If a TMK rocks in a 223 …why is the TSX a go to in the 270 win?

[Tmac]

Just wondering why TSX / Partition/ Accubond seems to be the go to for big game in the 270 win but a TMK is the bullet for hunting in a 223? I know Berger has the 130 and is the most “match” style bullet for .277 but it doesn’t seem to be the one that is really leaned on. Am I missing something?

We use both cartridges often as well as a 280 Rem. Some years ago I tried a 150 gr ELD-X out of my 280 on a small MT whitetail doe, she did not suffer, but my meat harvest did. Broadside impact behind the shoulder, but blew stuff all over. Now if I did the same hunt a 130-145 Barnes would get used in 270 or 280, TTSX or LRX. I’ll still get a quick kill but likely less meat damage.

Two of my grands may have their first pronghorn hunt this season. One will use a 223. It will have a 77 TMK to maximize chances for lethal damage from a small bullet to give a quick kill. Meat will be what it will be. For my two sons pronghorn hunts later in the season, a mono will may the choice.

Our cow hunts where everyone had already killed elk, will usually be with 270/280 and a mono for max meat. First timers or recoil shy hunters/youth using smaller cartridges will get a fragmenting design to max terminal damage. An Accubond or trophy tip often gets the call in a 270/280 as it serves both masters to a degree, damage and meat loss.

So what I’m saying is depending on the circumstances for a hunt and the goals, I and some others, select a bullet accordingly. Does not explain all the difference, but does for some of us.

 

[willfrye027]

We use both cartridges often as well as a 280 Rem. Some years ago I tried a 150 gr ELD-X out of my 280 on a small MT whitetail doe, she did not suffer, but my meat harvest did. Broadside impact behind the shoulder, but blew stuff all over. Now if I did the same hunt a 130-145 Barnes would get used in 270 or 280, TTSX or LRX. I’ll still get a quick kill but likely less meat damage.

Two of my grands may have their first pronghorn hunt this season. One will use a 223. It will have a 77 TMK to maximize chances for lethal damage from a small bullet to give a quick kill. Meat will be what it will be. For my two sons pronghorn hunts later in the season, a mono will may the choice.

Our cow hunts where everyone had already killed elk, will usually be with 270/280 and a mono for max meat. First timers or recoil shy hunters/youth using smaller cartridges will get a fragmenting design to max terminal damage. An Accubond or trophy tip often gets the call in a 270/280 as it serves both masters to a degree, damage and meat loss.

So what I’m saying is depending on the circumstances for a hunt and the goals, I and some others, select a bullet accordingly. Does not explain all the difference, but does for some of us.

Makes sense to me. Personally I’m still using my fragmenting highly lethal loads for meat hunts, but I will go for a head/neck shot when possible.

 

[RockAndSage]

Just wondering why TSX / Partition/ Accubond seems to be the go to for big game in the 270 win but a TMK is the bullet for hunting in a 223? I know Berger has the 130 and is the most “match” style bullet for .277 but it doesn’t seem to be the one that is really leaned on. Am I missing something?

Similar to what @wind gypsy said - if you get much above 6mm, the TMKs and some of the other tipped match bullets start doing more damage than I want to see, especially in deer or antelope. It's shocking how devastating those bullets can be, especially in 7mm and .30cal. Look into the .223 thread here and you'll see all the evidence you could ask for on that.

 

[Castle Rock]

There is still nothing in 270 that wreaks more destruction than the 130 grain ballistic tip, it is the quintessential 270 bullet.