Newbie, here. Great forum. Lots of folks eager to help.

I don't yet have any bolt-actions besides my childhood .22 Marlin and my Chilean Mauser 95. I have shot Highpower matches with my M1A, and have pushed my Garand out to 500 yds+ as well and am now hooked on "lobbing". But I have been a Savage fan since shooting Savage/Anschutz Super Match 54's at camp as a kid.

I am close to "pulling the trigger" on a new 12 Palma. Hoping to do some F-class with it as well, I have been pleased to read the experts reporting that the 1 in 13" twist should be fine for the 168's and 175's. What I have not been able to discern is whether the short free-bore poses problems for loading the 168's and up. If it severely limits load/powder choices, I may have to rethink.

Anyone out there with the 12 Palma having used the bigger bullets?

Thanks.
Jeff