Loaded some 69gr Barnes for my .223ai and the difference between 2.50 and 2.55 was unbelievable. At least a 1" so I had to try it again with the same results.
I have found seating depth and COAL are the second biggest variables in handloading, right after the choice of bullets. Also found a lot of bullets like a lot more "jump" than you'd expect. Always pays to experiment!
With component costs and availability right now, some of you guys are paying out the azz to "experiment" I bet. I try to keep schidt simple with less component waste. Finding a good load doesn't have to be hard, nor do you need to burn up a lot of expensive components either. The OP is not answering my questions, but I was messing around with the bullet he mentions (I believe), just the other day. Working on a new rifle, powder and bullet I've never tried in said new rifle:
Usually group shape and dispersion tells you if your seating depth is good. This one for example is nice and round. No muss and no fuss with bullet loaded at .025" off the lands. That's where I left it because it's the same seating die I use for my 77SMK. That's where it landed, so that is what I used. Nice to not have to mess with a die and it works for 2 different bullets. Now, to test said bullet at 400 yards:
Not the best, but it's "good enough". Can you share some info regarding the bullet in question? Since rickt300 also brought up the 140gr match burner. Shooting that bullet with new powder (StaBall 6.5) and freshly glass bedded Mcmillan:
Again, .020" off the lands. Nothing fancy, just simple and easy. Not a lot of component waste either. And same bullet and load at 400:
Sorry man, that is just how I see it..