Postman, sounds an unfortunate set of issues you have had. I have found the ergonomics excellent and see that as a strong point of the rifle although my R8 is the professional success thumb hole stock. As for the handload issues, that is very odd. As with many rifles, the R8 doesn't like deep seated primers, but mine has been 100% reliable with factory and hand loads in 2 different calibres.what calibre did you have issues with? It would seem odd that factory loads are fine but that all handloads are not? Neck or full length resized?
Cheers