[mmmooretx]

Barnes says 0.050 other threads say 0.015 etc. I have a smoke stick that is suppose to do 1/2" groups at 100 yards but I am getting 1.2-1.5" groups with 180 SMK at 0.050 on my 300wm.
Advice on where you set your ogive to land engagement would be appreciated.
:banghead:

[something vague]

I have no experience with the components that you're using but I do mess with OAL in my setup quite often. There is no real definitive answer to your question. The only thing I can suggest is that you try moving the bullet closer to lands by small increments while paying very close attention to signs of excessive pressure. This is especially true if your load is hot to begin with. If so I would reccomend decreasing the load weight before starting your testing. A little more info on your part would be helpfull as well.

[Jim Watson]

I don't have a .300 WM, but I seat Sierrra MKs .010"-.012" off the lands.

The solid copper Barnes need more jump to let them engrave without boosting pressures.

[USSR]

I like to seat bullets .010" - .015" off the leade if not constricted by magazine length.

Don

[243winxb]

Try different OAL when testing. http://www.benchrest.com/forums/showpost.php?p=502717&postcount=28

[Clarence]

I've never owned a rifle that grouped better with the bullets off the lands. I've always had the best luck with the bullet kissing the lands.

.050 off the lands is waaaay off where I come from.

[Walkalong]

With a 6PPC, I seat into the lands. (which is supplemented by other factors). With 99% of other applications I like to start at .020 off the lands, see how it does, and go from there. Some mags won't allow you to do this and you must jump the bullet unless single loading.

[something vague]

I have only one rifle that likes the bullets kissing the lands. My other 3 rifles usually shoot best with bullets off the lands around .005" to sometimes as far as .010". Any further is not conducive to better accuracy. It is also bullet dependent. When changing bullet types I have to start my testing all over again and usually end up with a different OAL.