Is there a problem leaving one of those relief bands exposed? Should I just bury it?

I see photos with part or a whole band exposed. I’d back up to figure what seating depth is correct for your load, see where that puts you.

I look at COL book data, any magazine limits, then measure to see where the bullet touches the lands. After that I back off a tad. With those lengths accounted for, it could be where the bullet is seated at a length that works just fine.

My experience is Barnes bullets shoot better well off the lands.

Your mileage may vary.

It’s loaded at COL 2.80 7mm08. It just doesn’t look correct with that bit of band exposed.

I’ve done some experiments with getting back away from the lands with other rounds. Honestly my reloading has consisted mostly of making serviceable loads nothing particularly special. But, I’ve been branching into premium type loads for hunting rifles.

Thanks for replying

I view those bands like cannelure bands - it's okay to have them exposed as long as an appropriate seating depth is achieved.

quote:

Originally posted by vulrath:
I view those bands like cannelure bands - it's okay to have them exposed as long as an appropriate seating depth is achieved.

That’s where I’m at with this. I can measure well enough that I’m sure it’s within specs. It sure doesn’t look right.

I was thinking I chose the wrong weight or profile perhaps. Thanks for your confirmation

Reflex - Just make sure your new loaded round will fit into your rifles magazine and will feed into your rifles chamber without issue.

Ask me how I know about this