ELDM vs TMK

[myhuntingjournal]

I'm sure theres already been discussion around this but I'm wondering what I should work up a load for for this fall: 134 ELDM or the new 135 TMK?


I built an 18" 25 creedmoor specifically around the 134 ELDM before I knew what sierra would be doing with 25 cal stuff. The ELDM shoots okay for what its worth, and I'm getting 2680 ish from factory ammo with the ELDM and it's grouping about 1.25 minute groups (I havent tried any load dev yet). I currently have staball 6.5 as well as N555 that I want to try to load with.

I'll be chasing elk and mule deer in southwestern montana and I want to know which of these two bullets will have the most reliably consistent terminal performance in your guys opinion.

Thanks a ton

 

[Dave Thomas]

I really don't think it'll matter. both should kill pretty close to each other.

 

[43.6N]

shoot both, and see how they fare.
I’d prefer to shoot TMK, but availability issues are a real thing, having a backup bullet is not a bad idea at all.

 

[myhuntingjournal]

shoot both, and see how they fare.
I’d prefer to shoot TMK, but availability issues are a real thing, having a backup bullet is not a bad idea at all.

What do you prefer about the tmk out of curiosity?

 

[CJ_BG]

TMK seem to penetrate better for the same wound width, and in my experience have a shorter neck length terminally.

 

[43.6N]

Forgot to mention, welcome to Rokslide!!

There have been a number of posts comparing bullet cross sections that consistently show 2 differences in construction: The TMK typically will have a moderate sized air pocket behind the green insert, and a measurably larger meplat opening when compared to similar ELDM and ELDX weights.

These seem provide a more mechanically reliable method of expansion on game animals, reflected by hunters reporting more consistent opening at lower velocities when compared to ELDM.

The difference is probably marginal, but there are enough reports for me to think the construction differences favor the TMK in terms of absolute reliability.

Since you have to pick one or the other, here is the order of importance that I would prioritize:
1) availability
2) shootability in your rifle
3) terminal consistency (probably favoring the TMK imo)