.223 for bear, deer, elk and moose.

[ARK_Ginger]

How was the internal damage? I'm really curious how the 75gr gold dot compares to the 77gr TMK.

I don't gut them anymore, but there was significant blood trauma at the entry. The Gold Dot is a barrier blind bullet so it's not as destructive as the TMK but it'll kill'em.

 

[Castle Rock]

View attachment 349068

I like the look of that gun, is it a sporter barrel on a ctr?
how does the 223 feed from those magazines

 

[ARK_Ginger]

I like the look of that gun, is it a sporter barrel on a ctr?
how does the 223 feed from those magazines

It's a T3x lite with a CTR stock. The magazine I have feeds okay. Need to experiment more but I believe the MDT AICS I've modified to fit might feed better with these magazine length loads.

 

[chicoredneck]

I have been using Hornady 75gr BTHP factory ammo to good effect. I have taken mule deer, white tail, and pronghorn with the bullet. All one shot. The bullet behaves similarly to a Berger VLD in flesh.

 

[Lawnboi]

Another mag option for those running longer. Was supposed to be a 10 rounder but got sent a 6…. In the works to get a 10 here from Australia. Not cheap mags that’s for sure but initial impression is it looks good. Fits 2.6” which is way more than I need, and this one feeds my 2.3” practice ammo just fine. Sucker goes in tight! It ain’t falling out it really hangs on once in. This one leaves a hair more case head exposed than factory. Was hoping to use the 10 round mag for a one day match possibly with 75eldm loaded long and not have to reload as much when shooting at prairie dogs.

 

[Castle Rock]

Yeah Waters magazine, I was going to suggest that
CTR magazines
I used to shoot withe the guy that makes them, really smart bloke

 

[PNWGATOR]

TMK delivered. My EXwife killed this buck today. She said he took four steps. No autopsy photos, but she said heart and lungs were destroyed.

 

[11Justin22]

Here's my contribution to the research. Ruger MPR (18" barrel) at 160 yards . Slightly quarteing towards me. Hit in the shoulder and excited behind the opposite shoulder few inches . Everything in the vitals was jelly except for the heart strangely. It was whole just kinda floating around in there but not attached to anything weird. Shot his girlfriend at about 80 yards with same results. Both ran about 50 yards. I'm a believer. Also my biggest deer ever. For reference I'm 6'2" 220lbs. Edited to add ammo was black hills 77gr tmk.

 

[PNWGATOR]

Great buck! Thank you for sharing your experience with both of your deer.

 

[BAKPAKR]

To no one in particular-

You’re pole vaulting over mouse turds. Take a 77gr TMK, put 23.7gr (or 23.5or 23.3gr) of 8208 in a case (any case), with any standard SR primer, seat it to 2.26” COAL, shoot. That’s it. That combo has shot well in every single 223/5.56 we’ve tried it in.

I finally have some 8208 in hand!

 

[BAKPAKR]

Great thread. Thanks for all the data, experiences and photos.

What are the best lead free alternatives to the 77 TMK for those who must go that route?

If you have to go lead-free, try 62 gr Barnes TTSXs. A couple of the quickest deer kills I have seen were with them. I haven’t tried any of the Hammer .224 bullets but I sure like their 30 cal offerings.

 

[BAKPAKR]

I would stop listening to other Forums!

But, but, but…

(I just realized that I have the last three posts. It has been awhile since I have looked at the 223 thread).

 

[woods89]

I added one tonight.

I had intended to use the 77 TMK's in my 1-9 twist CZ. Initially I thought they would work, but as I shot some volume I realized this rifle/bullet combo just wasn't delivering acceptable precision. I have some 69 gr TMK that I need to load up and try. This rifle does shoot 73 gr Berger OTMs very well though, so they got the nod.

Shot was about 100 yds, impact velocity 2600ish. Whitetail doe was broadside. At the shot she ran about 50 yds, stood there for a few seconds, and tipped over.

The bullet entered just behind the shoulder, tore a nice hole through both lungs, and did not exit.

I intended to take a few more photos, but all I wound up with was one of the lungs after field dressing.
Edited to add- It's an absolute blast to hunt with something with virtually no recoil and mild noise. Also, if I legally could have filled another tag I easily could have, as the 6 other deer in the field all stood around trying to figure out what happened. I will use it again, although I do think I will try to use 69 TMK/73 ELD-M/75 Gold Dot in the future due to the twist rate. I would have ideally liked to have more penetration, but it is hard to argue with the results.

 

[BLJ]

Tag.

 

[Fartrell Cluggins]

64 grain Nosler Bonded. Front on shot. 25ish yard death dash. Innards were slush.

 

[260madman]

Distance of shot? The BSB have a reputation of being hard on the plumbing.

 

[Jhammer]

I usually use a .308 or .30-06 but have shot about a 1/2 dozen whitetails with an AR-15 and they never went far. Here we need to use a .243 or larger for elk, I don't know if I would feel comfortable using a .223 on elk even if I could,

 

[BjornF16]

Just skimmed through the entire thread again...maybe I missed it:

What impact velocity is too high for the TMKs?

 

[BLJ]

Okay. I read the whole thing. Getting ready to set up a Ruger American Ranch in 5.56. 1/8 twist 16.5” barrel. I have 77 TMK, ADI brass, Varget and CCI 450’s. I need to stay at magazine length so I can use Magpul P Mags. Any insight on a charge weight with the Varget? I’ll take all the speed I can get without pressure signs and without giving up accuracy.

Also, with the lower muzzle velocities of this combo (probably 2600?) what would be maximum terminal distance on whitetail? Cyotes? 300 if I do what I need to do? Thanks.

 

[GLB]

Okay. I read the whole thing. Getting ready to set up a Ruger American Ranch in 5.56. 1/8 twist 16.5” barrel. I have 77 TMK, ADI brass, Varget and CCI 450’s. I need to stay at magazine length so I can use Magpul P Mags. Any insight on a charge weight with the Varget? I’ll take all the speed I can get without pressure signs and without giving up accuracy.

Also, with the lower muzzle velocities of this combo (probably 2600?) what would be maximum terminal distance on whitetail? Cyotes? 300 if I do what I need to do? Thanks.

23.5-24 Varget are known accuracy loads with the 77 SMK. I use 24.1 of VV N140