Stevens 200 in .243 win. Bone stock, haven't done a thing to it other than slap on a scope.

Most of the recources I've found list the .243 COL at or near 2.710, but while working up loads for this rifle I've noticed that the rounds don't feed well unless I bring the COL down around 2.644.

The cartridges will fit into the magazine just fine at the longer lengths and feed into the chamber fine but the bolt is very tight, to the point of having to be forced. At 2.644 the rounds feed well. This has been true with both 85grn Sierras and 75 grn Hornadys.

Gun shoot well and accuracy with these preliminary loads is very good. My only concern is that this will create high preassures when loaded with heavier bullets that seat farther down into the brass.

Any suggestions?