I have been reloading for over 50 years and have never had a problem getting a rifle to shoot.

Currently, I decided to load both Nosler lead free 7mm and 30 caliber bullets for my 30-06, 7mm-08 and 280 Remington. I normally load my ammunition for between .004 to .006 off the lands. This way I normally achieve 1/2" groups with my custom built rifles.

I end up with groups that resemble buckshot patterns. I sure would appreciate advice in how to load these bullets. The alternative is to continue shooting with lead based bullets.

Would certainly appreciate any guidance relative as how to load the lead free bullets to get the groupings I am used to.

Start at .050 off the lands.

No idea about the Noslers.

But, I have loaded mono bullets for years.

And I follow a simple rule.

If the bullet is long enough, I load to the maximum cartridge length.

If the bullet is too short to do this, I seat the bullet one caliber down!

Starting with a really clean bore helps when switching from gilding metal cup and core bullets sometimes. I'm not a fan of only having the single groove on the E tips vs every other solid copper bullet.

In my experience, mostly Barnes x, monos,like big jump..... .06 or sometimes more.

I have tried testing accuracy due to seating depth with hollow point match bullets.

In two cartridges, a 222 Remington and a 308 Winchester.

There was no discernible difference at all.

May be mono are different?

Might try that test next.

I have loads of original Barnes X bullets in various calibers.

I think I will try 30 caliber.

Any suggestions on how much difference in seating depth between groups I should try?

How about 0.050?

Hi Saeed
In the UK we are using a lot of mono bullets these days due to coming regulations. Plenty of small manufacturers with some great products.
I have found best accuracy between 0.050 and 0.090 off the lands.

I am thinking of doing the following.

Shoot 5, 5-shot groups with each of the following lengths.

308 Winchester and Barnes X original 180 grains.

Start off with 2.800” which the maximum cartridge length.

Then seat deeper by 0.030” as each step, for 10 steps.

Shooting 5, 5-shot groups each.

That will end by the last groups being seated 0.270” deeper.

I have not decided on the rifle yet, as I have several that can be used.

I will clean the barrel after each lot are done.

Any recommendations would be much appreciated.