What type of shooting rest?

bcboarder

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I'm just getting into hand loading and one thing has occurred to me, I don't have anything close to a proper shooting rest to limit shooter error and allow the most accurate load to shine through. Was looking at the Caldwell tack driver but am also wondering what people with more experience are using. Thanks
 
Caldwell made one they called the rock, that and a rear bag (heavy enough to not be moved by recoil) will do the trick. The lead sled is a one piece rest, not used in most local shoots and really only needed by those that can't handle the recoil of their rifle.
enjoy
 
I had a Caldwell Rock, it was a decent rest, for the money. I've since switched to a bipod and rear bag, but still keep a large Caldwell sand bag in the truck. Iirc it's 6" tall, 8 wide, 4 deep, and very dense. It's good backup.

The comment about the sled and recoil sensitive shooters, isn't valid. The sled is a tool that aids in load development and finding the rifles potential, by minimizing or eliminating shooter error. Much like the op wants to do. ;)

I've never used one so I won't say much about it, but I do think pods and bags would be more versatile than a sled. I shoot in the bush, where flat ground ends with the pavement. Something like the Lead Sled wouldn't work for me. I imagine it would make a good range tool.
 
I use a Caldwell Rock. It is reasonable priced, and works well. If you want to break stocks or damage other components, get a lead sled, and pile on the weight.
 
I use a Caldwell Rock. It is reasonable priced, and works well. If you want to break stocks or damage other components, get a lead sled, and pile on the weight.

I agree with the above. If you can't handle the recoil of a particular rifle, sell it and replace it with one you can handle. Simple. I wait the flaming response:)
 
I shoot off bag's bipod's and a lead sled, all have there place.

One of my favorite shooting bag's has to be my Eberlstock pack with it's rifle rest, easy to stuff a shirt or jacket into the pack to set height and very stable, a suede rear bag full of heavy sand compliments it very well...





Shooting off a bipod is a skill of it's own, you don't just bolt one on and shoot wee little groups... I have a Harris and an Mpod, been looking intently at an Atlas but really I doubt it would be worth the money, if I paid $350 for it I'd probably have no choice but to speak highly of it but from the reviews I've seen the cash ain't jumping out of my wallet like it did the last time the Lead sled came on sale.... Heck, I bought 2 of em and gave one away as a Christmas present to some friends who are avid hunters but the lady had shoulder surgery when she left the Rangers... I'd like to see you tell her in person she's not man enough for her .270 ;)
 
I am using Caldwell equipment. I have the Rock, works great as long as you have the right for-end bag. The Tack Driver bag also work for Hunting rifle for-ends., and XLA bi-pods are working for me as well.
One thing that I have noticed is that the stitching is allowing the filler to escape from the rear bags. I thing it is walnut shells. A coarser filler might work better.

David
 
Use a mechanical front rest and rear bag.


This is basically my setup as well. I use "The Rock" up front, and a good solid filled bag of a similar design to the one Chuck is using.

I have no time nor use for the Lead Sled. Since the majority of my rifles are wood stocked, there is a danger with the Sled.

Regards, Dave.
 
Lead sleds are a gimmick. Site up and, if necessary, hold the forearm instead of pinching the buttstock/bag. I have a front rest from Sinclair International definitely worth the expense.
 
I shoot off a Harris bipod, primarily with two rifles, a 300 WM and a 25.06. Keep my free hand away from the front and use it to steady the back of the stock. Let the rifles jump however they will. Half inch groups from both rifles, with factory ammo.
 
I shoot in the bush mostly so packing a led sled along with all the rest of the "essentials " is just too much , I use a atlas bipod ( don't know if there worth the money but it's the nicest bipod I've used or seen by far ) I use my free hand to steady the rear of the stock . I'm sure you'll get better repeatable accuracy from the sled on a nice and steady table at a range , but on my old rickety table in the bush ( or tree stump ) the bipod is just right for me . I'm also thinking of picking up a rear mono pod as I think this might be a good investment .
 
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