I still can't edit posts on this new laptop ... Grrr.

Geoff

Just like you I shot loads of HFT and I used a 77 in a Gary Cane FT stock with a low mag scope. I then switched to FT and use the same rifle and stock but moved to a Custom Shop scope. Huge compared to my HFT scope. Using medium mounts I couldn't get at the loading bay ( different issue than yours ) because the scope sat close to it. Huge front bell on the old Custom Shop scopes.

I thought I wouldn't be able to use that rifle/scope for FT. I then realised that when sitting I was leaning my head forward to reach the scope. I was making me fit the set up rather than making the set up fit me.

I sat in a more relaxed position and then had to lift the scope up quite a bit to reach the level of my eyes. Once I'd done that I could access the loading bay. I also got the added benefit of less hold over at longer ranges.