GM54-120
Sabotloader
Im surprised you were able to get that much engraving without a mallet.
Im guessing the 6 groove barrel helped. The base on the Barnes XPBs ive measured is also slightly smaller OD than the rest of the bullet. I can start the 45LC-225gr XPB a tiny bit in my Pacnor but it is not going any further without a LOT of effort....maybe im just too skeered to force it.
Ive heard of a few people that have shot the 50-300gr FTX sabotless and BH209 with good results. I was a bit disappointed that my Savage bore is too tight. The Rem 50-385gr CLHP looked like a perfect candidate for sabotless with BH209 and the 1-24 twist. I have a bunch of those bullets left if you ever want to try them. I think i only sent you 3 of them to check for fit.
The 6 grooves might be the answer but it really does load well once you get it through the crown. Using the short starter it really does not take that much effort with it.
I did run one of the FTX's that you sent done the Wiseman last night. It seemed to load a little tighter than the XPB's and it did engrave
That is what those bullets are!!! I keep forgetting - Remington 50-385 - Those feel very good for the GM barrels - just wish they were 280 to 300 grains.