208gr pills in a barrel throated for 190s

[pepper savage 111]

That's ultimately what I'm trying to avoid.

[FW Conch]

No disrespect meant, but you bought a "specially" barrel. You either have to deal with what you have as best you can or sell it.

I bought one of those barrels in 25". I knew what I was getting when I bought it, and I fully intend to "lob bricks". I like to shoot deer with slow, heavy pills :-). My only regret, one was sold later that had a 10 twist, but I think the 11 will be ok.

I suggest you try long for weight bullets. Barnes would be a good choice, and they should be .050" off the lands. This right there can help a lot. Nosler Accubonds are long and have a short boat tail, also a good candidate. Hopefully, pills like this will stabilize with the 11 twist?

But the world does not begin and end "getting close to the lands". I have a 30/06 that shoots it's best load .160" off the lands.

I intend to try 165/168grn pills loaded as long as I can, and see how they do. I suggest you do the same.

Or buy the barrel you really want :-).

Good Luck...Good Shooting...Jim