Your alloy, the diameter of the bullet could have an effect on your performance. I use 314299 Lyman which is a fat .30 for the british and russian rifles. I size mine to 312 in my 03a3. I found that the 311299 was to small on the bands as well as the nose (.298). The 314299 is 304 on the nose and rides the bore much better. I've used straight lino and hardball which work equally well for me. It is gascheck and is extremely accurate from mine with 30gr of 3031 or 22gr 2400. Of course you need to find out what works in your rifle as these only work in mine. They move along about 1800 fps which is quite snappy!!!