New 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm TMK for big game

[AlaskaRed]

Having not used a TMK for hunting myself I think this year would be a good time to start some testing.

Which of the new TMK's listed above does everyone think will perform the best terminally?

I have a 6mm arc and a couple 7mm's I could use to test now; would be willing to build a 6.5.

The BC and bullet weight look pretty good on the 153 gr tmk for the 6.5. Interested on thoughts for cartridge choice for it also. A 6.5 PRC would be an easy button but I do like interesting cartridges maybe a 6.5 saum?

 

[cole96]

I want to try the 185. How does the tmk perform in comparison to betger. More fragmentation on impact like a Eldm?

 

[43.6N]

Having not used a TMK for hunting myself I think this year would be a good time to start some testing.

Which of the new TMK's listed above does everyone think will perform the best terminally?

I have a 6mm arc and a couple 7mm's I could use to test now; would be willing to build a 6.5.

The BC and bullet weight look pretty good on the 153 gr tmk for the 6.5. Interested on thoughts for cartridge choice for it also. A 6.5 PRC would be an easy button but I do like interesting cartridges maybe a 6.5 saum?

I would personally start with either a 95 or 107 in your 6ARC. Then see how you like that performance as a baseline before going on to other sizes.

What are the details of the 6ARC you have?

 

[AlaskaRed]

Good question. I have not used a TMK on an animal. All my kills this year were done with a 338 barnes. From what I have concluded from posts on this forum TMK can perform well and are similar to an eldm. I'd be more comfortable with a 185 hunting on animals here in Alaska but may not be necessary.

 

[AlaskaRed]

I would personally start with either a 95 or 107 in your 6ARC. Then see how you like that performance as a baseline before going on to other sizes.

What are the details of the 6ARC you have?

I have a 22" howa mini. This was the direction I wanted to lean with a 107. I'd be comfortable testing it out on some black bear hunts coming up this spring.

 

[43.6N]

I have a 22" howa mini. This was the direction I wanted to lean with a 107. I'd be comfortable testing it out on some black bear hunts coming up this spring.

Yes this is 100% the right call.
Let me know if you need reload data for the 6 arc. I’ve got a pretty reasonable guess what the winning combo for a bolt gun load will be.

 

[AlaskaRed]

Yes this is 100% the right call.
Let me know if you need reload data for the 6 arc. I’ve got a pretty reasonable guess what the winning combo for a bolt gun load will be.

Yeah let me know. What brass? Alpha testing looks capable of some good velocity. I have tons of varget for powder.

 

[43.6N]

Any brass. Any primer.
28.0gr Varget. 107tmk.

You’ll probably have a little room to go up if you want with premium brass, but not by a whole lot.

N540, CFE224, or Staball Match will probably give 100fps higher velocity with an extra grain or two of powder, but I’m betting Varget will be the “accuracy” load when Sierra finally publishes updated load info.

 

[AlaskaRed]

Varget it is. I’ll take the accuracy. I wonder what velocities I’ll be able to get. Also, I wonder what the expansion window will be for the 107 tmk. Most of my hunting rifles I’m trying to be able to shoot 600yds and in.

 

[43.6N]

Varget it is. I’ll take the accuracy. I wonder what velocities I’ll be able to get. Also, I wonder what the expansion window will be for the 107 tmk. Most of my hunting rifles I’m trying to be able to shoot 600yds and in.

I can help with the expansion window and velocity data.

I’m currently shooting 105’s out of an 18” gasser with 27gr Varget. I’m spot on 2500fps.
Adding an extra grain of powder and 4 inch of barrel, even if you had a “slow” barrel, I would expect you to be in the 2600-2650 range.

When I run the 107tmk ballistics at 40f at sea level (coastal Ak?) 2650 gets you out to 600yds w/1800fps. This is a velocity that is well documented to have safe reliable expansion for the TMK family.

If you add any elevation at all, that bullet carries velocity much further. For example: my home range is typically at 5000ft density altitude. That puts me at 700yds before I would hit 1800fps.

Hope this helps you feel confident going after some bears.

 

[Castle Rock]

Forget that euro trash metric shit, where’s the 270