88 TMK Loading Thread

[AM_Hunter]

I ran both H4895 and 2000-MR. I was getting 3050+ with 168ABLR in a 20” Tikka Roughtech.

So I bought a box of loaded ammo. On the first one I just pulled the 150gr NBT, dumped the powder, neck sized it, expanded with a mandrel filled with powder and seated the bullet. I did lube the neck with Neolube before seating the bullet.

After firing the first time, I ran through the resizing process, and all of the other steps above and shot progressively more powder until I stopped at a max velocity of 3060fps.

After the first firing, the bolt was stiff to close even after resizing and was the same on subsequent firings. I never did measure to the shoulder datum but I believe the sizing die may have been hitting the SS case head before the shoulders were being bumped back.

Any reason you used Neolube as opposed to normal sizing lube?

 

[BBob]

Any reason you used Neolube as opposed to normal sizing lube?

He likely used the Neolube inside of the neck rather than outside as a sizing lube.

 

[AM_Hunter]

He likely used the Neolube inside of the neck rather than outside as a sizing lube.

Interesting, I normally just use the same sizing lube I use for the outside of my cases to lube the neck when I size. Idk if thats right or wrong though, lol.

 

[Brazo264]

Interesting, I normally just use the same sizing lube I use for the outside of my cases to lube the neck when I size. Idk if thats right or wrong though, lol.

It’s for a different purpose some use it to seat and release more consistently some use it to prevent cold weld. It’s not necessary don’t feel like you are doing anything wrong.

 

[justin davis]

.

 

[Mike D Texas]

Any reason you used Neolube as opposed to normal sizing lube?

Yes. Neolube flashes off the liquid and leaves a dry graphite film.

 

[Mike D Texas]

He likely used the Neolube inside of the neck rather than outside as a sizing lube.

Correct.

 

[Mike D Texas]

Interesting, I normally just use the same sizing lube I use for the outside of my cases to lube the neck when I size. Idk if thats right or wrong though, lol.

Depending on what lube you are using you could be contaminating your powder. And when I tried one shot or imperial wax, the powder stuck to the case neck when cropping powder in the case.

 

[AM_Hunter]

Depending on what lube you are using you could be contaminating your powder. And when I tried one shot or imperial wax, the powder stuck to the case neck when cropping powder in the case.

Got it, I just realized youre using it when you seat the bullet. I was thinking you were using it when neck sizing. Makes more sense now thank you.

 

[Mike D Texas]

Got it, I just realized youre using it when you seat the bullet. I was thinking you were using it when neck sizing. Makes more sense now thank you.

Ah yeah. Sorry I wasn’t clear that I was lining inside the necks with the Neolube.

 

[deer_hunter132]

As I posted in the TMK thread in February- they did fine at 4,000ft DA. At -3,000ft DA they were shooting 3-4 foot groups at 200 yards. Where the line is that they lose stability remains to be found, but the 1:8” twist is a bit too slow for them.

just re-posting for others who are curious.