https://www.sierrabullets.com/store/product.cfm/sn/7169/224-dia-69-gr-Tipped-MatchKing-TMK

For years now, we have been limited 7 and 8 twist 223 barrels for shooting the 77smk at distance. This new 69 tmk has a higher bc than the 77smk, mag length loadings, shoots from a 9 twist, and roughly 300 fps faster. So what is not to like? This is literally having your cake and eating it too.

Mils of drop will be somewhere around 2.7 at 500 compared to 3.4 of the 77smk.
A constant 10mph 90 degree wind at 500 will be somewhere around 1.2 mils. The 77 would be at 1.3.

My hope is that the 69tmk is accurate and easily tunable. If it is, I have no reason to shoot the 77cc or smk anymore.
I also hope this TMK release will get other manufacturers to step up there game. Competition always breeds better products for consumers like us.

Interesting...

What is the difference in bearing surface length of the two?

I have found Sierra to be honest in BC. Saying that, BC and SWAG on MV tells the tale. So yes, it will prolly be some awesome new koolade!

When are they shipping?

Good question, but it's one I can't answer at the moment.

Here is the rest of the TMK lineup. the 308 168 looks like a real winner too.
https://www.sierrabullets.com/products/new.cfm

Lets hope its only a matter of time before we get even more tmk's in the lineup.
6mm 105's
6.5mm 142's
7mm 180's
30 cal 210's
would all be nice options to challenge Berger, Lapua, and Hornady.

Only thing I can find right now is that black hills has already produced the 77tmk in loaded ammo.
https://www.triadtactical.com/Black-Hills-New-5.56mm-77gr-TMK.html
At a buck a shot, I am grateful to be a reloader.

The 77tmk doesn't interest me nearly as much as the 69tmk.
https://blackhillsammo.wordpress.com/2015/02/01/black-hills-ammunition-new-for-2015-5-56mm-69gr-tmk/

Hopefully these bullets will be released for reloading sooner rather than later.

I agree!

I agree on all counts.

Now if Sierra would just come out with a 69-90gr TGK in .224 or plain Game King for that matter. Not that the 65gr SBT is bad, just a heavier option for hunting would be nice.

-ww

I'm curious about the total length of the TMK bullets compared to the SMK. The reason why the SMK shoot very well is because they keep it a fairly short bullet for weight and caliber. The SMK are not very aggressive with the ogive or the tip to ogive length (like a Berger VLD is). With this new tip, it will increase the bullet length and ogive to tip length making it a little more finicky on large sweet spots. I'd like to try them and take some measurements off them.

69 tmk is in stock at midway. Just ordered 100 to give them a try.

Me too. VERY curious about these in a 1 in 9" twist as well.