Shooting rests?

[nvbroncrider]

Was wondering how everyone does there load development and what kind of rest you use? I currently use a Harris bipod on the forend and shoot prone for my LD, but sometimes I wonder if I am actually stable enough to shoot a good group consistently. I have never shot from a bench or used a bag of any sort. My biggest problem is my heartbeat and I know this for a fact. I can see it running a cutting torch moving in a straight line in a magnified scope it becomes unbearable to me. I am also considering getting a bag just looking for pros and cons.

Thanks

Jake

 

[DrMike]

For determining your ability, there is nothing like a rest. I use sand bags, though I'm ordering a Bulls Bag shortly. JD338 has sold me on the system. I do like to use a properly weighted and designed rest.

 

[usmc 89]

I shoot from prone with a bi-pod and a rear bag when doing load development. I also use a rear bag whenever the situation allows it. I will always take any advantage I can find to make the rifle more steady when hunting or shooting steel from prone as long as I can efficiently carry it.

 

[sask boy]

I purchased the Bull system of rests and I can not say enough good things about them.
I am using exclusively when developing loads or sighting in
For hunting I bring along my bogpod!

Blessings,
Dan

 

[Anonymous]

For determining your ability, there is nothing like a rest. I use sand bags, though I'm ordering a Bulls Bag shortly. JD338 has sold me on the system. I do like to use a properly weighted and designed rest.

+1.... I have one.. awsome rest.

 

[JD338]

I have the X7 System from BullsBag. It is an awesome rest and is rock steady at 800 yds.

JD338

 

[shoots_5]

For load development and seeing what the rifle is capable of, shooting from a bench and bags is nice. But don't forget that accuracy only matters to the degree in which we can wield it! I like to shoot prone off the bipod whenever possible on the range and in the field because it's the most stable practical field position I can achieve. But we would all likely be better off spending more time shooting offhand and in field positions than from a bench unless all you do is punch paper....then the bench is your friend.

 

[JD338]

For load development and seeing what the rifle is capable of, shooting from a bench and bags is nice. But don't forget that accuracy only matters to the degree in which we can wield it! I like to shoot prone off the bipod whenever possible on the range and in the field because it's the most stable practical field position I can achieve. But we would all likely be better off spending more time shooting offhand and in field positions than from a bench unless all you do is punch paper....then the bench is your friend.

I do agree but for load development and long range steel shooting, the X7 System is the best I have used.

JD338

 

[Anonymous]

This is the one I have.... I use corn cob media in the bottom bags and rice in the top bags. I feel rice is more stable for the rest itself.

http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/sid=7 ... 15_d_5643#

 

[shoots_5]

JD, that does look like a great system. Just making a point that most of the hunters I know spend way more time on the bags than shooting from field positions which isn't ideal practice, but I suppose that's a whole other can of worms!

 

[Oldtrader3]

I use a Caldwell Rock rest with a Caldwell three sided rest bag and owl ear rear bag. Works great for me.

 

[BeeTee]

I've shot a lot of .2s & .3s with my Rem 223 VS & Leu 4-12x AO (Nosler 50BT) off a Harris bipod and a rear bag on the range bench. From my perspective, managing sight picture (crosshair position) and the trigger control probably have more effect on group size.

I do wonder sometimes though if a Leu 6.5-20x and Caldwell lead sled would improve groups... I doubt it would be worth the cost...

 

[Ridgerunner665]

Bulls Bag for me too...not the X7 though, just the 10" field bag...it works great, the rifle slides toward you some during recoil...I imagine the 15" bag would hold tighter, but I wanted one that was somewhat portable, LOL.

 

[Huntbear]

Sand bags front and back for me... I like to be able to squeeze that back bag, so to slowly settle my crosshairs, as my breathing comes in line... it is more stable for me, and when working up loads or shooting for tight groups that is paramount.