77gr OTM or 62gr Bonded

[WS6]

Sounds like you've been having some bad luck with the TMK. The TMK should be shooting only a hair less accurate than the SMK. You would really need higher magnification to see the difference.

I can tell the difference in 1.5moa and 2.5moa ammo with a 4x optic. Here is a group fired with Gold Dot. I could do this all day, erry day, cold, hot, rain, snow, sun, doesn't matter, with that rifle and NXS 1-4. TMK was the worst performer, tested over multiple range trips, averaging well over 2moa.

[1168]

TMK>SMK in 77gr for this purpose.

[vicious_cb]

TMK>SMK in 77gr for this purpose.

Its probably the most destructive .224 caliber bullet Ive seen in testing. Unfortunately its not barrier blind otherwise I'd be my go to round.

[1168]

Its probably the most destructive .224 caliber bullet Ive seen in testing. Unfortunately its not barrier blind otherwise I'd be my go to round.

Agreed.

[MegademiC]

Years ago you had to choose great terminal performance or good barrier performance.
Newer bonded loads like the T3 offer both and make better all-around rounds.

Honestly, for HD i doubt it matters.

[AndyLate]

I will swap the 77gr SMK for the 62gr bonded loads, since I have them.

Thanks
Andy

[PineRiverOutfitters]

I’ve actually had very good results with 16” barrels and 77 SMK on Maine deer. Some people will swear by them others will swear at you for using them.

[ST911]

Your results with 77 TMKs are surprising, as I see them routinely fly sub-MOA for several hundred yards, and they'll stay on E silhouettes to ~1500 with good wind calls.

[Todd.K]

I’ve actually had very good results with 16” barrels and 77 SMK on Maine deer. Some people will swear by them others will swear at you for using them.

SMK's tend to be inconsistent. So you both can be completely right, based on actual experience.

[ST911]

Searching and reading has left me without an absolute understanding of which is best for me.

I keep a carbine and four loaded 30 round mags in the bedroom safe. The mags are currently loaded with IMI 77gr OTM but I have a few hundred rounds of Federal LE223T3 62 gr bonded soft point on hand.

Which round is best for home defense inside my typical 2 story studs and drywall home when overpenetration and effectiveness are the prime considerations?

Engaging outside my home is not a consideration.

Thank you

Andy

P.S. I also have plenty of Hornady "Black" 55gr HP, but feel its inferior to the choices above.

Nothing wrong with wanting to optimize performance, but there's a point at which it's hair splitting. It's a rifle in a house. Pick one of those loads and practice until you can consistently place it in a 2" circle from any strong- or support-side shooting position in dim light at any distance in your home.

Frankly, if your home is a typical size and floorplan I would just double down on pistol skills.