Where can I get a Shooting Rest and my first group with my reloads

C

countyboy

Regular
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
9   0   0
Location
The County!!
Hi Everyone, I just started reloading for my .308 Rem 700 5R and I am currently trying out a starting load with Win Brass 42 gr Varget 175gr SMKHPBT with Federal match grade magnum primers.

I just tried my first batch at 100m, and while I am really not proficient in any way, I had a 4 shot group that was 1.27" (less .308 is sub-MOA). The closest 3 shots of this group would have been .97" (less .308). This is my best ever I am pretty happy with that for my skill level. It was, don't laugh, a 5 shot group but the 5th was WAY off... my error. I had a couple times where 2 shots were touching as well. This is a huge improvement for me. I am currently just using a couple of sand bags with no rear rest.

Is there some sort of shooting rest that I could use for load development that would support the rifle front and back that isn't too expensive? I have seen them before but I am not sure where to get them or even there name. Alternatively, I will pickup a harris bipod and a rear rest which again I am not sure where to get this. Maybe I should go with a Bipod and rear rest so I develop my skill more.

What are your guys thoughts?

Thanks for your help.
 
what you are looking for is a "lead sled"
caldwell makes it but similar products (better quality) are on the market under a different name.




if you can't afford, ask for someone's
 
Decent shooting bags will always give you better groups than any of the "rifle rests"
Bipods typically will change how a rifle shoots as they "move" during recoil. Personally I have found the Harris to be 1 of the worst for this.
Allowing the rifle to "free recoil" on a good set of bags will give you a better ides of what your groups are really doing.
 
For a gun like that, a Harris style bipod is still fantastic. You can lean into it and make a good shoulder weld. Use a good leather rear bag filled with heavy sand. (I guess Rick and I see things a bit differently, that's ok, he knows what he's doing)

Although Mr. Emond's idea is one alternative, you will not learn to be a better shooter using gizmos like that, and they do not produce the most accurate results anyway.. A front rest will work well if it fits the width of your stock. Check our Sinclair Intl. for good ones, or there are few Caldwell rest that would be adequate.

Don't forget to remove your swivel studs if you are sing a rear bag or a front rest.
 
When I first caught the accuracy bug (due to my first sub MOA group with factory ammo) I had my best luck using a bipod and rear bunny ears bag. It can be used on a bench or anywhere else in the prone position.

However as my ability progressed I switched to bags, removed the sling swivels and filled them in and smoothed them over. All of my varminting is from a bench these days but I do miss having the bipod for doing a "walk-about".

A bunny ears bag filled with plastic pellets instead of lead is not so bad to carry around in the field. I recently switched to a cordura topped front bag and like it better, as the leather was a bit "sticky" and made it more difficult to get rifle back in same position

You will probably find a bipod more versatile and get decent accuracy but as your skills and expectations grow its hard to beat well fitted bags.
 
I'm shooting the same rifle right now and heres what works in mine...

Lower speeds increase accuracy, I use 39.5 Gr. varget and get 2405 FPS.
I found hornady 168 HPBT / AMAX to be the most consistent.
I also let the bullets touch the lands, which means a COL of 2.930"

Also, shooting off front and rear bags gives me the best results.
 
also agree with this but since he was asking for a given product, I didnt feel like suggesting something he wasnt asking for.
They [lead sled] are useful to rule out shooter error while developping load however :)
 
I respectfully disagree with the lead sled idea.
A newer shooter on an upwards learning curve usually can't outshoot (talent wise) decent loads he can get from other shooters notes and suggestions.
The practice and education regarding how to hold/sit to/control/look down a rifle he/she'll get from holding the rifle themselves is worth more than the rock steady , screwed it to the bench in a vise type steadiness they,ll get to prove loads they're not ready for yet anyways.
The better loads and smaller groups are the prize for learning the tricks and techniques needed and they don't get dependant on a crutch to get they're scores.
By the time they're good enough to use a sled with out becoming dependant on it they no longer need it...... kinda makes it useless.

My 2 cents

M.
 
Actually I retract some of that previous statement.........
I just thought of a good use for one.

After going to the range you could put your rifle in it on the bench at home and use it while you clean your rifle.


M.
 
I have no experience with sleds myself but saw a guy using one the other day at the range. He came and checked out my rear bag and front rest set up after complaining that he couldn't get the sled to be repeatable / comfortable in terms of how he addressed the gun, aimed and fired. Maybe he wasn't using it right, but it definately didn't sway me away from my setup. I just have a cheap-o caldwell rest and bag, and while I will be upgrading over the winter the sinclair route, they have served me fine for 5 years.
 
I mentionned the lead sled only because I tought the OP wanted something like that, I use sandbags myself and beleive its all thats needed

tried the lead sled once and was impressed. GSoD you are right it's hard to be consistent with them especially if shooting a bigger caliber as it'll make it jump and shift position uncontrollably, right until you screw it into the table :)
 
I have a Lead Sled, I tried it once it was the most uncomfortable way of shooting, I could not get high enough on the chair to get a good cheek weld. I really don't think keeping a rifle from recoiling is good for it. The Lead Sled is a now really expensive dest collector under my bench, oh I use it to mount scopes and clean my guns.
 
Where I agree with you gents on shooting from bags, this what I most ofter do, the sleds have thier place. When I work up a load in a moderate to hard kicker I use a home made sled I have, and why not, it turns a 270 into a 204! But for me these are hunting guns and I shoot them very little at targets.
So a sled does have a good purpose, stops the flinch from coming to town. If your are not enjoying the recoil borrow one and try it. If you just what something stable to shot from get some sand bags. You can make them from old blue jean legs if your on a budget!

Good luck.
 
I have used a Cadwell front rest for a couple of years now, as I can not justify spending the cash on a fancy front rest. It was a little light so i tipped it upside down and filled the legs with lead.
As for the rifle sticking to the bags, an old time BR shooter told me to rub some baby powder on the leather. Slick!
Also get an accurate 22 and practice.
my .02$
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom