Not quite related to the OP's post (sorry Hobie), but I'll tell this tale. Many years ago I "sporterized" a 6.5x50 Japanese Arisaka that my Dad brought back in 1946. Knew next to nothing about rifles then (still don't) but I was in college and thought I knew everything. This rifle had a bore that looked like 22 miles of jeep trail, thanks to the corrosive Jap ammo. When I later got into handloading, the first load I tried was a starting load from the Lyman manual I bought - 33.0 grains of IMR 3031 under the little 85 grain Sierra spire point. It would (and still will) shoot into 3/4 of an inch at 100 yards and I have done in all sorts of critters with that little bullet since. Other than the terrifically expensive Norma 139 grain factory load, that rifle will not shoot for sour apples with anything else I have tried. Makes no sense, but few things do to me these days.

At least I think that's what I have. Wouldn't shoot in my old Savge, you're welcome to try them.