Sierra 175 TMKs?

[Chrazy-Chris]

I just purchased 500 of the Sierra 175gr TMKs for my 308. What is the general consensus on these? I was going to go with the tried and true SMKs but the higher BC and sale price sold me on the TMKs. Have you guys had any luck with them?

I loaded up 100rds using 43gr IMR4320 in fire formed FC match brass seated .005" off the rifling for my savage and 40rds of the same load using resized Hornady match brass and 2.800" OAL for an M1A NM. I'll provide a range report. I'm just curious what you all's opinion is on them? I noted that they have a very gradual ogive if that makes sense.

I also purchased 500 77gr .223 TMKs and the ogive is much more aptly shaped for loading AR mag length than the 75gr Amax.

[Front Royalty]

Im interested as well. I shot with a guy the other weekend who had no problem out to 1100 yards with them, when my 168 BTHP's were acting crazy around 1k yds. Even the new Hornady ELD-X doesn't have the BC of the TMK. And the sale price (potterfield.com) is nothing to scoff at.

ETA: looks like sale is over.

[darkker]

Unless I'm off my medication again, they still have a secant ogive. Perhaps the caliber number changed, not sure about that.
Otherwise they shoot fine and dandy for me. I shot a few I traded for, and weren't signigicantly different. I caught a deal on on a mountain of 175 SMK's a couple years back, that I couldn't say no to.
Still have a few un-opened 500 packs, so no reason to switch.

Generally speaking, for me at least, BC isn't really that much of an issue unless you are out of bullets. As long as they are steady(BC) I've got enough adjustment in my Weaver to dial all I need, until the 1700 itch gets me...

[Chrazy-Chris]

Unless I'm off my medication again, they still have a secant ogive...

Here is a pic I took of them... A very, very poor pic.

https://flic.kr/p/Dv9GMR

[darkker]

Ref takes a point away, wrong name in my head.
The SMK's are tangent ogives, the new are something. They don't look to be a true secant, but something between. I can't find any good reference material to verify at the moment.

[cowtownup]

its been a while since I messed with them since I've been on the 260 for the last few months.. However, seems like they ran about 40-50 FPS faster out of my barrel with same charge weight. My 26" heavy barrel 10 twist seemed to like 43.2 grains of IMR-4064 the best.. I never really saw great consistency out of them but that may have been the NUT behind the gun...

[Chrazy-Chris]

Happy to report back that I shot some great groups with these loads today! 3 shot cloverleaf at 100 and a sub MOA 3 shot group at 500 with two touching. Today was just for zeroing scopes before heading out to the farm and doing real shooting. The rounds were dropping about 3.2mils at 500yrds so I estimate they were going 2600fps.

[390fe]

I was getting 2,600 fps from the tmk's with 42.5 grains of IMR 4064 in Remington brass from my 20 inch barrel. I found that the tipped matchkings liked to be seated longer than my trusty matchkings.

[GaCop]

I was getting 2,600 fps from the tmk's with 42.5 grains of IMR 4064 in Remington brass from my 20 inch barrel. I found that the tipped match kings liked to be seated longer than my trusty match kings.

I pretty much discovered the same thing compared to the SMK's and I was getting higher velocities overall too.

[BW64]

I'm running 2700 with 43.7 of Varget & 2690 with 43.6 of IMR 4064 & Lapua brass. no signs of pressure. Both are raagged holes at 100 & less than 1" at 300. 800 yards is giving 6-7 " groups. Rifle is a Rem 700 tuned with 26" Criterion, B&C bedded stock; timney trigger shooting off a Bald Eagle rest & Swfa 20x42 glass.


BW

[243LPR]

Just started running these in my 308. Largest group yesterday at 200 yds was .89" with smallest being .25". Just wish I had somewhere to stretch my range. Using Hodgdons' max load of Varget.

[Front Royalty]

Mine should be here this week!

[Chrazy-Chris]

Shot about a half inch five shot group with 43gr IMR4320 yesterday. Using FC (FGMM) fire formed brass, WLR primers, seated .005" off the rifling.

https://flic.kr/p/Dfw9hR

[Davehafelein]

I gave up on Sierra TMK 168. Too much variation from day to day. .7 moa on one day. 3 moa the next day. Back to regular MK.

[Front Royalty]

Mine finally arrived today. Time to work up some preliminary pressure loads then to full steam OCW!