how far off the lands????????

[indydave]

curious how far off the lands are you seating?   i am looking at 308 and 223   but was curious    do handies like it shallow or deep?? i was always taught .010  to .015 back off the lands  (if it functions in the magazine) since we are not limited by that  where have all of you started   seems the 308's  are near normal chambering specs     ideas?

[LaOtto222]

I do not know about the 308's, but the 223,s have a long throat. Most bullets suitable for the twist rates of the Handi will not reach the lands. I can reach the lands with a 60 grain V Max, but I have found that it shoots best off of the lands. Most people are quite a bit away from the lands with their hand loads. Start with standard OAL and find your best load, then experiment with bullet seating. Chances are you will find a jump of .100 or more will be best.

[quickdtoo]

I load the 168gr TSX Match in my 308 seated to 3.002" which is the recommended .050" off the lands, with Varget it shoots excellent. 

Tim