I was thinking cutting the RD in about half and seeing what the gun says. I know RD has quite a spike but it worked so good. 2400 is another option and then there's Unique and the other Dots and a mess of other stuff in the powder locker. I appreciate all the observations and thoughts guys. This one just didn't want to play nice and I don't think it's just the PB. I think it's the bands too. Anyone who has messed with the Lee TL designs knows they can be a hit or miss affair, I think this design has some of that in play.
On reflection, the cast shooting I've done in rifles, which runs from 800-2200+, has generally been a pretty easy ride to meet my requirements, which aren't 1/4" groups at 100! A nice round inch-ish group at 50-75 yards is pretty decent shooting for my eyes with open sights these days. 5, 6, 8 inch groups though?!! I've not had too many issues where that cropped up. I think I was fortunate to work with good designs in cast friendly guns for the most part. IOW, I got spoiled! My intention is to see this one work in the FR-8 Mauser 308. I'd like to see it take the place of the RCBS 30-180FN for close in work, stuff under 50-75 yards. The 30-180FN is a very good and reliable shooter in that rifle, which sees a lot of duty in winter as a tractor gun. But GC's aren't exactly falling from the sky here. Anyhoo, that's the general idea.