Bipod with sling prone

[elktaker]

I have been getting accustom to my new barrel and the addition of an Atlas Bipod.

Any one using a sling to pull in the gun into there shoulder and limit hop?

I have been having problems with my groups opening up when shooting prone with my bipod. I am shooting a Savage 7mm wsm with a pac-nor brake (which I think it barely reducing any recoil) and it lies in a XLR element with a Nightforce 5-15x scope. My Altas has talon feet. So today I added a sling from the top of the bipod to loop around my support hand forearm. I am shooting with support hand working rear bag and when I reach back for the bag I have the sling adjust to pull gun into my shoulder. I am shooting off of dirt and really dig the feet in.

My groups before the addition of a sling were 1.25 to 1.5". My load has shown consistantly to be under 1 MOA and normally down to .4 MOA off of Bald eagle rest. Lots of practice and I still could not get it any tighter and my reloads are not that cheap to do.

With the sling added, I shot at 150 YD on some BLM land (range was being cleaned or something). Results were horizontally a 5 shot group was .5 MOA and vertically 1 MOA. I believe vertical was my cheek weld. I should have adjust the legs a little higher to be a little more comfortable.

Curious if anyone is doing this or has any setups for this? LaRue sells a sling but I do not like how it is around your chest. Currently, I am just 1" tubular webbing for climbing for the sling.

 

[Barrelnut]

I don't do this but it sounds like a good idea. I will try it my next time out. Thanks for posting.

Currently, I build up enough with the rear bag that my cheek can push down a little and bring the crosshairs up to the target then pull the rifle in a small bit at the forearm. Some folks lay their hand on top of the scope. Have done that with some success also.

I believe this is what a "butt hook" is for on some stocks. You are supposed to be able to push the butt into your shoulder with the left hand. never comfortable for me though.

 

[WildRose]

I've been shooting prone using my sling for downward pressure for decades, it works pretty well for me as well.

 

[elktaker]

I've been shooting prone using my sling for downward pressure for decades, it works pretty well for me as well.

Trying to figure out how to make a more permanent sling to use. Is your sling attached to rifle stock of Bipod itself?

 

[WildRose]

Trying to figure out how to make a more permanent sling to use. Is your sling attached to rifle stock of Bipod itself?

I have them mounted both ways depending on which rifle it is.

I just kind of loop it over my elbow, no need to wrap it around the forearm.

 

[Greyfox]

I'm not sure if this is relevant your situation but I experienced a similar effect with my groups shooting prone with an Atlas that I had mounted on my 300WM. My standard rifle hold with all my rifles is to apply forward pressure to the bipod, moderate(5-10#) rearward pull on the grip, and a very light cheek weld. Prior to mounting the Atlas I had been using a Harris bipod an all my LR rigs including the 300WM mentioned above. With the Harrus I had no issue replicating accuracy of .5MOA irrespective of shooting position with the exception of a very repeatable elevation adjustment of +.25MOA when moving from an upright(bench or sitting), to a prone position. This was consistent with all my LR rifles. When I changed the 300WM back to my Harris, my previous accuracy was restored. Because this seemed strange, I decided to try the Atlas on my 6.5x284 which I had been shooting for a few years with a 9-13" Harris. Same effect as seen on my 300WM. The only thing that I could surmise was that the "play"in the legs of the Atlas compared to the more rigid design of the Harris might have been introducing some form of barrel movement.....but I'm not sure. In any case, I decided that I wasn't going to modify my well established shooting style, and just decided stick with the Harris.

 

[Nitro 375]

Having been a Highpower competitor for many years I shoot with a sling whenever I can. Consequently I shoot better with a sling than I do from a bipod or a bench. Especially if the rifle in question has a bit of recoil. Of course shooting with a sling isn't always possible in the field. Sometimes a bipod, rock, sticks, your hat, jacket or pack are the best option at that time. Beware of P.O.I. changes of course.

 

[geo4061]

I tried shooting prone with a bipod and sling. I just didn't like it. I felt like I could not get consistent pressure in a straight line and repeatability was in question. How about downward pressure on the scope?

 

[elktaker]

I tried shooting prone with a bipod and sling. I just didn't like it. I felt like I could not get consistent pressure in a straight line and repeatability was in question. How about downward pressure on the scope?

I will have another day at the range to see if I keep it on or not. But so far it has almost half-ed my group sizes off the bipod and my target stays in scope.

 

[geo4061]

Post us a picture showing us what you are doing. Thanks

 

[elktaker]

Post us a picture showing us what you are doing. Thanks

here's one

 

[elktaker]

Post us a picture showing us what you are doing. Thanks

and two

 

[Nitro 375]

Ah I see, sorry I misunderstood, did not realize you were shooting with a bipod and sling at the same time. I have never tired that.

 

[geo4061]

Thank you for the pictures. I tried that and it felt like I was pulling the rifle to the left. I am amazed you are getting better groups. Let me know how your next trip to the range turns out.