boomer68
Handloader
- Oct 23, 2006
- 900
- 119
Just curious what folks are using at the range when shooting from bench. I have a Caldwell Stinger and was thinking of moving to bags.
Load development
- Thread starter boomer68
- Start date
Wolfshead
Handloader
- Feb 5, 2022
- 341
- 904
This is what I use.
Caldwell not sure the name just their shooting bags.
I’ve had them for years, and they work well for me.
The only problem I’ve had with them is one winter I had them in my garage and some mice eat a hole in the bottom corner of the large front bag.
Had to sew it shut as you can see in the both pictures.
Caldwell not sure the name just their shooting bags.
I’ve had them for years, and they work well for me.
The only problem I’ve had with them is one winter I had them in my garage and some mice eat a hole in the bottom corner of the large front bag.
Had to sew it shut as you can see in the both pictures.
- Nov 4, 2004
- 27,142
- 13,663
I use the Bullsbag X7 System
JD338
Bulls Bag X7 System
I called Bulls Bag Friday but they were closed, didn't leave a message. Saturday early afternoon I recieved a call from Marshall Hill, the President of Bulls Bag asking if there was something I needed or if he could answer any questions. I thought, WOW, here is a man that cares about the...
forum.nosler.com
JD338
highoctane
Handloader
- Apr 20, 2018
- 252
- 547
I use the Protektor #13A rabbit ear rear bag with hard bottom and the Protektor #7A standard front bag.
xphunter
Handloader
- Sep 15, 2005
- 1,727
- 3,584
Here is what I use the majority of the time...
I can shoot very tight groups with various bi-pods and various rear bags from the bench.
Here is what I use for comp load development.
I can shoot very tight groups with various bi-pods and various rear bags from the bench.
Here is what I use for comp load development.
GregoryB.
Beginner
- Feb 5, 2022
- 247
- 563
Backcast88
Beginner
- Sep 15, 2012
- 94
- 247
I used a Caldwell Rock front rest. I bought it from BPS years ago for like $50-60. I recently ripped the front bag so I replaced it with a Protektor #1small front bag. Its much better then what came on the Caldwell.
For the rear, I use a MDT Grand Old Canister bag. I have the large, and heavy house fill.
For the rear, I use a MDT Grand Old Canister bag. I have the large, and heavy house fill.
RL338
Handloader
- Mar 23, 2017
- 4,635
- 8,095
Caldwell Rock front rests and Protektor front and rear bags.
Blkram
Handloader
- Nov 25, 2013
- 3,468
- 4,399
I have been using a Browning Bull Bag for the front for about 30 years now. (Haven't seen these anywhere for many years.) Wish I had bought two!
I also have a Caldwell Tackdriver one as back up for others (Susan, Lauryn, etc.) to use when we go to the range, but it isn't quite as nice, as the Browning has leather in the V.
I do find that having something under the front bag to lift it is necessary with some rifles, at some ranges. My local range usually had some 2' x 12' boards for this. I have yet to come up with the best solution yet...but saw something online the other day that has given me an idea that I need to look into further. I'll let you know after I have experimented with it...
I have experimented with various metal target type front rests, that either friends have, or demo'd them from the LGS's I worked at, but so far have found the bull bag to work best for me.
Plus, the bull bag goes with me on hunting trips and gets used where I am not hiking and do not have to lug the extra weight and bulk around. Plus, it comes in handy when we take breaks when travelling between areas and pull the rifles out for a little field target fun. Set the bag on a log, stump, or large rock and shoot at safe targets at unknown distances to test our ranging abilities and cold first shot shooting at unknown distances. Keeps skills sharp, plus is a lot of fun with your hunting partners (right DrMike)!
Although, I would like to try one of those new fancy ones like Ernie has under his rifle! Saw one online the other day for the first time...looks mighty fancy, and could be interesting to try with my 25 Creedmoor (barrel just arrived, and will be put on the donor rifle in June when I get back from Africa!), and the 7mm PRC (and others) for load development.
Would love to hear Ernie's review of it!
For rear bags, I have used various rabbit ear bags for years. I now have a nice set of leather ones, including the smaller flatter elbow ones like Ernie has, and use them that work best for the particular rifle (e.g., single shot or lever action vs bolt action). I also have some Caldwell ones for back up for others to use with that bull bag. I have also picked up a couple of Caldwell Tack Driver X bags (regular and mini) to pack in the truck for hunting too. Have played with them a little, but not much as yet. The mini can go into a daypack for use for either the front or rear as the circumstances may call for if shooting prone, or over a heavy branch (need to take out a little media for the latter to work best). I have seen some of the bags that competitive shooters are using from positional stands that may be a better option for this, but have not yet seen these on the shelves of LGSs.
I also have a Caldwell Tackdriver one as back up for others (Susan, Lauryn, etc.) to use when we go to the range, but it isn't quite as nice, as the Browning has leather in the V.
I do find that having something under the front bag to lift it is necessary with some rifles, at some ranges. My local range usually had some 2' x 12' boards for this. I have yet to come up with the best solution yet...but saw something online the other day that has given me an idea that I need to look into further. I'll let you know after I have experimented with it...
I have experimented with various metal target type front rests, that either friends have, or demo'd them from the LGS's I worked at, but so far have found the bull bag to work best for me.
Plus, the bull bag goes with me on hunting trips and gets used where I am not hiking and do not have to lug the extra weight and bulk around. Plus, it comes in handy when we take breaks when travelling between areas and pull the rifles out for a little field target fun. Set the bag on a log, stump, or large rock and shoot at safe targets at unknown distances to test our ranging abilities and cold first shot shooting at unknown distances. Keeps skills sharp, plus is a lot of fun with your hunting partners (right DrMike)!
Although, I would like to try one of those new fancy ones like Ernie has under his rifle! Saw one online the other day for the first time...looks mighty fancy, and could be interesting to try with my 25 Creedmoor (barrel just arrived, and will be put on the donor rifle in June when I get back from Africa!), and the 7mm PRC (and others) for load development.
Would love to hear Ernie's review of it!
For rear bags, I have used various rabbit ear bags for years. I now have a nice set of leather ones, including the smaller flatter elbow ones like Ernie has, and use them that work best for the particular rifle (e.g., single shot or lever action vs bolt action). I also have some Caldwell ones for back up for others to use with that bull bag. I have also picked up a couple of Caldwell Tack Driver X bags (regular and mini) to pack in the truck for hunting too. Have played with them a little, but not much as yet. The mini can go into a daypack for use for either the front or rear as the circumstances may call for if shooting prone, or over a heavy branch (need to take out a little media for the latter to work best). I have seen some of the bags that competitive shooters are using from positional stands that may be a better option for this, but have not yet seen these on the shelves of LGSs.
Last edited:
RiverRider
Handloader
- Dec 9, 2008
- 1,491
- 178
I've had varied success using various bag and rest combinations, but noticed that horizontal dispersion was usually what ruined my group shooting and that was just not acceptable for load development. I found that I was often fighting the rear bag.
When I saw this thing I realized it would make that those particular struggles much easier to win. It wasn't exactly a budget accessory, either, but it helped me an awful lot. It has some idiosyncrasies to overcome, but once understood it allows greater concentration on the vitals of good shooting from the bench.
When I saw this thing I realized it would make that those particular struggles much easier to win. It wasn't exactly a budget accessory, either, but it helped me an awful lot. It has some idiosyncrasies to overcome, but once understood it allows greater concentration on the vitals of good shooting from the bench.
Blkram
Handloader
- Nov 25, 2013
- 3,468
- 4,399
Here's a link to an interesting article to review:
www.outdoorlife.com
The Best Shooting Rests of 2026
The best shooting rests are stable and lightweight. We evaluated a variety of rests to match your hunting style.
www.outdoorlife.com
Same for me and helps to make sure your crossbow is still on before season.
