88 TMK Loading Thread

[mtnbound]

I could for sure but not sure how relevant it would be to you. I have an 8twist OEM so no 88TMK experience.

I'm running a factory Tikka 8-twist, and the 88s work stupidly well, don't overlook them because of your twist.

 

[NWBLKTAIL]

I'm running a factory Tikka 8-twist, and the 88s work stupidly well, don't overlook them because of your twist.

I do have a box, what powder did you try?

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

I just received 2-3rd and 2-4rd 223XL (2.70") mags from @pods8 (Rugged Stitching)

i cycled 2.25" 223 through them several times and they feed perfect.
then I cycled 2.55" 6x45 through them, they also cycled perfect.
Then at the range, cycled/fired what I had loaded. zero issues.

These may be exactly what the 223/6x45 w/heavies needs to maximize their potential.

6x45 w/107 TMK 2.55"
next to ADI 556 55gr tgk
View attachment 1050436

I suspect they might be less forgiving on short rounds if you run the bolt slow but yes they feed short rounds running the bolt at a reasonable speed. FYI they should fit ~2.75”.

 

[mtnbound]

I do have a box, what powder did you try?

Varget, TAC, CFE223, 8208, STABALL65, N150.

 

[SouthPaw]

I ordered the same brass, but it’s on unknown back order. Local shop had Lapua in stock, so I bought a 100 to try out, but won’t do that until I get the new firing pin.

If you need some now, I have 300 new starline 5.56 laying around I won't need soon.

 

[mtnbound]

Nice, thank you. Care to share your powder and charge weight as well?

I ordered the same brass, but it’s on unknown back order. Local shop had Lapua in stock, so I bought a 100 to try out, but won’t do that until I get the new firing pin.

When you are at HAHA, stop by Cabelas; they typically have Starline on the shelf.

 

[KyleR1985]

I suspect they might be less forgiving on short rounds if you run the bolt slow but yes they feed short rounds running the bolt at a reasonable speed. FYI they should fit ~2.75”.

22-204 or 6-204 adds .100” of case capacity, same 223 bolt face, and takes advantage of all of the 2.75”.

https://www.pacifictoolandgauge.com/22--204-Ruger-Chamber-Reamer_p_118118.html

 

[Lawnboi]

So my load of 25.0 of N150 with the 88’s that was working fine, is now popping primers. Backed off to 24.5 and the last 6 rounds I fired this evening popped out as well.

FWIW, I’ve never popped a primer in my 223, even when working up higher than that to find pressure, until I messed with the NAS3 cases and had those primers all either puncture or come out last week. Related? There is a slight ridge a few mm down from the tip of my firing pin from firing those NAS cases.

1x fired ADI brass. I have Starline 5.56 brass on back order and also Lever powder on hand to try.

Did you swap your firing pin? Once that pin is etched it will pop primers much easier.

How fresh is the barrel. Running on the chip during speed up can lead to pressure when it gets there.

Edit: I see you got some new pins coming.

 

[Gstew1930]

22-204 or 6-204 adds .100” of case capacity, same 223 bolt face, and takes advantage of all of the 2.75”.

https://www.pacifictoolandgauge.com/22--204-Ruger-Chamber-Reamer_p_118118.html

View attachment 1050512

I wonder the capacity increase over 223 ai? I think they are pretty close

 

[KyleR1985]

I wonder the capacity increase over 223 ai? I think they are pretty close

Well maybe we should just be running the 223ai die .100” deep and forming 22-204ai brass!

 

[Gstew1930]

Well maybe we should just be running the 223ai die .100” deep and forming 22-204ai brass!

Talk dirty to me

 

[KyleR1985]

Talk dirty to me

 

[Gstew1930]

View attachment 1050514

That sounds bad ass. I would imagine another 3 grains maybe

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

Did you swap your firing pin? Once that pin is etched it will pop primers much easier.

How fresh is the barrel. Running on the chip during speed up can lead to pressure when it gets there.

Edit: I see you got some new pins coming.

Yes.. I swapped pins, but then tried the NAS cases again with the second firing pin and screwed up that one as well.

Barrel has around 1,200 rounds on it.

 

[RWT]

Curious. I want another fast 22 since I sold my 22-250. Learning towards an ARC. Will the 22 ARC velocities with the 88TMK get me to 2900 FPS at 500’ elevation on an 18-20” barrel?

I am looking for something with less than 4” of drop out to 300 yards to build another thermal rig. Bolt gun for certain.

 

[KyleR1985]

Curious. I want another fast 22 since I sold my 22-250. Learning towards an ARC. Will the 22 ARC velocities with the 88TMK get me to 2900 FPS at 500’ elevation on an 18-20” barrel?

I am looking for something with less than 4” of drop out to 300 yards to build another thermal rig. Bolt gun for certain.

I think you’ll be pushing it with temp stable powder. May want to look at the GT or creed.

 

[Pescetism]

Curious. I want another fast 22 since I sold my 22-250. Learning towards an ARC. Will the 22 ARC velocities with the 88TMK get me to 2900 FPS at 500’ elevation on an 18-20” barrel?

I am looking for something with less than 4” of drop out to 300 yards to build another thermal rig. Bolt gun for certain.

3000 FPS in a 21" GT with 88 ELDM/N555 occasionally leaves slight ejector marks on twice fired Alpha brass. Not saying ARC can't make it but I think you'll be pushing it. Curious to hear what others have experienced.

 

[JFK]

Curious. I want another fast 22 since I sold my 22-250. Learning towards an ARC. Will the 22 ARC velocities with the 88TMK get me to 2900 FPS at 500’ elevation on an 18-20” barrel?

I am looking for something with less than 4” of drop out to 300 yards to build another thermal rig. Bolt gun for certain.

I think you’d be pushing it with that barrel length. I have the 88’s for my 22” barrel arc and should get some loaded this week to shoot and 2900+ is what I’m hoping for.

If 300ish yards and in with flat trafectpry is important then just go with a lighter bullet. Over 3000fps is easy with bullets under 80 grains and still have decent bc. As long as it’s not super windy the 75-77gr bullets are a great choice in 22arc.

 

[nm.otter]

22-204 or 6-204 adds .100” of case capacity, same 223 bolt face, and takes advantage of all of the 2.75”.

https://www.pacifictoolandgauge.com/22--204-Ruger-Chamber-Reamer_p_118118.html

Had to look that one up -- interesting. How is a necked-up .204 Ruger different than a .222 Rem Mag?

 

[Thegman]

Had to look that one up -- interesting. How is a necked-up .204 Ruger different than a .222 Rem Mag?

A little less case taper and steeper shoulder angle (30* vs 23*). It would be, more or less, right between a 222 Remington Magnum and a 222 Remington Magnum AI.