Sierra TMK and 6.5 CM Loads

[ChuckP65]

I've been trying all kinds of combinations for a long time and I can only get decent accuracy in the TMK. I'm curious as to why Sierra only makes a 130 grain version and no 140. Frankly going through all price points I cannot beat the 140 ELD and 143 ELDX with anything. I know Bergers have this cult following but I can find no evidence to justify the upcharge. Lapua as well. Both are 'accurate' but the ELD family has them all beat. What are others experiencing? I keep making ELD family loads that give me 1/3 MOA consistently in my RPR. I just got some 130s. Strange that it's not popular and the 140 and 120 are but then I suppose that's because these two are factory loaded. I just cannot fathom why Sierra wouldn't want to capitalize on the success of the ELD line with their own version. The TMK has a much blunter nose that seems more designed to facilitate feeding in an SA that for BC.

BTW - If you haven't tried Staball you are missing out on a powder that is at least as good as H4350 if not better. Buy some! Initial results are outstanding at least for me.

 

[Yoteski]

Sierra has a new 130 matchking out that has a very good BC. Might check that out.

 

[Yoteski]

.264 Cal 130 GR HPBT MatchKing - Sierra Bullets

The 6.5mm/.264 inch bore has recently enjoyed a resurgence of interest. Several rifle manufacturers currently produce 6.5x55mm sporters, exposing a new generation of shooters to this famous old Scandinavian service and hunting cartridge. Competitive HighPower and Silhouette shooters have also...

www.sierrabullets.com

 

[ChuckP65]

I'm familiar with the conventional MKs. In various platforms I have never gotten the magical performance they promise. My question is about the tipped match king TMK - much newer - and why Sierra doesn't make versions heavier than 130 grains. 140 grains is the clear center of the bell curve in 6.5 CM from a manufacturer perspective.

 

[Yoteski]

This is a brand new released bullet.....

 

[ChuckP65]

All I see for a 130 MK is SKU 1729 - 130 MK. Not listed on their site in new products. What bullet are you referring to?

 

[Yoteski]

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/sierra-6-5mm-130gr-smk-1729.6983165/#post-8259488

 

[ChuckP65]

I see it. It's the one I mentioned. I'll have to get some as that 130 TMK isn't among my favorites. Weird how they have a new products section but it's not listed there. It is on their site.

 

[Gloy]

I have tried the 130 tmk and have had no luck getting them to group. The hornady 140 eldm and 143 eldx are what I have stuck with. both of these are very good thru my rifle. I have changed from h4350 to superformance and like the results also.

 

[clcustom1911]

Hornady or Prime brass, 42.7-43.1 Reloder 16, 2.78-2.81" OAL, Fed 210M primers. Should be moving 2850-2900 depending on what brand of 24" barrel you got going.

My load is 42.8-42.9. The node is from 42.7-43.1. SD's should be 12 or less, and ES should be 35 or less. CCI BR2 primers may bring the SD's down, but you will lose anywhere between 10-30 fps.

Add 0.1-0.3gr if using H4350

You're welcome.

 

[acudaowner]

smk also makes a 142gr that shoots real nice

Sierra MatchKing Bullets 264 Cal, 6.5mm (264 Diameter) 142 Grain

Sierra MatchKing bullets have very thin jackets and are held to exacting tolerances in diameter and weight. These Hollow Point Boat Tail bullets have a...

www.midwayusa.com

which shot almost exactly like the 140 bergers target and the hornady 140 gr american gunner factory ammo . but the factory 140's for 138.00 for 200 ready to shoot for me is nice 69c each + shipping

Rifle Ammo - 6.5mm Creedmoor Ammo - Outdoor Limited

6.5 Creedmoor RIFLE Ammunition for Sale. We sell ammunition by the box and bulk ammo in case quantities. We have V-MAX, Polymer Tip and Soft Point bullets for Hunting, Varmint and Small Game Hunting.

www.outdoorlimited.com

 

[clcustom1911]

Yes, the 142's are badass. Easy to tune and shoot better than ELDm's for me.

 

[Steel head]

142’s are an amazing bullet.

I’ve played with the 130 TMK, easy to tune but I didn’t realize the BC kinda stinky.

 

[clcustom1911]

142’s are an amazing bullet.

I’ve played with the 130 TMK, easy to tune but I didn’t realize the BC kinda stinky.

BC is cheese-like, but its consistent. Instead of 7.2 mils at 1000 with Berger 130 hybrid, I have to dial up to 7.6 with the Sierra 130 TMK.

 

[acudaowner]

I liked the prime 130's with the Peterson brass to me they shot nice in my gun just not enough better for the price vrs the 140's.that could all change if I get to go to a longer range . the hornady 140's and the 142 smk's and burger 140's someone else may know the differances they were just too small a difference for me to see even on paper at my current range . makes me want to reload even more . well good luck finding your perfect bullets .

 

[jetsurgeon]

I load the 142 SMK..... great bullet.... When I spoke with Sierra, the technician told me the bullet length is the same for the 130 TMK and the 142 MK. So it looks like the poly tip adds a littte bit of length to the 130 bullet.

 

[ChuckP65]

These are a little tough to find so far. Not like H4350 but you have to shop a bit.

 

[bfoosh006]

FWIW... Federal sells a 140gr Sierra TMK load in their "Tactical TRU" LEO line.

https://le.vistaoutdoor.com/ammunition/federal/rifle/details.aspx?id=1018

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1022429325 ( read the limited reviews )


Specifications:

Part Number: T65CRDTTMK1

Bullet Style: Tactical Tip MatchKing®

Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor

Primer No.: 210

Bullet Weight (Grains/Grams): 140 / 9.07

Test Barrel Length in Inches: 24

Ballistic Coefficient: 0.578

 

[ChuckP65]

FWIW... Federal sells a 140gr Sierra TMK load in their "Tactical TRU" LEO line.

https://le.vistaoutdoor.com/ammunition/federal/rifle/details.aspx?id=1018

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1022429325 ( read the limited reviews )


Specifications:

Part Number: T65CRDTTMK1

Bullet Style: Tactical Tip MatchKing®

Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor

Primer No.: 210

Bullet Weight (Grains/Grams): 140 / 9.07

Test Barrel Length in Inches: 24

Ballistic Coefficient: 0.578

Long gone my friend. I got some about a year ago. Good bullet but not sold as a component. Midway will never have them again. Heck right now Midway has almost nothing of anything at all. That said the LEs were a onetime thing.

 

[ChuckP65]

I just checked. Midway has ‘3’ .264 bullets available. Sad times.

 

[bfoosh006]

Long gone my friend. I got some about a year ago. Good bullet but not sold as a component. Midway will never have them again. Heck right now Midway has almost nothing of anything at all. That said the LEs were a onetime thing.

No worries... I got a decent amount of it from another source... for far cheaper... ( you all remember those days ?! )

How was your accuracy with it ?

 

[ChuckP65]

Good. Not what I can do with a 142 SMK hand load but I feel better than the 130 TMK. Not sure why they don’t sell it as a component. Thing is it’s designed to feed better in AR type PRS platforms so it would be interesting for someone with a 6.5 CM AR to comment.

 

[DJL2]

I just loaded some 130 TMK because it's what I could find. I've got some 130 Berger coming, and (I think) some 140s...because I cannot leave well enough alone. Of course, now it's time to backorder something while I can...could do Hornady 140s...because they just flat work in my rifle...or, I could go 130 TMK. The Bergers are for academic purposes...I don't shoot well enough or reload well enough to justify a marginal potential improvement in bullet consistency.

My KRG SOTIC, 22", SAAMI chamber (about .100" of jump), COL of 2.8" COL of 2.811 or so, 43 grains of H4350, and Fed LR primer is what I've got to mess with at the moment. It's around 2865 fps, pending further eval of a larger sample. I didn't read the above before I loaded my first batch, but it would have saved me some time, clearly.

ETA: note to self - don't forget a seating depth test, and definitely don't load 100+ rounds before you do one. I changed my COL in a quest to dial things in a little. I banged out (with a inertial puller) 10 loaded rounds and the re-seated to ~-14 vs. -25 indicated on my Whidden seating die...mostly to see if they'd function (worried about primer compromise). I know Sierra stuff is supposed to be easy to tune...but, my windows for seating depth are maybe .006" wide.

Attached is where I ended up, offered without excuses. I need more time at the range a lot more than I need more time at the bench...though both are required.