This paper reports performance measurements for a laboratory-scale reciprocating heat pump with HFO-1336mzz-Z (cis-CF₃CH=CHCF₃; previously referred to as DR-2) as the working fluid over a range of conditions representative of intended applications (e.g. drying or steam generation). Various compressor technologies, compressor lubricants, heat exchanger designs, expansion valve types and cycles without and with internal heat exchange were considered. The experimental setup was designed based on numerical calculations of ideal heat pump cycles. Commercially available equipment components were selected and used with no or only minor modifications. System testing demonstrated the technical feasibility of condensation temperatures up to 150°C (302°F) and assessed heating efficiency over a range of conditions. Attractive energy efficiencies were realized without system optimization and despite the small equipment scale. Transfer of heat from the liquid exiting the condenser to the vapor entering the compressor was found to significantly increase the Coefficient of Performance for heating (COP_h) relative to the standard cycle without internal heat exchange, especially at high temperature lifts.