>How could configuration not matter wwhen one looks at the >performance of the PPC and the 30 BR ? how else can you >explain their performance

Pete, the answer is that, relative to the bulk densities and burning rates of the most suitable powders, these case configurations are/were simply coincidental to their EFFICIENT capacities . One IMPORTANT aspect of various case configurations (which does not get enough press): the EASE of FORMING. This , in my opinion is the only reason that the PPC and 30BR have an "edge" on cases of similar capacity; simply put, anyone can make GOOD brass. WE chose the BR case as our initial platform EXPRESSLY because of the EASE of case making/forming. Some are having decent results via the 7.62x39 IMP (a.k.a. 30PPC) - a case which may prove very useful, especially with N-120 burning rate powders - again, another case which is extremely easy to form.

Based upon my limited experience (with the following), I'd say that the .222 and .2221/2 are superior to the .22 Waldog - I used to scare people once in a while with the .222 types  . .but not so much with the short/fat type . . .

Many of the 'problems' encountered when trying to make a 'wildcat' SHOOT are closely associated with an inability of many to make GOOD cases . . . and learning to identify the real problem. The new HBR rig which I purchased this past season is a good example - and possibly why I got such a STEAL - the cases which came with the rig were some of the worst cases I've ever encountered . . but I promptly FIXED them. And wound up with one of the BEST thirty caliber barrels I've ever owned - I'd bet MUCH better than the original owner imagined. . .

In general, I have found neck tension to be at least as important as seating depth - especially when a barrel seems to prefer no land/bullet contact. I usually use more neck tension than the accepted norm - even when I use my prefered .035" of JAM-SEAT. . . nothin' like a little pressure to make the powder BURN! But we've got to remember, every barrel may not perform with our "normal" (magic) load . . in those instances, I turn the wheel and head for the opposite ditch - the other lane may prove smoother - when the norm fails to produce,I often find better digging by making a radical change, as opposed to an incremental shift.

Forget about the notion of a "tight fit" between the loaded round and chamber necks - it simply does not affect precision; the real reason for neck turning is to assure that the bullet & barrel share a common axis. A LOT of people could find and HAUL a little more gold by making the passage just a little wider! ;) Even with the clearance and EXTREME neck sizing (by BR standards) I use on my 30BRs, I have never split a case neck . . and I've shot over 4500 rounds through two sets of cases, which are still in use: one set  is LAPUA "6BR Norma" (15 of 'em); the other is a set of fifteen 7mmBR Remington.

But I ain't gonna give away ALL of my secrets in one night!

Keep 'em ON the X! R.G.