In Episode 279 of Wolf Precision's Long Range Shooting and Custom Rifle Building Podcast, Jamie Dodson takes a closer look at one of the most debated subjects in precision reloading: bullet seating depth and jump to the lands.

Are you trying too hard to seat your bullets as close to the rifling as possible?

After more than 20 years of running shooting schools, loading ammunition, and shooting out dozens of barrels from new to end-of-life, we've seen rifles continue to shoot exceptionally well even as bullet jump grows from 20 thousandths to 50, 80, 100 thousandths and beyond.

Jamie discusses why chasing the lands may not always produce the best or most practical load, why larger bullet jumps can work surprisingly well, and what our school rifles have taught us after thousands of rounds.

We also cover:

• Why measuring extremely small jumps can be less repeatable than you think
• What we learned from 22 Creedmoor barrels with more than 3,000 rounds
• Why we prefer bullets that are less sensitive to seating depth
• Factory ammunition and why substantial bullet jump can still produce excellent accuracy
• The relationship between seating depth, pressure, and case capacity
• Weatherby's use of long freebore and what we can learn from it
• Magnum primers in cartridges such as the 6.5x47 Lapua
• Why published reloading data should be bullet-, powder-, and component-specific
• Case failures, extractor design, and why action design matters when pressure escapes

Jamie also gives updates on the 2027 Wolf Precision Long Range Shooting School, upcoming in-person reloading classes, the Practical Tactical Shooters Challenge, and some exciting new machining technology being developed at Wolf Precision.

If you reload for precision rifles, this episode may make you rethink just how close to the lands your ammunition really needs to be.

Learn more about Wolf Precision, our shooting schools, custom rifles, and the Wolf Pack online training programs at WolfPrecision.net.

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Newsletter sign up - https://www.wolfprecision.net/newsletter.html

MDT Chassis Systems - Learn more at: mdttac.com

Krieger Barrels - Visit: kriegerbarrels.com

• Long Range Shooting School Limited openings remaining for the 2026 season.

• The Wolf Pack – Online Training Membership Includes the Online Long Range Shooting School, Reloading Class, and Prosumer Gunsmithing School for just $49/month.Members also receive 10% off Wolf Precision products and services, including ACE systems and barrel work.

Learn more at: https://www.wolfprecision.net

Speed is not the starting point—it is the result of mastering the fundamentals.

In this episode, Jamie explains why slowing down is one of the fastest ways to become a better long-range shooter. Using lessons from precision rifle training, competition shooting, and trials motorcycle riding, he discusses how deliberate practice builds control, confidence, accuracy, and consistency when the pressure and pace increase.

Jamie also shares practical advice for breaking down timed shooting stages, avoiding mental and physical burnout, and practicing the most difficult parts of a shooting position without wasting ammunition.

Plus, get updates on Wolf Precision's upcoming Practical Tactical Shooter's Challenge, the 2027 Long-Range Shooting School schedule, and a free fundamentals training target coming to Patreon.

Patreon sign up - https://www.patreon.com/WolfPrecision?fan_landing=true&view_as=public

Newsletter sign up - https://www.wolfprecision.net/newsletter.html

MDT Chassis Systems - Learn more at: mdttac.com

Krieger Barrels - Visit: kriegerbarrels.com

• Long Range Shooting School Limited openings remaining for the 2026 season.

• The Wolf Pack – Online Training Membership Includes the Online Long Range Shooting School, Reloading Class, and Prosumer Gunsmithing School for just $49/month.Members also receive 10% off Wolf Precision products and services, including ACE systems and barrel work.

Learn more at: https://www.wolfprecision.net

The Practical Tactical Shooter Challenge is returning to Wolf Precision this fall. In this episode, Jamie explains what makes this one-day, match-style event different—including challenging stages, plenty of shooting, helpful instruction, and none of the pressure of a sanctioned competition.

Jamie also previews several new range events being planned for Wolf Pack members and former shooting-school students, including long-range challenge days, rimfire walk-and-pop courses, and a possible moving-target school. Plus, learn when the 2027 Long Range Shooting School schedule will be released and how you can submit ideas for future Wolf Precision events.

Steve Clifford YouTube Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDuSXzyXZXM

MDT Chassis Systems - Learn more at: mdttac.com

Krieger Barrels - Visit: kriegerbarrels.com

• Long Range Shooting School Limited openings remaining for the 2026 season.

• The Wolf Pack – Online Training Membership Includes the Online Long Range Shooting School, Reloading Class, and Prosumer Gunsmithing School for just $49/month.Members also receive 10% off Wolf Precision products and services, including ACE systems and barrel work.

Learn more at: https://www.wolfprecision.net

Federal's new high-pressure 6.5 Creedmoor Peak ammunition is generating a lot of excitement—but is your rifle actually built for it? In this episode, Jamie Dodson discusses the engineering, safety, and durability concerns surrounding 80,000+ PSI ammunition, including actions, barrels, suppressors, muzzle threads, carbon fiber barrels, and extreme weather performance. Before you jump on the latest trend, make sure you understand the questions every shooter should be asking.

Topics include:

• Is your action designed for 80,000+ PSI?
• Barrel contour and material considerations
• Carbon fiber barrel concerns
• Suppressors and muzzle brake safety
• High-pressure brass and reloading risks
• Why speed isn't always worth the tradeoff

Whether you're a hunter, precision rifle competitor, or long-range shooter, this episode offers practical advice to help you make informed decisions before trying the latest high-performance ammunition.

MDT Chassis Systems - Learn more at: mdttac.com

Krieger Barrels - Visit: kriegerbarrels.com

• Long Range Shooting School Limited openings remaining for the 2026 season.

• The Wolf Pack – Online Training Membership Includes the Online Long Range Shooting School, Reloading Class, and Prosumer Gunsmithing School for just $49/month.Members also receive 10% off Wolf Precision products and services, including ACE systems and barrel work.

Learn more at: https://www.wolfprecision.net

Learning long-range shooting or building a custom rifle doesn't have to take years of trial and error. In this episode, Jamie shares why professional instruction can dramatically shorten the learning curve, helping new shooters reach 1,000 yards with confidence in just a few days. Drawing from a recent Wolf Precision Long Range Shooting School, Jamie explains why it's often easier than you think when you have the right fundamentals, the right instructor, and a proven system. He also discusses how the same principles apply to custom rifle building, avoiding costly mistakes, and why investing in training will always outperform the "school of hard knocks."

Topics include: • Why beginners often progress faster than expected • The value of professional instruction • Avoiding common mistakes in shooting and gunsmithing • Building confidence through proven fundamentals • Upcoming Wolf Pack online reloading and rifle-building courses

If you're serious about becoming a better shooter or learning to build and maintain your own precision rifle, this episode is for you.

MDT Chassis Systems - Learn more at: mdttac.com

Krieger Barrels - Visit: kriegerbarrels.com

• Long Range Shooting School Limited openings remaining for the 2026 season.

• The Wolf Pack – Online Training Membership Includes the Online Long Range Shooting School, Reloading Class, and Prosumer Gunsmithing School for just $49/month.Members also receive 10% off Wolf Precision products and services, including ACE systems and barrel work.

Learn more at: https://www.wolfprecision.net

Discover how Wolf Precision's Build Assist Program teaches you to assemble, maintain, and confidently operate your custom rifle. In this episode, Jamie explains how the program works, why it was created, and how scheduled Build Assist classes will make it easier than ever to learn your rifle from the bench to 1,000 yards. Plus, updates on upcoming 2027 training dates, reloading classes, and new Wolf Precision products.

MDT Chassis Systems - Learn more at: mdttac.com

Krieger Barrels - Visit: kriegerbarrels.com

• Long Range Shooting School Limited openings remaining for the 2026 season.

• The Wolf Pack – Online Training Membership Includes the Online Long Range Shooting School, Reloading Class, and Prosumer Gunsmithing School for just $49/month.Members also receive 10% off Wolf Precision products and services, including ACE systems and barrel work.

Learn more at: https://www.wolfprecision.net

In this episode of the Wolf Precision Podcast, Jamie Dodson covers one of Wolf Precision's most popular options—the Level 2 Assembled Build Kit—and explains how customers can own a world-class custom rifle while saving money by completing one simple final step themselves. Jamie also introduces Wolf Precision's new bench-mounted vertical barrel cleaning attachment and explains why a single-shot follower may improve load development by eliminating bullet deformation during magazine feeding.

Finally, Jamie takes an in-depth look at Proof Research's new PTX progressive twist rifling, discussing its historical origins, the potential benefits for barrel life, and important questions about bullet jacket deformation, consistency, and ultimate accuracy. Rather than drawing conclusions, Jamie explains why more testing is needed and shares plans to invite Proof Research onto the podcast for a technical discussion.

MDT Chassis Systems - Learn more at: mdttac.com

Krieger Barrels - Visit: kriegerbarrels.com

• Long Range Shooting School Limited openings remaining for the 2026 season.

• The Wolf Pack – Online Training Membership Includes the Online Long Range Shooting School, Reloading Class, and Prosumer Gunsmithing School for just $49/month.Members also receive 10% off Wolf Precision products and services, including ACE systems and barrel work.

Learn more at: https://www.wolfprecision.net

In this episode, Jamie Dodson announces the launch of Wolf Precision's new Custom Rifle Build Kits and explains why they may be the future of the custom rifle industry. Learn how our Level 1 Build Kits allow shooters to own, build, maintain, and upgrade a world-class custom rifle while saving money and gaining valuable skills.

Jamie dives into the advantages of component selection, quality control, rifle assembly, bedding, magazine fitting, and how the patented ACE System is changing the way custom rifles are built. Plus, hear about our new Rifle Building Classes, Wolf Pack online training, and how you can build and maintain your own custom rifle with confidence.

Whether you're a hunter, competitor, or long-range enthusiast, this episode will show you how custom rifles are becoming more accessible than ever before.

MDT Chassis Systems - Learn more at: mdttac.com

Krieger Barrels - Visit: kriegerbarrels.com

• Long Range Shooting School Limited openings remaining for the 2026 season.

• The Wolf Pack – Online Training Membership Includes the Online Long Range Shooting School, Reloading Class, and Prosumer Gunsmithing School for just $49/month.Members also receive 10% off Wolf Precision products and services, including ACE systems and barrel work.

Learn more at: https://www.wolfprecision.net

Can knowledge beat experience?

In this episode, Jamie shares a fascinating trend from recent Wolf Precision Shooting Schools and Build Assist sessions. Two new shooters—both women with little to no long-range shooting background—arrived prepared through education and demonstrated remarkable performance on the range, including cleaning the 1,000-yard gauntlet and consistently hitting targets that challenge even experienced shooters.

Jamie discusses why knowledge, preparation, and a proven process can accelerate success faster than many people realize. Whether you're brand new to long-range shooting or have years behind the rifle, this episode explores how training, mindset, and continuous learning can dramatically improve your results.

We also cover:

• The value of online training before attending a shooting school
• New Ballistics & Field Shooting Classes
• Upcoming Rifle Building Classes
• The new Vertical Barrel Attachment cleaning system
• Future bedding classes and training opportunities
• Remaining openings for the 2026 Long Range Shooting School

Education isn't a shortcut—it's the foundation. Discover why the right knowledge can transform your shooting performance.

MDT Chassis Systems - Learn more at: mdttac.com

Krieger Barrels - Visit: kriegerbarrels.com

• Long Range Shooting School Limited openings remaining for the 2026 season.

• The Wolf Pack – Online Training Membership Includes the Online Long Range Shooting School, Reloading Class, and Prosumer Gunsmithing School for just $49/month.Members also receive 10% off Wolf Precision products and services, including ACE systems and barrel work.

Learn more at: https://www.wolfprecision.net

In this episode of the Long Range Shooting and Custom Rifle Building Podcast, Wolf Precision founder Jamie Dodson talks about the future of custom rifles, hands-on education, and why shooters today want more than just a rifle shipped in a box.

Jamie dives into the launch of the new Wolf Precision Academy and the Custom Rifle Building Experience, where students can build their own precision rifle under professional guidance, then take it directly to the range to learn how to properly set it up, zero it, and shoot at distance.

This episode covers:

• The evolution of custom rifles and modern gunsmithing
• Why education matters as much as the rifle itself
• The philosophy behind the ACE System
• Building your own rifle with Wolf Precision
• The new Build Assist and Academy programs
• Introduction to the .22 ARC and upcoming projects

If you've ever wanted to learn how to properly build, maintain, and shoot a world-class precision rifle, this episode is for you.

MDT Chassis Systems - Learn more at: mdttac.com

Krieger Barrels - Visit: kriegerbarrels.com

• Long Range Shooting School Limited openings remaining for the 2026 season.

• The Wolf Pack – Online Training Membership Includes the Online Long Range Shooting School, Reloading Class, and Prosumer Gunsmithing School for just $49/month.Members also receive 10% off Wolf Precision products and services, including ACE systems and barrel work.

Learn more at: https://www.wolfprecision.net