Thread: .223 77 grain TMK

Just wondering what people are loading for this?

I am currently using 20.8 grain of 2208, it is a little underwhelming. Tikka 21" 1:8.

I am pretty sure they can fly better, hence the question.

I load them with 2206H in a Tikka and Sako around 24.4grn but I would start at 24 and go up .1 or .2 at a time

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You're nearly 3 full grains under Hodgdon's maximum load for a 77gr SMK and Varget (same powder).

No wonder it is underwhelming

Originally Posted by 25/08 IMP

I load them with 2206H in a Tikka and Sako around 24.4grn but I would start at 24 and go up .1 or .2 at a time

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This

Originally Posted by Pommy

You're nearly 3 full grains under Hodgdon's maximum load for a 77gr SMK and Varget (same powder).

No wonder it is underwhelming

Yeah, this is true, I had no chrony at the time and just took the best accuracy load from a workup.

I love how the best powder is the one I never have Might be some 2206H on the way then......

I'm using Benchmark 2 with 75gr bullets in my 223, was considerably faster than 2208.
BM2, BM 8208XBR, or 2206H are probably your best options (for ADI powders at least).

Originally Posted by Beetroot

I'm using Benchmark 2 with 75gr bullets in my 223, was considerably faster than 2208.
BM2, BM 8208XBR, or 2206H are probably your best options (for ADI powders at least).

I do have some BM2, what sort of loads were you running? I will work up, just a ballpark so I don't have to cover 3 grains in .3 grain increments

I use 25.0 and 25.5 of 2208 behind a Barnes 80.5 gn .224 pill so you can be a bit braver. Seated out long though.

Originally Posted by Dicko

I use 25.0 and 25.5 of 2208 behind a Barnes 80.5 gn .224 pill so you can be a bit braver. Seated out long though.

Cool, I have a bit of 2208. I will work up to that and see how it looks I think I have only ever loaded up to the Sierra book max, 22.1 or some such, may find a node above that though.

Helpful having a chrony now though Thanks for your input

Originally Posted by Tahr

This

24 grains is warm in my latest rifle. I would start at 22 or 22 but yes it's a good combo.

Originally Posted by inglishill

I do have some BM2, what sort of loads were you running? I will work up, just a ballpark so I don't have to cover 3 grains in .3 grain increments

23.8gr of BM2 is doing 2750fps with 75gr BTHPs in my 18" 223.
Seated long as using CTR mags.

Originally Posted by Stocky

24 grains is warm in my latest rifle. I would start at 22 or 22 but yes it's a good combo.

Yeah, work up but 24.4 2206 is a go to load for Tikkas.

Originally Posted by Tahr

Yeah, work up but 24.4 2206 is a go to load for Tikkas.

Same in mine and my sako

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In my S&L with 21" barrel I run 24.3 2206H behind 77 TMKs for 2900 fps. The load shows no pressure signs but GRT says it was right on 60,000 psi and 24.5 was 62,000psi which was " over my limit", I throw all my hunting ammo and if tolerances stack its possible I could get a 25.7 load which is too hot.

BM2 is Benchmark in the US. I use 23.0 as a generic load and it does well with 75-77gr in all of my bolt guns and ARs. I haven’t seen XBR 8208 on the shelves here in years and, if I remember correctly, I was using 24.5 with 75-77gr bullets.

24.0 of BM2 gave me 3000fps from a 26” barrel but primer pockets weren’t good so I settled on 23.0 to be safe and not have to toss my brass after firing.