Bipod on a sloping surface

[Aussie]

Any thoughts as to whether using a bipod on a sloping surface eg. sloping truck hood has any effect on horizontal dispersion of groups ?
Having problems with horizontal when using my Sako .17 this way . Obviously I do adjust legs to avoid canting the rifle .

 

[royinidaho]

I am of the strong opinion that a sloping uneven surface has a large affect on point of impact.

Whether using shooting sticks or bipod a steep slant on the bipod or sticks will result in what I call 'unexplainable misses'.

The only shooting position I could attain for the one shot I got during last years elk season was one where one bipod leg was nearly straight down and the other was almost at 90 degrees. Everything was solid though my body position was a little awkward the result was an "unexplainable miss." /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Aussie]

Tried same loads on a flat surface and made no difference .

 

[royinidaho]

That was a good test. You can eliminate the bipod from the equation. There's a bit of a difference between a .17 and a 338 RUM /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

How much horizontal spread are you talking about?

 

[britz]

I believe that canting the rifle is one of the biggest problems with long range shooting. I am looking for a level bubble that can be mounted on a scope to use in these situations to level the rifle. If anyone knows of one please let me know. I would also reccomend using a bipod with a swivle.

 

[royinidaho]

Goto page 105 of the latest Sinclair Catalog (800-717-82111 or www.sinclairintl.com) and take your pick. The tall one (Scopelevel is the most popular around here) or,

Take a taller rear Leupold type ring, a drill bit of the proper size and a cheap spirit level (remove bubble part) and make your own.

 

[britz]

Roy, Thanks for the advice, I don't know why I didn't think of it. I used an old over/under scope mount and drilled it for a bubble. will have to try it out soon.

 

[Aussie]

[ QUOTE ]

How much horizontal spread are you talking about?

[/ QUOTE ]

About 1.2 inches horizontal . Under half inch vertical . Tried seating depths and various powders . Trying primer change next . Starting to wonder about the scope as it is new and an unknown quantity .

 

[gbp]

I use the US Optics level. IMHO the best there is
http://www.usoptics.org/acc.php?typeID=Ext%20Cant%20Indicator

 

[Mikecr]

I don't like the USO versions(I have a few). The housing covers up too much of what I'm trying to see -a centered bubble! Too dark for me