Chasing the lands is STUPID! Don't do it.

I often get asked how far I seat away from the lands, but in reality, I have no idea. Seating depth nodes are a sine wave, they come in and out. In order to find the optimum node, you must test on target, and nothing beats results on target. I hope this makes sense to you all, if it does, share with your friends. Maybe we can put an end to the "measuring to the lands" ritual.
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[@ErikCortina]

If you are limited by mag length, treat mag length as “jam”. Order “I neck size” shirt here: www.bunkerbranding.com/products/neck-size?variant=33994469605507

[@rbm6184]

Erik Cortina "If you are limited by mag length, treat mag length as “jam”." Why I prefer internal and hinged floor plate mag rifles, not detachable box mags. I do not like detachable box mags on bolt rifles for that very reason of cartridge length limitation.

[@jbuch66koop]

I have to say, this is a crazy set of events that just happened to me haha I know you from demo ranch, and I'm on a shooting page, on Facebook. I click on this video and it's you! Haha I had no idea! Haha you and Matt definitely need to shoot some time!

[@leonshaw_ted]

You find charge weight first ..but at what seating depth do you start with?

[@TerryGilsenan]

@@leonshaw_ted Jam - 0.020 Work up the charge for ES there.

[@peterandersson5662]

Erik Cortina , Hi again Eric. I need help here. Wich barrel twistrate would you choose between 1:10 or 1:12 in caliber 338 Lapua, i will only shoot 220-230 gr bullets, competition, and hunting Rifle will be Sako Trg 42, barrel leangth 69 cm. Thank you 🙏

[@ApexNick]

I'm getting old. Way back when...20-30 years ago, before cheap (and expensive) widely available tools and "sciencey" youtube videos; this is how we (as competitive shooters of all levels and disciplines) did things. We loaded mid length, found our best powder charge, then our best OAL, then our best crimp/neck tension, then, as we honed in on all the variables, we fine-tuned and did it all again. Nothing but your gun, your components, and you as the shooter... armed with real world data for your combination on your target at your distance.

[@adam8642]

Sounds like a good way.

[@biblejohn4681]

You are correct and best not to be disappointed when cartridges engineered for a specific rifle and barrel don’t get the same results on a different one. I have a CZ in .223 that won’t shoot anything consistently unless the bullet is touching the lands.

[@rg3412]

Please, keep producing content like this. This is gold, especially for those of us getting into it.

[@gascheck8151]

You have just spelled out what took me decades to realize. I’m on the same wave length as you. Chased my tail but learned on the way. Knowledge is to be shared especially the hard earned stuff.

[@MarcosCaminante]

Wow. What a great video. For 25 years, I associated “lands” with what is actually “Jam.” This makes a lot of sense. The process of identifying two or three consecutive lengths that shoot well was a real revelation for me. I WAS the guy who fell for that one accurate group. Thanks for the education!

[@latorgator23]

Wow, this guy is really sharp. I like the focus on results and knowing the reason why to do certain processes. First of his videos I have watched. Subbed!

[@gaccount70]

Erik, I have been reloading for the last 12 years and have watched hundreds of instructional videos on precision loading. I have tried many different methods and spent hundreds of dollars buying suggested tools and many hours trying new ideas. Your methods keep it simple and instructed with common sense. Thank you for sharing your knowledge which is backed by obvious success. In this sport we are always students as things change so rapidly. For those that have negative comments to some of the videos that go against tradational thinking, I suggest posting pics of your recent trophies. Erik, thank you and keep up the great work.

[@stompingpeak2043]

My best way is to just load a bullet in my bolt action until the bolt falls freely. Then it's jammed in there and it'll show the measurements. This is the most precise loads but you might get jams if you don't crimp the rounds tight. It just is what it is.

[@grazjj]

Makes perfect sense. Wish I had known this years ago. Sounds like I could have saved myself a lot of time, effort and frustration. Thank You!

[@jwhitaker81]

I've been using this trick since I was 26 years old. At 42 it has served me well. Good explanation on how to set a good COL for a specific rifle. Good content man.

[@tpalshadow]

Thank you for the 'simple' logic you bring to these videos.

[@brian-lee5251]

This makes perfect sense, and I literaly just strarted getting into unferstanding the precision side of shooting and relaoding.. That was very educational. Thanks brotha. Love the shirt.

[@happyhome41]

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL ! Great concept, clearly described, patiently delivered, lovingly shared. THANK YOU !!!

[@jamesminshall4601]

Never reloaded but watched loads of vids, this is the first time I’ve understood how long the round needs to be. Thanks

[@matthewtracy8744]

I'm relatively new at both reloading and long range shooting. This info is absolutely amazing and will change my load development from here on out.

[@whatwevefound7769]

I am new to shooting, and found your explanation very interesting and helpful. Thank you for taking the time to explain your experiences and thoughts on this topic. Awesome job!

[@dudebroski9460]

This was incredibly well explained. I just bought a 338 lm and am about to work up loads for it and im glad i watched this. Thank you. I fell into all the traps reloading had to offer. You are exactly right. The only thing that matters is where the bullet hits.

[@Niobium23]

I have been trying to tell people in my reloading community this for many years, it seems like they do not want to hear the common sense of it. Fantastic job articulating this point extremely well!

[@tonysmith5871]

Thank u so much Eric . I did your powder charge test then just completed my setting depth test today and finally got my Tikka shooting at under quarter inch in 4 shot groups after 4 years of reloading. Your a absolute legend. Thank u again. Tommy from Australia

[@kilovictor9024]

I just got back into 'accuracy' reloading after a sabbatical into pistol/carbine matches. I had no idea that so many new things had developed since I was away. You and Sam (Panhandle Precision) are the most interesting and informative. I wish I had found you earlier - I've replaced all my neck-size-only dies with full-length bushing dies, use your technique for measuring bullet seating and off of CBTO measurements, and your shoulder bump calculations. All of this is completely new to me. I was using SAAMI spec measurements for cases and COL for seating - I know better now, and I thought I was doing really well before. I had no idea a 308 Win could be so accurate! I will be doing the same for my 6XC later, and 6CM when it arrives!

[@DingaReloading]

I have watched this 2-3 times...taken notes...and am practicing what you preach my friend. Thank you for the knowledge! Its great to see big time pro's passing down their expertise!

[@WardEnterprises]

Please keep making these “newbie” videos. Not many people produce into content near as solid as this

[@rulonjjj]

This is good stuff. I’ve never chased the lands but having two seating depths in a row shoot good is something I didn’t know.

[@kugelsicher5721]

Easier/better method: Select brass - fireform and necksize Select bullet, powder and primer Select bullet seating depth that feeds/chambers easily (Does your bullet have a cannelure?) Use a Lee Factory Crimp Die and be consistent with the amount of Crimp on every cartridge. Now... Keeping everything else the same choose your starting powder load and, loading three to five cartridges per load, move up and down in 0.5 grain increments, staying within safe load range. You will see the groups open and close as you work through the powder charges, and you will find one or more that look promising. Choose one of the smaller groups and then repeat the process by working around that powder charge up/down in 0.1 - 0.2 grain increments. Again, you will see the groups expand and contract as you move through the loads. Pick the best one and load 3-5 more to check for repeatability. As long as it is a safe load, don't worry about FPS - unless bullet expansion dictates a particular FPS. Typically in the the 30 cal range - 0.308 to 0.323 - with a 150gr bullet, I always find a sweet spot (NODE) in the 2500 - 2700 FPS range. Great groups and accuracy, and I'm not beating up myself or my rifle. Enjoy!!

[@bdavies2454]

After 3 years of instruction, advice, suggestions and heaps of frustration. You have in less than 30 minutes opened the door to where it is all going wrong. Thank you from sunny Australia.

[@craignapoli]

Thank you for the the most simple explanation of the the most complex question, I am SOOO very grateful to you brother.

[@kyleb209]

Thank you! This was awesome. I’m just getting into reloading and I feel like you just saved me a lot of trouble.

[@idaholandho6265]

I sure appreciate the perspective. I am no competitive shooter, but do reload and understand completely. Thank you for taking the time to educate me.

[@jeffo1960]

Watched this with a lot of interest ,and tried it with good results so far,and i think this is about the best video ,ive seen and has helped me a great deal,keep up the good work Jeff

[@eo69]

Excellent! This saved me a ton of time on preparing loads for a new barrel I am getting ready to use for the first time.

[@UrbanTiger74]

WHO KNEW the boss of Barndominiums is a shooter!? I sure didn't until now. LOL!!!

[@Red7554]

Same here!.... lol

[@4scoren744]

Dude shot a 1.3" group at 1000 yards at a match. 4 of the holes were touching...I've thought it was super weird this whole time that they never mention it on Off the Ranch when he's there building Demo Ranch HQ. Imagine building a football stadium and just casually mentioning that your contractor is Peyton Manning without ever talking about the fact that he was a football player.

[@stareagle5000]

I knew he looked familiar!

[@Mark_Spivey]

Eric! You are amazing!! So cool you’re a shooter too!

[@kerbyfab]

One of the best shooters in the states!

[@mrmikesgunrack]

Thanks for doing this. I always did my seating workup in 10k increments and never really found a better node than what i got with my powder work up

[@micka8004]

I'm hooked! Time for some binge watching of your videos on this rainy Saturday! Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!!

[@SamSung-tr9lw]

This video just changed my life. Please keep this kind of knowledge and experience coming. Thanks.

[@b.morris2816]

Agree with you. My understanding is that the nodes in a barrel are based on the resonate frequency characteristics of the barrel and you tuning the load to that. I see changing seating depth as adjusting timing so the bullet exits the barrel when the zero node is at the end of it. Changing barrel characteristics like adding a brake or suppressor would be things that could change the barrels resonate frequency enough to cause you to revisit you seating depth.

[@dougmate2378]

Love the shirt! I was wondering about the Lands, never chased them, still learning. Thanks for the lesson Mr. Cortina. look for ward to more.

[@timhoyt5069]

What primers do you using in your 6 br

[@torreyintahoe]

This is fantastic information. I've been loading pistol and shotgun for years but just getting into rifle. There is much more to know and you're taking a lot of the mystery out of it for me. Thank you!

[@timgroleau1612]

Great learning video. It's amazing how common sense can help bring someone out of the darkness and confusion off find an accuracy node. This video was particularly helpful.

[@wdtaut5650]

"If this offends you, even better" That would be a good t-shirt itself.

[@KeithBair]

Kinda like, "we aren't happy until you're not happy"

[@wdtaut5650]

@@KeithBair The Second Principle of Liberalism: Everyone Must Be Equally Miserable.

[@sambocotton5868]

@@wdtaut5650 hahaha.......yes that’s very true! 🇬🇧😂😂😂

[@nomlasrellik7286]

@@wdtaut5650 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@patrickgleason6610]

I love this video - there are SO MANY shooters who get wrapped around the axle about minutia that doesn't really matter that much, and this is getting down the meat and potatoes, and keeping things in a basic common sense way for actually what DOES matter! Well done! Side note, I just followed your FB page - I want to learn more of this kind of stuff!

[@markf3494]

You took the long way to get to your destination and didn't explain why "jam" is bad (pressure), but your end result was excellent! This ended up being one of the best explanations of the method to get a correct seating depth I have heard. I have use the jam minus .020" for a long time as a starting point but would make my depth changes every .005" to .010"... which is why I get varied results. Now I get it!! Thank you!

[@danschroeder4691]

Extremely informative and you make it easier to understand! I didn’t get the shirt, but still love it!

[@ToadleyBrowne]

Your knowledge and presentation has great value. I think VLD's created a bit of obsession about critical hard to measure seating depths. I shoot Berger Hybrid 105's and once I get the correct depth it is all about case prep after that. Another Gem of a video. Thank you Erik with a K.:)

[@mikestrunk3282]

Starting .20 off the lands has always worked for me with bolt guns. In Service Rifle there is always a big jump. They still shoot awesome too.

[@tonywoodall4938]

I have watched so many reloading videos, I am totally surprised today, this is the best seating depth explanation video I found so far.

[@MrTilbey]

Well explained Erik it totally makes sense and will start doing things this way . Thank you for sharing

[@ThatGuyChannel]

It makes sense Erik, thanks for the tips. I always appreciate your videos like this, makes me a better shooter and reloader.

[@ErikCortina]

That Guy Channel Thank you

[@jessewerner4067]

Makes good, solid sense when we're talking about barrel time. The node would be at an optimum barrel time. Chase the lands and you actually shorten barrel time enough to put the barrel out of the node/time.

[@D70340]

Good stuff Erik. I learned this method MANY years ago. Glad you made a video of it though. Lots of reloaders just dont know "the good stuff".

[@reTHAIredLIFE]

I am Very new at reloading, so thanks for the great, easy to understand info! I will definitely be following for more great videos!

[@Munky332]

Finally someone bringing some common sense and explaining it. I've tried to explain it to my buddies before and they still just don't seem to understand it.

[@AntiPattern328]

I'm not a super experienced reloader but what you say makes a lot of sense. It also seems to allow for future throat erosion not affecting performance for a long time.

[@benhassell3030]

This is brilliant! I haven’t even started yet and will probably only load for bolt action 223 (uk) but this absolutely makes sense to me. So easy to understand when presented this way. Thankyou

[@earlcahn3688]

Thanks Erik, you really made this so much clearer and simpler. Plus not wasting components.

[@ascendingvisions1350]

Great information! Especially to a guy who is new to reloading (me!) I’m running a 6.5 creedmoor for my longer range. God bless Ya Erik!

[@michaelvangundy226]

If you're new you always need to look for signs of pressure. A load that just starts to flatten primers with a jump to the lands can go bad. When touching or very short jump it may have increased to a dangerous level.

[@anamericanpatriot5230]

We knew this decades ago . some people you just cannot educate. I'm glad you have the ability and the means to put up a video with some graphics for those that are open to education

[@dirkd8202]

This is very well the most informative video I've ever watched on youtube. New to reloadong and going on forums makes my head spin. You made this simple to understand. Thank you!

[@glennwatson2751]

i was a bit sceptic at the start but glad i carried on watching as I really appreciate hearing your explaination and it makes sense what you say

[@58harwood]

This is solid gold Erik, thanks. Your system makes it dirt simple to stay in the sweet spot. How about a video on how you zero in on a specific powder charge?

[@randad9333]

I've always checked the distance to the lands, then generally load to mag. length, if it works. My 6.5 CM has 2400 rounds through it never altered my coal, and it still shoots 3/4" or better.

[@leeleland1183]

Glad I found your other (this) channel! I don't compete anymore, but this is fascinating. And I love that shirt!

[@grassroots9304]

Thank you for the time and effort to make and post this. This makes a lot of sense. I'm just a guy working to improve the accuracy of my loads for a hunting AR, scavenging whatever information might help and seeing what you guys (long-range competition) are sharing might help me so...here I am. I have some bolt-action rifles I mess with occasionally and this seems very helpful here in this video (seating depth isn't as applicable in an AR-15 as we're hard-capped on COL, I was mostly watching this just to expand my knowledge in general). I watched your 4/1 video and, in that vein, I wanted to tell you that you only got your record at 1k yards because I didn't shoot against you that day. I have reasons which will convince you of that fact: 1) 22LR was hard as hell to come by and I was out of ammo, 2) my new Simmons scope hadn't been delivered on time (Amazon screwed me again). Oh, and I have no long-range skill. But for those failings, I'd have that 1k record. ;) Thanks again for the effort and info.

[@KrugerrandFarms]

So you don't chase the lands you chase the "Node" or the harmonic sweet spot. This I believe is when the barrel is pointed in the same spot when the bullet exits the muzzle. I worked with a barrel tuner on a .22 and it really worked. I got sub minute groups at 100 yds. with, at the time, seven dollar a brick ammo. Federal Lightnings.

[@InSightFreedom]

Well explained. I hear the "measuring the lands" mentioned as crucial to accuracy all of the time. I appreciate your logic.

[@wynanddewinnaar2217]

Thanks a lot. As a new hand loader, this is the best explanation I have had on seating depth!

[@beestoe993]

That's good stuff Erik. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I dont shoot matches (yet??) but I have always done basically the same thing because jamming into the lands can cause pressure spikes. So the first thing I want to know about my seating depth is that I am NOT jammed into the lands. And just like you said, the best way to figure that is with a dummy round.

[@401pick]

Eric you are a genius. I have a remington adl in .270 that never shot very well. This winter I decided to make it more accurate or buy new gun. Things i tried new stock, bedding stock, new scope, many different factory loads, lightening trigger pull, different bullet powder combinations. I was ready to give up. Then I saw this video.tested 4 different bullet lengths and bam sub moa i even got a 1/2 moa group. I am so impressed thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@endutubecensorship]

I would say that everything you did including applying the info in this video probably helped, TLC is all it needed

I watched Part 2 of this video and I’m not sure why anyone is having problems comprehending this information. It was explained perfectly.

[@MrSailcrazy]

I want to thank you so much for sharing all this good information. I have been able to take my 6MM Remington from 1 1/4 inch groups to 3/8 groups nearly every time at 100yds. I have used your brass prep methods along with the Berger bullet stabilizing chart to bring everything in. Only down side I have is the rounds are to long for the magazine, but that is Remington's fault they used a short action on this rifle. Factory ammo is a lot shorter and has a very long jump to the lands. Again Thank you, Scott

[@willo7734]

Excellent content. Your channel is a gold mine for anybody like me who is interested in this stuff. I’m the kind of guy that likes to dig into the details to try to understand things better.

[@ImZeDoctah]

Just bought a reloading kit myself and started reading the reloading book. When I got to the part about seating depth the first thing I asked myself was how the hell I was supposed to know if the bullet was touching the rifling or not lol Thank you for this

[@paoemantega8793]

Very entertaining hand signals Erik 9:03, great tutorial thanks for sharing :D

[@kualiimakaneole3167]

Great educational information about reloading, I've learned more from your video then hearing other people talking to me about reloading in my shooting club. Many members are very closed off in teaching me the basic of reloading. Thanks again for your teaching methods.

[@NightSniper64]

You are exactly correct, you are chasing the sweet spot of harmonic balance. As the barrel wears the sweet spot (Node) changes. Well done.

[@pawild5594]

Nice video man, i'm going to try this in the near future. It's an empirical way to tune seating depth...I totally agree that the measurement of "where the lands are" is difficult even using an OAL gauge. Great information, thanks.

[@cbsbass4142]

Yeah I just got a Hornady digital caliper (never had a digital before and didn't want to spend $230 on one) and got a seating depth gauge. Anyway, I measured 5 times and got a range of 0.008 (2.317 to 2.325). Given that, I'm just going to use the mean, of the 5 measurements as "where the lands are" and seat at increments less than that mean.

[@jjthefed]

My Lyman load manual says to make a dummy round, carbon the bullet with a cigarette lighter, then chamber the dummy. If you see rifling marks on the bullet you need to seat the bullet deeper.

[@ronhimmelreich238]

I just came across this video. Awesome information! I do have one question though. When you say go out and shoot groups, at what distance should you shoot? 100? 300?

[@45acp]

Makes perfect sense to me. I’ve always used a depth gauge just for a starting point and creep my way back. Once it stacks rounds at 200 I’m good. But, I’m not a competition shooter so 200 is all I need.

[@redge3726]

Great explanation, easy to comprehend what you are telling me. Makes perfect sense, definitely going to try it!!

[@Jeff_Seely]

Excellent explanation. I try to always keep an open mind to the advice given. If we don't experiment, we grow stagnant in our processes and never improve. Open minds and bigger ears shoot smaller groups. I will experiment with what I've learned here and I think it will work out well if I adhere to the procedures and parameters given. Thanks, Erik for your time with this lecture. It all makes a lot of sense.

[@kriswhitman8027]

Great information Eric. I struggle with finding seating depth so I look forward to applying your technique. I am that guy that changed seating depth .010-.020 at a time. I'll be at the range this weekend. Thx

[@williebulletman5217]

This is one of the best video Iv heard in a “VERY “ LONG time 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@danielsmith5351]

Thats some of the best down to earth practical and useful knowledge on this subject ive seen. Keep it up. Thank you.

[@tmaretzki]

I had no idea what 'chasing the lands' was as I just came across it on a forum for 6.5CM barrels choices. This is gold and makes so much sense. Can't wait to start reloading again (assuming I can find the components I need). Subbed

[@James-prs-uk]

That make perfect sense love the t shirt I measure the same way to jam but i call it lands old habits I guess

[@jonathonimpey5938]

Listening to your methods and applying them regarding seating depth. Today I achieved a 10mm group with a sako M995.270. Owe you a beer mate!!! 🇦🇺

[@TerryGilsenan]

Thank you. That was the best description I have seen.

[@BigO4185]

Erik INCREDIBLE video! I have been reloading since 1993 and I learn a ton from you!

[@gobangs1117]

Facts don't care about feelings! What a revelation, thankyou Erik!

[@seanmtactical6069]

"It hammers. I don't care what it measures to the lands." Love it.

[@matthewlepage6848]

I love your videos man. I'm just getting into shooting, hunting and reloading and your videos answer my questions in 10 mins time. Great work.

[@phoffert1960]

You explained the process very well, makes a lot of sense to me. Thanks for sharing.

[@thedetective8150]

This makes total sense Erik. I am a varmint hunter and have reloaded for 15 years. I was taught how to reload by an oldtimer. He always talked about making sure that my loaded ammo was kissing the lands. I always thought it was a waste of time and never did it. My rifles shoot consistently under.50 MOA., and I have a few that shoot consistently in the .33 MOA range by basically following what I have done for years and what you taught in your video. It would drive my oldtimer friend crazy when he asked how far away I was from the lands when he saw my groups and I would say, I don't know. Thanks for the excellent video. I will add your techniques to my reloading skillset as it offers more precision.

[@brettb614]

I watch this video twice a year whether I need to or not. Keeps me from pulling my hair out!!! Thank you Eric for all you do, it means a lot to those of us chasing the one whole group!

[@johnproctor464]

Makes total sense. Thank you for sharing the hard won learning.

[@billh4984]

I've been doing this a long time now. This is the best explanation I've heard and i learned something. Very well done!

[@takingbacktoxic7898]

You have explained to me in 20 mins more than anyone has about extending a barrel's useable life. You quite literally brought my dad's old weatherby hunting rifle back to how I remember it shooing when I was little.

[@robertboyd3863]

The freebore on my weatherby is so long I can't touch the lands with a bullet , it will fall out the end of the case before it hits,

[@RealHank1791]

When this video started I was like, I'm not gonna watch this whole thing, this is just some guy trying to go against the grain. Just making videos. By the end of the vid, this guy had a new subscriber. Thank you sir. I always wondered why we weren't in the riffling to begin with. Thank you sir.

[@invictus3598]

Excellent explanation of the phantom lands issue! Perfect, thank you!

[@markthegunplumber8376]

How many times have i tried to explain this to customers. i'm glad you did a video so i can send them here. i've also used the don't know and i don't care many many times and also the " how fast is it going? i don't know and i don't care it shoots great at 600 and there is a little knob on the top of the scope if i need more elevation than you because are you are pushing the hell out of your caliber. there is a rash of people having heart attacks from watching a Lab Radar screen and freaking out trying to figure out any variation they see from round to round.

[@kerbyfab]

That shirt is hilarious!!! 🤣😂🤣

[@derpfannkuchen]

I am barely beginning to reload and wanted to thank you for providing me with countless years of knowledge!

[@Peter-od7op]

Check out The Real Gunsmith Randy Selby

[@et1965]

Great video. Thank you for sharing it. I'm looking forward to getting back to FT/R sometime soon and will be using this method to get myself tuned in.