Jess
I would never start testing bergers by jumping them. 9 out of 10 times they like to be in the lands. 2.800 2.860 doesn't mean a anything all chambers differ. seat them till you get square markes on the bullet and it will tell you if it is worth going any further. My 300 is a Min chamber short throat . A 175 SMK seated at 2.870 touches so I would suspect with your VLD you are waaaaaaaaaaaaay off the lands. Get them in and I'd bet you will see a big change. If you want to shoot VLD's you can't be afraid to jam them.
I would never start testing bergers by jumping them. 9 out of 10 times they like to be in the lands. 2.800 2.860 doesn't mean a anything all chambers differ. seat them till you get square markes on the bullet and it will tell you if it is worth going any further. My 300 is a Min chamber short throat . A 175 SMK seated at 2.870 touches so I would suspect with your VLD you are waaaaaaaaaaaaay off the lands. Get them in and I'd bet you will see a big change. If you want to shoot VLD's you can't be afraid to jam them.