Based on my experience with the 22 ARC and the 88 ELDM in a couple of 22" rifles, you would be pushed to the upper edge of pressure taking an 88 to 2900 fps. With an 18 or 20 inch barrel you'll be more likely to see 2700 to 2800 for top speeds with the 88 grain bullets.
While @The Guide is probably correct above
, it might be worth trying; you might get closer than one might think.
I hope I'm wrong and the 88 TMK will make the 22 ARC the go to for fastish long life heavy 22 caliber bullets but if not, I had 2 Tikka barrels made in 22 GT. I'm hoping to run 2950 to 3000 with the 88's from the 22 GT and bridge the gap between 22 ARC and 22CM.While @The Guide is probably correct above
These 88TMKs seem to be giving some unexpected results (like shooting well in multiple 1 in 8 barrels at this point).
One thing I seem to notice, as did:
...is that the 88TMKs don't seem to be showing pressure as soon as I would expect. I've also gone up to some of my 77TMK level powder charges with Leverevolution, AA2520, SW Tactical and close with couple other powders, with no apparent pressure problems. Velocity is ~ 70 - 100 fps less than with the 77TMK, but no pressure signs of concern . I've yet to see even a cratered primer or max brass expansion relative to other loads I've run with 73 - 77 grain bullets.
The 88TMK seems to be an unusual bullet.
This
is what made me think seriously about .22 ARC -- which piqued my interest in the Sako 90 XS action. Here's a shot from Jake @EuroOptic of an XS mag holding factory .22 ARC 80 ELD-X loads:
I would say give them a try. I have shot them with a factory Tikka 8-twist, from a DA of -500 to +2000, so far, and have not been disappointed. I think Sierra knocked this one out of the park.
I agree, I’d give them a shot out of the Tikka barrel. One thing that I’m loving is that at 2700 fps or so, the quick drops line up almost perfectly to 675 yards or so. For me, I don’t think I’m going to even push them faster, as that makes drops very simple. It really is a magical bullet! Can’t wait to see on game results this fall.
I agree, the 88TMK has been stupid easy to find accurate loads, and yes, they line up nicely with QD. I see no need to run them any faster than 2700fps in my 223.
Copycat haha. I think we found the perfect 223/88 TMK load.
Getting my hopes up for my 8twist here on The coast, loaded some last night with varget88TMK, 25gr Lever, Hornady brass, CCI450, 5rd, 2684 av, 16.4 sd, 2.45coal, 18” 8 twist Tikka barrel.
Mine is an ackley improved but ive had good luck with h4350 and h4831sc as well as n555. Might even try some retumbo.
3,000 DA and confirmed out to 800 yards.
You’re a 7twist though, you are likley good at all DA’s
