Lead sleds crack stocks?

[roysclockgun]

Why is it that various "Lead Sled" type shooting cradles are not reported as having caused damage to rifle stocks? This, especially to wooden stocks? I use one of those cradles to zero in my rifles, each time I change components in hand loading. However, I do not weigh down the cradle and while it still makes a very solid shooting platform, it is allowed to slide back upon recoil! The reason that I have never weighed the cradle down, is that the more the rifle is prevented from recoiling the greater the stress upon the stock. After spending three years in the US Army Artillery, I know what happens when a recoil system fails.
I am curious as to why we have not heard reports of rifles being fired off anchored cradles having their stocks damaged.
Steven

 

[elkeater2]

After the synthetic buttstock on my Encore muzzleloader came loose for the third time, I stared at the system and figured out the stock needed to move with the recoil. Cushioning is fine, pretty solid resistance is not, and you won't have the same zero as shooting against the shoulder either.

I agree it's something to consider!

 

[roysclockgun]

My cradle is by Outers. After the rifle is set to point at the bull, I reach around with my right arm to access the trigger and the back of the cradle is actually what comes in contact with my shoulder. Upon ignition, I experience very little recoil, but the entire cradle and rifle do move rearward just a bit. This system gets me the best possible groups at the range and after zero, as elkeater wrote, I do have to check zero and make minor adjustments when shooting off a padded rest under the fore stock, as zero is slightly different than when shooting off the cradle.
If anyone is considering using one of the cradle, "lead sled" type devices, it is best to consider the possible damage to your stock, from weighting down the sled. The rifle needs to be able to move rearward enough to absorb the recoil without creating damage. This especially with wooden stocks.
Again, I am amazed that more reports of rifle stock damage are not reported by shooters using an anchored cradle for shooting.
Steven

 

[hardpan]

Hi There,
I use a lead sled, without weights, often. The sled moves a few inches with the recoil. But, I shoot small groups, and the rifles are the same off the sled, bags, or any good rest. I have a lot of fairly high grade wooden stocks, and never even heard of that problem.

Having said that, I don't know of any exhibition grade stocks that should be used with belted mags.
Hardpan