Sierra 77grn smk vs tmk

[boyguan]

I had some 69 grain smk and they were good. I am trying some 77 grn tmk with some varget tomorrow. 22.6-24.1 in .3 grain increments. I am getting compression even at 22.6 at 2.26 coal for my ar

What is everyone thought in the tmk vs smk? I got a box of 500 for a good deal

Groups attached. Bottom right is 24.1

[highpower790]

For the difference in cost I would stick with the 77smk.TMK's are over rated in my opinion,and don't seat very well to mag length.At 22.6 your loads aren't compressed when compared to the typical highpower load at 24.5...

[boyguan]

For the difference in cost I would stick with the 77smk.TMK's are over rated in my opinion,and don't seat very well to mag length.At 22.6 your loads aren't compressed when compared to the typical highpower load at 24.5...

[Kwikvette]

I have stockpiled 69gr SMK's, 77gr SMK's, and 77gr TMK's.

My experience with these rounds were that;

69gr shot just under 1" but never broke 1/2 out of an 18" Douglas barrel, 24.2 gr of RL15
77gr SMK shot a best and average of .6" out of the same barrel, 24gr of RL15
77gr TMK shot a best of .4" and average .5" out of the same barrel, 23.2gr of RL15

69gr shot a best and average of .7" out of a 14.5" KAC barrel, 24gr of RL15
77gr SMK shot a best and average of 1" out of the same barrel, 24gr of RL15
77gr of TMK shot a best and average of 1" out of the same barrel, 23.4gr of RL15

I know these are only 2 data points, and this is not even including muzzle velocity, etc.

If the SMK's work, then stick to them. In my experience, if a rifle likes SMK's, it'll like the TMK's in the same weight. You may have to bring the charge down a little bit because they're freaking long. I will say, at short range, I didn't notice much of a difference in accuracy when loading to mag length or longer (requiring single loading).

[OpenSightsOnly]

Yeah, I second the 24.5 grains of Varget with the 77 SMK.

Mag length and mag fed TMKs out of an AR, haven't tried that out, let us know

If you are getting 0.75 MOA out of 69 SMK, you are doing good

May want to try 24.5 grains of Varget with the 69 SMKs.

[fawndog]

TMK 77s don't fit regular AR mags.

I have maybe 250 that are no use to me now.

[boyguan]

TMK 77s don't fit regular AR mags.

I have maybe 250 that are no use to me now.

[highpower790]

TMK 77s don't fit regular AR mags.

I have maybe 250 that are no use to me now.

They will fit, seat them deeper.

[Kwikvette]

TMK 77s don't fit regular AR mags.

I have maybe 250 that are no use to me now.

I have hundreds of them and I seat them just a hair over 2.26"

I'll buy the 250 you have left from you.

[boyguan]

I find that a hair over 2.26 it will barely fit into my 10 round pmags

They shot great today. I need to look at my charges again but I believe I am at 24.1 and it was getting tighter groups. I didn’t see any signs of over pressure and the gun was cycling fine. Anyone load past this?

[fawndog]

I have hundreds of them and I seat them just a hair over 2.26"

I'll buy the 250 you have left from you.

I do 24.5 of Varget, and it crunches the powder if I force it to magazine length.

Straight trade for SMK 77, or $80 shipped?

[CK_32]

Lots of people load past 24.0 - 24.5 gr assuming you mean Varget on 77's. Seems to be the seeet spot window for them.

That's my goal once I start loading my work up with 77's.

[Kwikvette]

I do 24.5 of Varget, and it crunches the powder if I force it to magazine length.

Straight trade for SMK 77, or $80 shipped?

I'll see how many SMK's I've got at home from the same lot without opening other boxes.

[boyguan]

Lots of people load past 24.0 - 24.5 gr assuming you mean Varget on 77's. Seems to be the seeet spot window for them.

That's my goal once I start loading my work up with 77's.

[OpenSightsOnly]

^^

Depends on the manual and rifle used for the test. It's good to have at least two reloading manuals.

Depending on your chamber, 24.5 grains is another tested load.