Rifle is a 700 7mm-08, 9.25-twist, 26" SPS Varmint. It shoots great with my current load, but the issue I have, like many others, is that to load the bullet (162 ELD-M) .015 off the lands, I have to load them over magazine capacity. I'm at 2.960 right now.
My question is, if I switch to a lighter bullet, say the Bergers 150 or 150 ELD-X, won't I still have to seat them over mag length to be at the lands or even a little off? I've heard people suggest starting load workup with the bullet up against the lands to get the most case capacity, and this would make it even longer.. theoretically? I know each type of bullet has different geometries and needs to be tested individually, but even if it's a lighter and shorter bullet, won't it have to be just as long to make contact with the rifling? Or am I overthinking this?
My question is, if I switch to a lighter bullet, say the Bergers 150 or 150 ELD-X, won't I still have to seat them over mag length to be at the lands or even a little off? I've heard people suggest starting load workup with the bullet up against the lands to get the most case capacity, and this would make it even longer.. theoretically? I know each type of bullet has different geometries and needs to be tested individually, but even if it's a lighter and shorter bullet, won't it have to be just as long to make contact with the rifling? Or am I overthinking this?