88 TMK Loading Thread

[NWBLKTAIL]

8 twist, 20" 223 for the 77 tmk.

7 twist, 16.5" 22 creedmoor for the 88.


I also tested nas3 cases in the 8 twist , 20" 223 for accuracy and velocity.
I used Varget powder with the 88 tmk seated to 2.45 COAL.

Velocities ranged from 2750 to 2900 fps in my ladder. The 8 shot ladder produced a .850 inch group at 100 yards. The 2900 fps charge showed primer catering. This was with Winchester #41 primers. Probably unsafe, so I won't load that hot again. Im hesitant to share my powder charges, because this is uncharted territory and Probably stupid.


I am going to test the 88s out of the 8 twist 223 at distance to see if they remain stable.

I’ve used varget quite a bit in 223 I feel like I have an idea where you ended up to get that speed.

Nice waiting for my box of 100 88’s to show up see if I can stabilize them in 8tw 22-250 at sea level

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

A lot of guys are concerned about stability in 1:8 twist barrels, from 223 to 22 CM.
I’ll go out on a limb and say that it’s worth building a gun around the 88 TMK.

Whether this is a 1:7 223 with a long throat or any of the bigger cartridges.

The PVA barrel I have on my 223 was an inspired decision it seems.

TLDR: If it doesn’t stabilize, get a barrel that will, because I predict we’re going to see a lot of animals put down with it this coming year.

 

[nm.otter]

I’ll go out on a limb and say that it’s worth building a gun around the 88 TMK.

It's tempting me to pivot from a 6mm GT to a .22 ARC.

Neither would suck, but a .22 ARC could work in a Sako XS action...

 

[Jgormond3]

For what it's worth, I tested the 88 tmk vs the 77 tmk in one gallon water (previously milk) jugs. The jugs were standing upright (caps up).

Both bullets were doing right around 2750 fps at the muzzle. Jugs were at 50 yards.
The 88 penetrated into the 3 jug and was found inside it. The 77 exited the 2nd jug and bounced off the 3rd and was found on the ground.

Of course water isn't the same as animal flesh; it is very hard on bullets. But I have found it to be a consistent test medium to just catch bullets in. I have shot a lot of jugs with the 77 tmk, and I have never had one make it into the 3rd jug.

So I expect that the 88 will have more exits on deer sized animals than the 77, which if it does, will make woods Whitetail hunters happy.

Im looking forward to this fall's hunting reports...

I hope shortly we can get some depreciation tag and or hog results. I’m crossing my fingers this 88TMK pans out as a bad little whitetail bullet or else I’ll have to buy a thermal and make this rifle a coyote rig.