Caldwell Lead Sled

[1eye]

I have some big mag guns to test and was given a lead sled to test some loads , the problem I see here is that the recoil ( shock ) is going to be taken up by the rest and transfered to the gun and scope . Although it will help recoil I think it will be extremely hard on scopes . I think you need some recoil from the gun to also shoot accurately.
Any opionions out their on this ?

 

[WildRose]

I have some big mag guns to test and was given a lead sled to test some loads , the problem I see here is that the recoil ( shock ) is going to be taken up by the rest and transfered to the gun and scope . Although it will help recoil I think it will be extremely hard on scopes . I think you need some recoil from the gun to also shoot accurately.
Any opionions out their on this ?

Never put a cheap scope on a big mag with/without the lead sled.

Yes the rifle ends up absorbing more shock than it would against your shoulder, but if you are developing loads it takes usually quite a bit of shooting and with big mags sooner or later you are going to start flinching, pushing, or wrenching which makes it very difficult to (read impossible) to really see which loads group the best consistently.

In reality though the sled ends up taking most of the abuse, not the rifle.

If your rifle, mounts, rings, and scope are all of high quality and properly mounted/installed and maintained it should not damage any of them.

Once you have two or three good loads, then put it to your shoulder and see which works best.

 

[J E Custom]

I use one a lot, But I do not add weight to the tray. (The led sled already weighs as much as
most rifles) and will reduce recoil like it is.

I use the tray (Carpeted) for scope caps, Bolts while cleaning Etc.) The more weight you add to
the sled the harder it is on the stock.

If you have a 8 pound rifle and add another 10+ pounds effectively you have a 18 pound rifle
and recoil will be reduced to a very reasonable level.And the lead sled by it's self weighs that.

If anything the led sled makes it easier on the scopes and mounts because it reduces the
travel of the rifle and the recoil velocity.

J E CUSTOM

 

[Boss Hoss]

Edited

 

[ishootkittens]

Boss Hoss can you go into detail a bit on that last statement? I dont understand why a leadsled wouldnt produce accuracy?

 

[Broz]

I use to sight in a lot of 12 slug guns when I lived in Iowa. They can beat on you pretty hard. I found that if you slip a 1/2 a bag of lead shot in between the recoil pad and your shoulder it takes out a ton of recoil. This is not the best way to practice with your rifle, but I find it the way to go for load work up and sight in with the mules with out brakes. I feel this is a much better choice than a ledsled for accuracy and also for the rifle. You still have full control of the rifle and your point of aim.

Jeff

 

[Doublezranch]

I shoot big bore rifles as well. 7mm Ultra, 338 Ultra, and 375 Ultra. I use the lead sled but do things a bit different than others. I went to the local sports store and bought a 100 lbs dumbell. Took a dremel tool and carved a half moon into the handle so it sits on the tray. This seems to work awesome. The gun and sled never move. The dumbell was much less than buying lead shot in bags. I can shoot all day at the range and not feel a thing.

I also I agree with putting a top notch scope on your rifle. I see so many people at the range with big rifles and end up blowing up their scope cause it because they spent all their money on the rifle. Remember, if you can't see what your shooting, your gun is mo good. Keep in mind, a 338 Ultra mag has 96 lbs of recoil. Recoil is totally subjective. I am a 225 guy and recoil is not a bother, my father is bigger than me and can hardly handle a 7mm mag.

Hope this helps....

 

[Doublezranch]

....I guess I should have spell checked before I sent it. Sorry for the spelling...

 

[FEENIX]

The sled has enough weight to help reduce the recoil on most calibers. Do not use excessive weight to eliminate recoil, just enough to reduce it to a more pleasant and manageable recoil to prevent any stock/rifle damage.

Pictured is my SAKO M995 in .300 WM. I rigged mine with a set of $1.99 straps just enough to secure rifle and put my snow chains into better use.

 

[ishootkittens]

Now that is a sharp looking rifle! I like the strap idea, except on the barrel. Wouldnt that affect the vibration of the barrel and affect your POI?

 

[FEENIX]

Now that is a sharp looking rifle! I like the strap idea, except on the barrel. Wouldnt that affect the vibration of the barrel and affect your POI?

Not sure but here's the end result during load development at 100 yards (71.5gr H4831SC, 200gr NAB, CCI 250) ...

 

[ishootkittens]

haha looks good to me.gun) :.

 

[wbaskins]

I shoot off of a lead sled alot, but they are hard on stocks, especially wooden stocks. I fired my 300 ultra mag about 30 to 40 times on the lead sled when the thumbhole stock broke where your thumb goes thru the hole. Got it fixed pretty cheap but it doesn't go on the sled anymore.