words. Great to know that any of those 3 ELDs will work, will definitely post any necropsy pics when the time comes to add to the sample data.

 

[khuber84]

I killed two large bodied deer this morning with the 88s, both vital shots behind the shoulder. Both performed excellent. 3" exits, lots of damage. Both went down and didn't take another step after impact. Mv was 3030, shots at 270ish and 476y.

 

[SouthPaw]

I've killed 5 big game animals with the 88s, from 2100-2900fps impacts. In this small sample size, results have been good with all having immediate upset and ~3"+ wounds through animals. I may try the 80g X next just to see/learn for curiosity sake.

 

[khuber84]

Well I had a mixed result performance of an 88 today. Doe quarterd towards standing in front the bedded buck my nephew wanted to shoot. I told him, I'll shoot the doe, when the buck gets up, put one in him. 312y, bullet impacted behind shoulder, 1/3 up body line, the bullet did not enter chest cavity, it raked along ribs, then entered guts approx 7" back from where the impact was at. The doe went down after approx 8-10 steps but did require me to finish it with my hand gun. Nephew did get the decent 4x4 mulie behind her once she was out the way. I will not be taking any more quarterd shots with this bullet unless i put poa directly on the front point of shoulder. Perhaps a larger cal bullet would have done the same in this situation. Maybe it was poor shot placement but it went within an inch or two of my poa.

 

[False_Cast]

Impact velocity?

 

[General RE LEE]

Man, this thread making me want a Howa Mini 22 ARC when they come out in 2025.

 

[khuber84]

Impact velocity?

2500 give or take.

 

[Thegman]

@Formidilosus and others...

I realize I'm asking how many angels can dance on the head of a pin...but I'm asking anyway...

Considering the lower velocity out of a 16" 223, any experience regarding which ELD M/X are most likely to maximize penetration and more consistently provide decent size exits, if any?

Khuntr has had great results with the 88s at a similar starting velocity so that's what I have on deck (@ 2,560 fps) for some testing this month, but wondering about the other options as well. I know I could just shoot shoulders, but I eat those, so I avoid it whenever possible. Also my experience is showing the 77 TMK and 73 ELDM usually result in zero tracking with rib/lung shots, but every now and then, the animal apparently doesn't get the memo; a higher chance of a large enough exit might be helpful on those occasions. All that, and I enjoy messing with minutiae...one of my hobbies.

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

You Bastards.....Euro has a lefty Tikka in 22-250 in stock. I don't need shit. I have run a 223 AI for over 15 years. 77 TMKs.

But this 8 twist horns me up. Sure Karl could punch it to Creed when he prunes the barrel.

What a great Flyweight truck rifle.....hmmm

 

[Formidilosus]

@Formidilosus and others...

I realize I'm asking how many angels can dance on the head of a pin...but I'm asking anyway...

Considering the lower velocity out of a 16" 223, any experience regarding which ELD M/X are most likely to maximize penetration and more consistently provide decent size exits, if any?

Khuntr has had great results with the 88s at a similar starting velocity so that's what I have on deck (@ 2,560 fps) for some testing this month, but wondering about the other options as well. I know I could just shoot shoulders, but I eat those, so I avoid it whenever possible. Also my experience is showing the 77 TMK and 73 ELDM usually result in zero tracking with rib/lung shots, but every now and then, the animal apparently doesn't get the memo; a higher chance of a large enough exit might be helpful on those occasions. All that, and I enjoy messing with minutiae...one of my hobbies.

Your best bet is the 88gr ELD-M. In general they upset less than the others.

 

[Alpha Echo]

You Bastards.....Euro has a lefty Tikka in 22-250 in stock. I don't need shit. I have run a 223 AI for over 15 years. 77 TMKs.

But this 8 twist horns me up. Sure Karl could punch it to Creed when he prunes the barrel.

What a great Flyweight truck rifle.....hmmm

I fell into the same trap when I drove through PA earlier this month, given I suffer the same southpawitis. Just be really careful if you're ordering and not picking up at their showroom. Initially I put a deposit down on a 1:8 243, and when I showed up they brought out a 1:10. They claim that there's no rhyme or reason to the twist, and that Tikka keeps sending them shipments in either slow or fast, but I find that hard to believe, given how inefficient that seems for a manufacturer. Luckily they had the 22-250 in LH 1:8, so that's what came home with me.

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

@Alpha Echo I did pull the trigger yesterday. It BETTER be an 8 twist. I have no use for a 12 or a 14 or 9. Was the whole point.

Think the 243 has long suffered the variable factory twist rates. All over the place. An 8 twist 243 may have almost been more appealing honestly. I have a Bartlein barrel in the corner for years that's 7.5 waiting to be a 6 Creed. But for $799 this is kinda turn key for a rambling beater.

 

[khuber84]

@Alpha Echo I did pull the trigger yesterday. It BETTER be an 8 twist. I have no use for a 12 or a 14 or 9. Was the whole point.

Think the 243 has long suffered the variable factory twist rates. All over the place. An 8 twist 243 may have almost been more appealing honestly. I have a Bartlein barrel in the corner for years that's 7.5 waiting to be a 6 Creed. But for $799 this is kinda turn key for a rambling beater.

My cousin ordered the 8tw 22-250, will be punched out to 22cm, and threaded 9/16x24 or 1/2x28 for suppressor.

 

[Scoutfan]

Fng here. Ordered my lefty 22-250 from euro optics a few days ago. Couldn't resist at 799- $75 rebate. I have lost count how many whitetails and pigs I have dropped with my 223 50 grain vmax. Been wanting something with just a bit more speed and twist. Only reason I want more is just in case Mr. Big walks out at 4-500 yards, and a bit less wind drift. I think a 77tmk or 88 will give me that little bit of extra.

 

[Alpha Echo]

@Alpha Echo I did pull the trigger yesterday. It BETTER be an 8 twist. I have no use for a 12 or a 14 or 9. Was the whole point.

Think the 243 has long suffered the variable factory twist rates. All over the place. An 8 twist 243 may have almost been more appealing honestly. I have a Bartlein barrel in the corner for years that's 7.5 waiting to be a 6 Creed. But for $799 this is kinda turn key for a rambling beater.

Fingers crossed! Let us know what you receive. Will hopefully help me build some confidence in EuroOptics' shipping dept. I may have to go back to the well for a 1:8 243 lol.

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

I don't want to look. I didn't see a 243 in LH offered. Plz don't tell me there are some there. I posted in another thread that I am not really a Tikka slut or a huge fan. But their consistency and Left Hand options....I think I bought 4 Tikka's last year. This one in 2024. Pretty Tikka flush.

But I don't think I've hunted a non Tikka in couple years now.