NAS3 5.56 Cases - Tikka 223 w/ 88 TMK

[HuntHarder]

Dang, thanks for sharing. Seems like you tried to make these things work multiple different ways.

 

[63-88]

I hear you. That’s what I was trying to say too. They aren’t using the stronger case or higher pressures at all. They can get a little more powder in there so they get a small velocity gain from that. No different than reloaders doing a little bit spicy load.

The real benefit is from using tech to contain and shoot higher pressure loads. But nobody is doing that now except maybe federal with 7BC. Are they all just afraid of a lawsuit?

I've shot a little bit of the Badlands 70gr TSX and the 85gr Match Burner and I am seeing almost 200fps faster than some other factory loads with 70gr TSX out of a 11.5" and 14.5" barrel. I'd have to look at my Garmin but I think the 70gr TSX was around 2875 from a 14.5".

Haven't seen any pressure signs and ejection/recoil feels normal on an AR.

 

[omicron1792]

I've shot a little bit of the Badlands 70gr TSX and the 85gr Match Burner and I am seeing almost 200fps faster than some other factory loads with 70gr TSX out of a 11.5" and 14.5" barrel. I'd have to look at my Garmin but I think the 70gr TSX was around 2875 from a 14.5".

Haven't seen any pressure signs and ejection/recoil feels normal on an AR.

I use it exclusively in 5.56 now. I get 100fps speed improvement over black hills 77TMK. Right around 2850fps from 18”.

 

[PC356]

Loaded a few NAS3s/88 TMKs and started tinkering. Good speed and shoot well out of my 18” Tikka/PBB .223 Wylde. 25.8 grains 8208, 2.525 COAL, BR4 primer. Unfortunately getting cratered and occasionally pierced primers too. Is anyone lubing the necks before seating? Takes more force than I care for to drive the bullet home. If so what’s the lube of choice?

 

[Castle Rock]

That’s a really hot load.
Dipping necks in powdered graphite works really well.

 

[PC356]

That’s a really hot load.
Dipping necks in powdered graphite works really well.

Problem I have is I seem to see primer cratering with these cases even starting slightly above charges I run in Starline brass that don’t show pressure signs on primers. Tried 80 ELD Xs in another factory 8 twist Tikka and saw similar as well. All BR4s. Appreciate the tip on the powdered graphite.

 

[Mike D Texas]

Loaded a few NAS3s/88 TMKs and started tinkering. Good speed and shoot well out of my 18” Tikka/PBB .223 Wylde. 25.8 grains 8208, 2.525 COAL, BR4 primer. Unfortunately getting cratered and occasionally pierced primers too. Is anyone lubing the necks before seating? Takes more force than I care for to drive the bullet home. If so what’s the lube of choice?
View attachment 1044497View attachment 1044500

Are you doing any prep to the necks like running a mandrel or expander ball through them?

I haven’t loaded the 5.56 cases yet but I have loaded the .308 variant. I ran it through my Redding neck bushing die and then ran a TiN coated expander mandrel through after. I did lube the inside of the necks with Neolube and had no issues seating at all.