Best position for groups

[Teekerguy]

Just curious to see what other guys results are from shooting prone to off a bench for load development and groups. Seems I've had best luck in the prone position with a bi pod and a fortune cookie mini as a rear bag

 

[Koda_]

For load development and groups use a benchrest or led sled. After the load is developed use sandbags, bipod, sling, and any other practical position you will encounter in the field.

 

[Varmint Hunter]

Best position for groups?

Do what the benchrest shooters do. Shoot off a solid bench with a rest up front and a bag in the rear.

 

[Zen Archery]

See what works for you. Get in each position. See where there is less movement & adjustments between the two and use that method.

 

[Joefrazell]

For load development and groups use a benchrest or led sled. After the load is developed use sandbags, bipod, sling, and any other practical position you will encounter in the field.

You should never ever use a lead sled. They can damage your scope/rifle. Plus the load may or may not work once off the sled if development is done in a sled.

 

[RidgeTop]

I practice 'off hand' because I never find a table when I see an animal.

This is my Remington 700 30-06 with Remington round nose Core-Lokt (I use a lot in the N.Y. Adirondacks)

I think the X shot came first - a little off. Then I got excited and made the second shot that split the ring. I have another Remington 700 in 7mmRemMag just like the 30-06 and it shoots just as good. I will see if I can find a 300yd off hand target with it. I found a 100yd target for the 'twin' Remington 700 7mmRemMag. I shoot it 'off hand' too.

 

[Koda_]

You should never ever use a lead sled. They can damage your scope/rifle. Plus the load may or may not work once off the sled if development is done in a sled.

how does the led sled damage the scope/rifle?

 

[LanceK]

Since the lead sled is weighted down, it works to stop the recoil by applying a lot of force to the stock that the stock would not be exposed to if there was a human absorbing the recoil and slowing down the acceleration and thus force applied to the stock is less with a human than a lead sled.

Hard for me to explain, I'm sure someone else can jump in and give a better explanation.

 

[Koda_]

Since the lead sled is weighted down, it works to stop the recoil by applying a lot of force to the stock that the stock would not be exposed to if there was a human absorbing the recoil and slowing down the acceleration and thus force applied to the stock is less with a human than a lead sled.

Hard for me to explain, I'm sure someone else can jump in and give a better explanation.

No this makes sense. Ive heard rifles and scopes are not made for zero recoil movement. Ive never weighted my sled down, I dont even use the forearm strap, the whole sled moves back on the bench when fired. Its only used for initial zeroing of the rifle. I guess I should not recommend one anymore. Ive been meaning to get a front rest and a rear sandbag, thanks for the reminder.

 

[LVJ76]

Best position for groups?

Do what the benchrest shooters do. Shoot off a solid bench with a rest up front and a bag in the rear.

This 100%

 

[Joefrazell]

how does the led sled damage the scope/rifle?

It's the jarring when fired from being somewhat fixed. The rifles not able to recoil naturally. Can cause poi shift also. Not the best for zeroing.

 

[Koda_]

Can cause poi shift also. Not the best for zeroing.

Ive often wondered about that and have never got an answer. I would think any change in shooting position setup can affect POI?

 

[Varmint Hunter]

 

[std7mag]

Best position for groups?

Do what the benchrest shooters do. Shoot off a solid bench with a rest up front and a bag in the rear.

I seen & heard more bad habbits from people using a Leadsled.

First thing i recommend is to chuck it in the dumpster!

As for best shooting position, i'd say it depends.

Having never been taught to shoot from the prone, i'm not fully comfortable with it.

I do zeroing and load development from the bench with a front rest & rear bag.

Later i'll shoot while positioned against a post to simulate a convient tree.
I'll also set my portable stool up, put my backpack on it and plop my butt on the ground.
Makes a nice field expedient bench rest.