I follow the exact opposite approach: I do all my target shooting on the property where I hunt. The deer just get used to hearing those booms and don't react. Case in point: Last year or maybe the year before, I was out shooting in early fall. I have a mineral lick and trail camera set up near...
I personally use the Frankford Arsenal universal micrometer seating die. It has VLD stems for everything from .22 to .338. With the micrometer adjustment, I'm typically within .001 of my target CBTO measurement.
I did find one thing that I'm not crazy about, and will change if I keep the rifle: The 2-piece scope mounts. I've got the front ring set as far to the rear as I can get, and it's still not to my liking. There are 1-piece rails available, and I'll switch to one of those if I keep it.
I wouldn't call it "smooth," more like "smooth enough." With the 3 locking lugs, you get more drag than if there are only 2. It's not bad, but it's not like a Remington, Mauser, Tikka, etc.
I've got a couple spares sitting around, one of them will be good enough for testing purposes. If it proves to be a better shooter than my Ruger, there's a Nikon 2-10x on that rifle that I'll move over before I get rid of it.
Well, since none of you knuckleheads talked me out of it, I decided to pick one up. LGS has a sale on the 6.5CM, 308, and 300WM for $529. And then there's a $150 factory rebate. Hard to turn down a new rifle for $400. I bought the 6.5, will compare it to the Ruger American 7-08 that I have...
If you are mainly concerned with seating accuracy, you might want to look at the Frankford Arsenal Universal Micrometer seating die. I've been using it for about 2 years, and it gives much more accurate seating depth (measured from the ogive) than a standard seater which is pushing on the nose...
Thanks for the tip. I was able to pick up a brick each of CCI LR and LRM primers. Hard to believe that $89.99 counts as a deal these days, but there was free shipping and only the $20 hazmat fee.