Sierra Heavy TMK 6MM Testing

[walkingduckwaterfowl]

How much powder did they put behind the tmks? Seems like those are cooking out of a 20”.

This was my thoughts, but I don't reload so I can't speak to it. I realize that this is a blunt tool, but maybe we can do some back engineering math if anyone knows what norma brass and primer weigh. I weighed several and they were all within half a grain of each other, so whatever they did it appears to be consistent.

For further context on the rifle, it has about 120 rounds through it now and has been very accurate with just about everything I have shot through it with the notable exceptions being 95gr berger classic hunter factory loads and the TMKs. I am wanting that TMK terminal performance so it'd be great if I could get it to run in either of my 8 twist Tikkas. Also potentially of note, I was shooting at about 1k elevation 70 degrees ambient temp.

 

[huntnful]

This was my thoughts, but I don't reload so I can't speak to it. I realize that this is a blunt tool, but maybe we can do some back engineering math if anyone knows what norma brass and primer weigh. I weighed several and they were all within half a grain of each other, so whatever they did it appears to be consistent.

For further context on the rifle, it has about 120 rounds through it now and has been very accurate with just about everything I have shot through it with the notable exceptions being 95gr berger classic hunter factory loads and the TMKs. I am wanting that TMK terminal performance so it'd be great if I could get it to run in either of my 8 twist Tikkas. Also potentially of note, I was shooting at about 1k elevation 70 degrees ambient temp.

Can you pull a bullet out and just weigh the powder?

Depending on neck tension you can grab on with a stout pair of pliers and rock it back and forth to loosen the neck and then twist it and pull it out.

 

[walkingduckwaterfowl]

That's a great idea I'm trying to leave a much of it intact as I can in case UM wants it back but will do when I find out

 

[huntnful]

Like so. I do it all the time instead of setting up the bullet puller.

 

[huntnful]

I’m getting a .135 freebore 6 creed barrel next. None of the good bullets needs .183 freebore.

 

[Treelineasassin]

I’m getting a .135 freebore 6 creed barrel next. None of the good bullets needs .183 freebore.

These heavy tmk like to jump thus far in my testing, 60-70k jump has been very forgiving with the 107s in a couple different cartridges I've tried them in. Still waiting for my 116s, should be here tomorrow!

 

[huntnful]

These heavy tmk like to jump thus far in my testing, 60-70k jump has been very forgiving with the 107s in a couple different cartridges I've tried them in. Still waiting for my 116s, should be here tomorrow!

Dang. They didn’t do anything special for me unfortunately. I really like the numbers on those suckers. If they hammer in your barrel, they’d be a great option!

Let us know how the 116’s do . My barrel stacks them pretty tight in a central cluster and then spits one out every so often. I think it’s just the reality of a tipped bullet. At least one going fast.

 

[sierracharlie338]

These heavy tmk like to jump thus far in my testing, 60-70k jump has been very forgiving with the 107s in a couple different cartridges I've tried them in. Still waiting for my 116s, should be here tomorrow!

Interesting, I find that 40-60k-ish window to be a common denominator in good groups for most bullets I’ve tried over the years. Seen as far as 120 with some Berger hvlds but 40-60 seems to be a good place to start.

 

[Treelineasassin]

Interesting, I find that 40-60k-ish window to be a common denominator in good groups for most bullets I’ve tried over the years. Seen as far as 120 with some Berger hvlds but 40-60 seems to be a good place to start.

Yeah I agree, that realm of jump works. I typically use Bergers 25/35 off, the again 60-75 off. Sierras are usually the similar. Eldm I find usually shoot well around 45-60 off. Tested a lot of these in various 6mm and 65s. Primarily run Bergers in 7mm and 30 cals.

 

[Castle Rock]

Rifle took it like a champ without heavy bolt lift. It hammers with almost every factory offering I have shot with it including cheap fiocchi 95gr sst that I used to get on paper today. Here is a photo of the load cards from UM. It doesn't show grains of powder or anything so probably not that helpful.

Norma brass is junk, probably the softest out there

 

[TradLife406]

How are 7.5 twists doing for the 6 UM with the 116's?

On the last podcast Avery mentioned that Sierra says the 116's need a 7 twist.

Just ordered two barrels on the LS wild group buy in December.

Will they work? Or sell them and buy an Ace?

 

[huntnful]

How are 7.5 twists doing for the 6 UM with the 116's?

On the last podcast Avery mentioned that Sierra says the 116's need a 7 twist.

Just ordered two barrels on the LS wild group buy in December.

Will they work? Or sell them and buy an Ace?

It’ll be fine. I shot them at 1000 yards at sea level in a 7.5 twist and factory BC was good.

 

[TradLife406]

It’ll be fine. I shot them at 1000 yards at sea level in a 7.5 twist and factory BC was good.

Perfect.

I'm at about 3500-6000 elevation.

$500 was too good of a price for barrels that'll only last 750 rounds.