60 gr TMK?

[IowaGeologist]

Let's hear some more about the 60 TMK. Still sitting on a pile of these as I've decided to use a 40 gr VMAX for 223 AI fireforming instead. Might try to load up 30 of them to try along with my 75 gr ELDs next range visit.

 

[Huckleberry75]

I always thought Sierra had the best bullet viewing website ever. They just changed it.... Its terrible.

I am not sure what the point of a 60gr TMK is? Why would somebody buy those over the 69gr version? Especially for shooting at distance and/or in the wind.

I posed this very question to one of the technicians at Sierra about 1.5 years ago when they first showed up in limited number. They were initially developed for LEO/MIL contracts that require the use of a match type bullet rather than a hunting bullet. These provide far better terminal performance than a standard FMJ on soft tissue, but still fall into the Match bullet category for regulatory compliance. At 60gns, they also have only a nominal weight difference from many standard mil-spec FMJ loadings.

They are hell on coyotes and crows. No whitetails yet, but hope to try that this fall from either an AR, 223AI, 22BR or 22cm. Haven't decided where to play with them yet...decisions decisions.

 

[Scrumbag]

Hi folks, resurrecting an old thread.

Anyone had more experience with these as a long range plinking load and also for foxes / yotes out to say 300yds?

My rifle is a 1:9 twist, 22" bbl .223 rem CIP (CIP .223 Rem = 5.56 Nato)

I have Ramshot TAC but could get Viht N140 if people thought I'd see much difference.

Thanks in advance.

Scrummy

 

[jelenko]

I posed this very question to one of the technicians at Sierra about 1.5 years ago when they first showed up in limited number. They were initially developed for LEO/MIL contracts that require the use of a match type bullet rather than a hunting bullet. These provide far better terminal performance than a standard FMJ on soft tissue, but still fall into the Match bullet category for regulatory compliance. At 60gns, they also have only a nominal weight difference from many standard mil-spec FMJ loadings.

They are hell on coyotes and crows. No whitetails yet, but hope to try that this fall from either an AR, 223AI, 22BR or 22cm. Haven't decided where to play with them yet...decisions decisions.

They are also a bit cheaper than 69gr SMK's with essentially the same BC.

 

[Scrumbag]

They are also a bit cheaper than 69gr SMK's with essentially the same BC.

I notice this. Also, where I am, the 65gr SBT is slightly cheaper than the 69gr SMK - when you can actually purchase either that is...

 

[jelenko]

Right. Price doesn't matter much if none are available.

 

[Scrumbag]

Right. Price doesn't matter much if none are available.

Very true, sir!

 

[IowaGeologist]

Loving the 60 gr TMKs. Did some load development in my 223 AI. Trying to get some final loads figured out. No highly noticeable pressure signs on these with my Origin, although I could trick myself into thinking the CCI 450s were just a hair flatter on the final load, can't tell for sure.

Sierra 60gr TMK
Varget
CCI 450s
2-3x Formed LC15 brass
1.960" +/- .002 CBTO

26" 1-8 CBI, 223 AI
Origin Action with Razor Gen2
Shooting off bipod and rear bag

Only a two shot chronograph to gen an idea of where they were
27.1 - 3306, 3284
27.4 - 3335, 3326
27.7 - 3357, 3361
28.0 - 3387, 3415
28.3 - 3427, 3432
28.5 - ?


POI seems to be very similar at 27.7-28.3 gr. Should have went in 0.2 gr increments, but maybe next time. I'd like to just redo 27.7 and 28.3 gr and confirm seating depth, but something tells me maybe I should try out 27.8/9 and 28.1/2 to make sure I'm within that node going forward. Obviously, I'd like to be on the faster side, but wanted to see what you all thought.

Highly suggest picking some up if you can find some.

 

[Scrumbag]

Thanks @IowaGeologist

I would try out some small increments out from 28.0 and see what happened but I suspect it is time to start playing with seating depth

I'm sort of a geologist myself (did geology at undergrad) then the dark side of petroleum economics got me.

Scrummy

 

[IowaGeologist]

Thanks @IowaGeologist

I would try out some small increments out from 28.0 and see what happened but I suspect it is time to start playing with seating depth

I'm sort of a geologist myself (did geology at undergrad) then the dark side of petroleum economics got me.

Scrummy

That's probably what I'll end up doing. Hopefully can find something consistent.

You're not the only one that's strayed, I'm in the environmental field and haven't seen a rock since undergrad.

 

[A_Gamehog]

In stock at Midway as of 1300 hrs PST today ( minus my 1k)

 

[Longtrain]

The price was good, so I picked some up. Loaded them in my 223AI, crono’ed at 3300fps. Cleaned a 100 meter prone fun match 400-37x, stupid accurate.