Controlling muzzle jump at the bench.

SuperCub

SuperCub

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
607   0   1
Location
SJ / NB
Have been shooting a 6.5lb M700 358Winchester at the bench. It has been shooting well enough as I have learned over the years that I have better results with a lightweight rifle by holding the forend on the bag. This rifle has been the same but every once in a while it gets away from me and torques skyward at the shot landing 3" up and away.

I have seen shooters on line and at the club place downward pressure on the front scope ring and am wondering if this might be a more consistent hold giving better results.

Scroll to 7:30


 

Attachments

  • aca2431e-dab7-4f00-ba67-adfe21870514.jpg
    aca2431e-dab7-4f00-ba67-adfe21870514.jpg
    55 KB · Views: 26
Here's a group I shot yesterday in a series. There were other similar. Note the upward spread..
 

Attachments

  • fcdf71dc-4b13-40af-89ea-993496f5058a.jpg
    fcdf71dc-4b13-40af-89ea-993496f5058a.jpg
    50.5 KB · Views: 19
Last edited:
While I can't say I have tried that method but I understand the issue as squaring that away is something I am working on my self and that would be follow thru of the shot have a bipod you can preload I have had great success with in the past, btu ya its controlling the follow thru so the bullet can get out of the barrel before the jump or torque from position or trigger pull can affect the point of aim.
 
little b said:
While I can't say I have tried that method but I understand the issue as squaring that away is something I am working on my self and that would be follow thru of the shot have a bipod you can preload I have had great success with in the past, btu ya its controlling the follow thru so the bullet can get out of the barrel before the jump or torque from position or trigger pull can affect the point of aim.
Click to expand...
Not sure I want to use a bipod as it changes the rifle away from how I would hunt with it.

.
 
When shooting off the bench I lock my hand around the front saddle and the forestock... I try to never restrict or inhibit the barrel in any way, and by extension the action and the scope attached to the receiver... I manage to do this with heavy thumpers too, up to .458, but I also have 2XL hands. It would be worth trying two or three groups with your hand over the scope to see what the results are and if it is more comfortable for you... I would be interested in your results.
 
I dont hold anything above the barrel, mainly because I shoot with both eyes open, and cant see through my wrist.
On heavier rifles I used to use bipods, nothing to worry about there with big shifts, you need to use the right bipod, right height, right loading of the bipod. I stopped using them due to loosening on some models, and only got back into using them this year after at least 5 years without one.
For 90% of my bench shooting I just hold the rifle with my arms, one elbow on the bench. I kinda figure in a real world application it will be close to the same, no bipod, no prone stuff, no lead sled etc. For heavier rifles (10lb +) I generally use a folded up soft gun case, or a support if the range had one.
I found getting used to the right bipod was key, and getting the loading right etc. For load development either go with the sled, sling or bipod, and then practice with the rifle the way you will hunt with it. I used to like Parker Hales and Versa Pods, because they were easy-ish to pop on and off.
 
When I shoot off the bench, being right handed, my left hand is over by my right elbow, more or less.
The rifle is on the bag and other than my hand on the trigger there’s nothing touching it.
 

Attachments

  • long gong2.jpeg
    long gong2.jpeg
    37 KB · Views: 39
Last edited:
Two of my ultralight guns I need to place two fingers on top of the scope with hardly any pressure at all and it will cloverleaf three shots on both. One being a 338 federal and the other a 6.5 creedmoor. Both guns are kimbers. If I don’t place the two fingers on top they are still accurate but print slightly higher and the groups open up just slightly.
 
I do know that If I don't hold it down or it gets away on me it launches off the sand bag hard up and to the left.

I have had other rifles that did this and needed a grip to bring it into submission. :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: DGY
I have wondered the same and if there is something I can do better. I have seen guys put their hand on the tube of their scope. Currently when I sight in my light weight 300 wsm rifle I keep the sling on it, and apply slight downward pull using my front hand pulling down on the sling. Sling swivel in front of the front rest.
 
Squared up, right hand lightly on the trigger and my left hand is on a squeeze bag under my buttstock. I find I shoot the best with a bit of a “free-recoil” technique, but I also have a brake that does most of the recoiling and holds the muzzle down. I find any amount of torque on the stock throws my shots off wether it’s a bipod out of line, or just trying to muscle my rifle on target in any way.

Light rifles are hard to shoot well, especially in big magnums. I would do any load development from a bipod and rear bag to reduce as much human error as I can. After that practice (and zero) with whatever position you plan on shooting from and make sure your platform is repeatable.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom