just took my own advice

[Kurt]

I shoot my match bullets tight. one to two thousands over bore at times. When you get that tight the thumb just don't do the trick. But that is where I get top accuracy. But it's hard when the rifle is a Sharps, especially one with a scope mounted on it and the long funnel type lead my rifles have makes it hard to seat the round. But that long lead is a big plus seating that tight patched bullet. I also use a palm type seater or even a cartridge seater I carry in my pocket in case I need it to get that last 1/8" seated to close the breach.
This is where the 44-1/2 Stevens action really smiles with the chamming action it has.
I'm with you with the elliptical I use them in the 16 and 17 twist and they shoot quite well.
Kurt