Bipod changing point of impact

[HuntnPack]

In the past I have noticed POI shift with different rest set ups from the bench, bags vs bipod. I don't do much bench shooting.
It caused me to focus more on field position shooting skills, bipod, tripod, pack, trekking poles, prone, sitting, etc.
Equipment adjustments are Finalized from my most commonly used field Shooting position.

 

[tripdad]

I have seen this, rest maters. I've shoot off 2x4 shooting house window and missed nice buck, threw shoots low like 8 inches plus enough to miss buck at 100yds then at 150ish ( this is extreme case and i believe perfect storm of 26in skinny barrel. Heavy barrels are not as bad)Sand bags, and bipods will hit different not as drastic as hard surface, bipod on hard or soft base can change poi, have had it happen, for hunting gun i will be shooting off hand or a rest i will use front bags, just to prevent this.

 

[mwkelso]

Inconsistent recoil management could be causing different poi as well. I'm sure there are many PRS shooters that can speak to the importance of being consistent in this area since they are constantly changing rifle holds, shooting positions, varying distances, etc.

 

[Pro2A]

Hello, I sighted my rifle in off of Caldwell shooting bags. I then shot using a Spartan Javelin bipod and noticed a difference in the point of impact. Is it typical for that to happen? Perhaps it was just user error, I didn't have much time to test it out and need to get back out to the range.
Thanks

How much shift? Elevation or horizontal shift....both? Sure the only variable is the bags versus bipod? Often several variables sneak in causing POI shift. Same day? Atmospheric variables? Distance? Same ammo? Loading the bipod? No loading off bags? Type of bipod feet? Surface bipod feet are on? Were you shooting on a bench with the bags...off to one side? Shooting prone with the bipod...directly behind rifle, "little green plastic army man" angled? Different shooting positions can change POI....different recoil management, natural point of aim, parallax adjustment, no wind from range bench versus wind in field from bipod. Many individuals shoot off bipods. But, they don't realize the variables that can input. The feet can skitter on concrete, wood; react differently in field on vegetation, rocks, etc. I shoot off a pack or shooting bags. I find the rifle recoils more consistently and I have better recoil management. I like both front and rear bags with ears. I find they hold the rifle steadier. Off a pack I will form the pack to form ears....like a trough. Carefully reflect on the shooting variables. Don't forget the most inconsistent variable....the shooter. Did you repeat to confirm?

 

[Greyfox]

I have found that I can get same POI that is the same with bags, bench/bipod, prone/bipod, or tripod. This has not always been the case. Consistency and control of the rifle/barrel during the dwell time between ignition and the bullet exiting the barrel is critical. The barrel generally moves 1/8-1/4" before the bullet exits the barrel. This consistency takes lots of practice. The heavier the rifle/barrel and lower the recoil impulse, the easier it is to achieve consistent POI. My best results are achieved with +10 pound rifles with heavy sporter or heavier barrels, rigid bipods(no leg play), moderate forward loading on bipod, moderate rearward stock pull into the shoulder, and light cheek weld on the comb. Barrel movement upon recoil should always be straight back...NO bounce!
IMO.
Shown:200 yard bipod bench and prone.

 

[flyguy1]

It depends on the gun and the shooter. I remember my first 300WM would move quite a bit (4moa vertical).

I have since learned that a lot of the vertical can be addressed with form and hold, but that takes some time, some ammo and a lot of practice.

Here is a pretty good article that might yield some further insight;

Hold that Forend!

Thanks, that's a great article.

 

[memtb]

How much shift? Elevation or horizontal shift....both? Sure the only variable is the bags versus bipod? Often several variables sneak in causing POI shift. Same day? Atmospheric variables? Distance? Same ammo? Loading the bipod? No loading off bags? Type of bipod feet? Surface bipod feet are on? Were you shooting on a bench with the bags...off to one side? Shooting prone with the bipod...directly behind rifle, "little green plastic army man" angled? Different shooting positions can change POI....different recoil management, natural point of aim, parallax adjustment, no wind from range bench versus wind in field from bipod. Many individuals shoot off bipods. But, they don't realize the variables that can input. The feet can skitter on concrete, wood; react differently in field on vegetation, rocks, etc. I shoot off a pack or shooting bags. I find the rifle recoils more consistently and I have better recoil management. I like both front and rear bags with ears. I find they hold the rifle steadier. Off a pack I will form the pack to form ears....like a trough. Carefully reflect on the shooting variables. Don't forget the most inconsistent variable....the shooter. Did you repeat to confirm?

Some very good points, to be added to the long list of positives for shooting sticks. Potentially, another good reason for using somewhat flexible shooting sticks. Not only do they have some flex, thereby should allow more consistent recoil impulse to the shooter. In other words, they are less affected by different footing terrain! While this isn't a proven theory, it seems logical......at least to me! "It's my story, and I'm stick'n to it"! memtb

 

[Hand Skills]

Great answer, @Greyfox

Thanks, that's a great article.

You're welcome, glad you found it helpful!

 

[DarryH]

I am normally a "bag" man. I do occasionally use a bi-pod and a mono-pod. I had a 788 Remington in 22-250. This gun always shot great. Then I bought a Harris Bi-pod. I had it well mounted, and headed to the range.
I noticed shifting impact right away. I experimented with multiple techniques, and was very consistent. I realized that every time I shot I could hear the springs on the bi-pod vibrate. My conclusion was the there was vibration throwing my groups around. I removed the bi-pod and my groups went back to normal. That bi-pod was never used again, and still sits somewhere buried in the depths of what passes for my "gun" room. I started buying bi-pods without springs and have had much better success.

 

[aushunter1]

The only difference in POI with any shooting position/rest is if the barrel at some point comes in contact with the barrel & hence changing the harmonics.

Full stop!

This is assuming your running a free floating barreled action?

Look at these 2 positions your shooting & asses what is changing.

Most likely you will find there is some sort of contact between the 2!

 

[AZShooter]

I agree with a previous poster, more clearance for the barrel and channel.

I had three McMillan stocked rifles that were bedded with barrels floated. Used front rest and rear bag as well as a bi-pod and POI were same at 100 yds. Shot them to our 500 M steel range and the bi-pod setup opened up. Opened up the barrel channel and issue solved.

You didn't mention the distance you were shooting. I strongly suggest you shoot the bi-pod setup at distant targets to see how it performs.