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> Sierra TMKs in 308 on big bodied reds
Sierra TMKs in 308 on big bodied reds
@ 02:04 pm (GMT) |
IainCurrently loaded with 168 TMKs over H4895/2206H, which have had surprisingly adequate penetration on broadside shots, even at closer ranges.Looking to step up bullet weight with the aim of a little more reliability in the event of a big bone hit or slightly raking shot. Had pretty much decided on the 175TMK at maybe 2600, but after studying bullistic tables, it appears that the 195TMK at maybe 2500 may be a better choice, particularly at 500/600 yards. Seems that the only downside to the 195 is a loopier trajectory at my preferred PBR of 300 yards. Thoughts ? Votes ? Not looking for alternative views on bullet make/style or calibre, regardless of the possible merits of different options. |
Replies
@ 08:34 am (GMT) |
Nathan FosterRe: Sierra TMKs in 308 on big bodied redsHi Iain, I suggest that you give this a run for a while to see if it suits you. Those of us who started with the Lee Enfield were happy with the muzzle velocity of 2400fps, no complaints whatsoever and with a steeper trajectory than your proposed load. Nevertheless, you will still need to run it for a while to see if the basic trajectory (without or prior to dialing) suits your hunting methods (does not slow you down / cause errors).In my rifle, running Winchester brass and a Federal 210 primer, I have been using 41gr 2206h (H4895) behind the 195gr TMK. The OAL is 71.3mm. Velocity is 2440fps, ES extremely low, accuracy outstanding. I am currently using a 22" barrel. I have found everything to be satisfactory in the field. This is one of the great virtues of the .308, being able to use a very wide range of bullet weights. It is worth exploring, even if you return to a lighter bullet weight later. |
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@ 11:12 am (GMT) |
IainRe: Sierra TMKs in 308 on big bodied redsThanks for that. 2400ish is likely to a bit loopy for me,and initial impressions are that this barrel may be a little slow.Best I do some proper load work and see where it takes me. |
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@ 05:41 pm (GMT) |
IainRe: Sierra TMKs in 308 on big bodied redsUpdate.Pleasantly surprised that this rifle is NOT slow. 175 TMK, 42.4g of H4895/2206H, 2650ish fps. from 24" bbl. A little slower and a little more weight than my 168 TLK load. A whisker under .3 MOA for three. I need to run a string for ES, but this will give a comfortable PBR of 300yds. Zero to be close to 3" high at 100 yards and set O stop at 300 yards. Nice and simple. Curiosity pulls me toward the 195 TMKs but this close to the roar I'm not starting the process again. |
@ 05:39 am (GMT) |
Paul LevermanRe: Sierra TMKs in 308 on big bodied redsBeing an outsider, could you provide some statistical info on red deer. Such as weight, height, etc. Just looking to see how they would compare to our moose (average weight being 400# for calves, 600 -750# for meat bulls and cows). I was thinking about using the 175gr TMK, but now maybe the 195gr. Thanks |
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@ 05:41 am (GMT) |
Paul LevermanRe: Sierra TMKs in 308 on big bodied redsEdit to the above: 250# for calves, 400# for cows |
@ 06:12 am (GMT) |
Joshua MayfieldRe: Sierra TMKs in 308 on big bodied redsThis past season was my first hunting with the 195 gr. TMK. I shoot it from a 24" barreled 30-06 at a bit over 2,700 fps. The hunting season was a bit of a letdown overall due to unexpectedly little time in the field. I can tell you that at 30 yards the TMK does horrific things to a coyote and at 70 yards on a smaller than average deer a broadside heart shot left an exit wound exactly the size of my fist.I started testing the TMK with intent to use it on much larger game and still hope to. So far I find my limited data on both the accuracy and terminal performance front very encouraging. |
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@ 09:00 pm (GMT) |
IainRe: Sierra TMKs in 308 on big bodied redsI'm no insider Paul, so my observations are limited. I would think a prime wild red stag would be unlikely to exceed 400/450lbs, with the average being smaller. Hinds, as in all deer species, significantly smaller than stags.Our Kiwi friends may be able to offer something more accurate. As regards using the 195 TMK on large (whatever we regard as "large") animals, I think we need to keep in mind the old saying "horses for courses". If I was pursuing 600/750lb moose, I would probably use a partition. Because the high BC, soft, slow bullet plan works so well on suitable target species at appropriate ranges does mean that it is all range solution to hunt everything that walks; although the 225/30 and 285/338 ELDMs are certainly blurring the distinctions. That said, I do intend to work up a load for the 195 and try it on sambar at some time in the future. I wont be using it at 50 yards on 500 lb animals - there are better choices for that. |
@ 10:11 pm (GMT) |
Magnus VassbotnRe: Sierra TMKs in 308 on big bodied redsHere in our part of western Norway, typical weights for red deer are:Calves - 100 pounds Yearlings - 180 pounds Adult females - 220 pounds Young adult males - 300 pounds Fully grown males - 350-500 pounds, with the odd one pushing 600. We only weigh the carcasses, so these numbers are based on a carcass weight of 55% pf live weight. Also, there are some local variations. Drive 2 hours one way or another, and weights can go up or down by 10%. Eitherway, 175-180 grain 30 cal bullets of frangeble/ match style (Eld-M/ X and such) are perfectly ok, as 90-95 % of animals are under 300 pounds. |
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@ 09:06 am (GMT) |
Paul LevermanRe: Sierra TMKs in 308 on big bodied redsGood info, guys. Thanks. |
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@ 09:47 pm (GMT) |
IainRe: Sierra TMKs in 308 on big bodied redsFurther update on the 175 TMK load:Average velocity 2694fps. ES 12 I'd say that I'm good to go. |
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@ 10:47 pm (GMT) |
Magnus VassbotnRe: Sierra TMKs in 308 on big bodied redsThat sounds like a very promising load for red deer. It will quite possibly cause a bit of a mess with close range hits in the shoulder bone, but good in most other ways. The less dramatic meat destruction at close range is one benefit of the slightly heavier bullets at less velocity (I have used the 208 eld-m @ 2500 a bit, and it is not really bad). But the 175 has a slightly better PBR, like you say. So it depends a lot on personal preference and whether your emphasis is more towards meat saving, or the quickest possible, most spectacular kill. Good, fun reaserch eitherway. |
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