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Testing loads for groups #6262776 04/16/16 06:40 PM
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What does everybody use as support for testing group size? I have been using bipod and bag in the rear. Just seeing what others use.

Re: Testing loads for groups [Re: jlsbassman] #6262946 04/16/16 09:49 PM
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I use a big bag in the front and a small bunny ear bag for the rear.


Not my monkeys, not my circus...
Re: Testing loads for groups [Re: jlsbassman] #6263016 04/16/16 10:54 PM
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I always recommend the most stable rest you can use. In a perfect world it would be a solid(not $30 plastic rest) front benchrest and at minimum a rear rabbit ear filled with heavy sand on top of a rock solid bench.

After all, you are testing the ammunition/rifle combination and will want to remove the shooter from the equation as much as possible.

There's nothing wrong with using a bipod and rear bag just make sure you preload the bipod, use the same cheek pressure and follow through for every shot.

Re: Testing loads for groups [Re: jlsbassman] #6263107 04/16/16 11:56 PM
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Bipod and rear bag. But that is a learned skill, that not everyone knows how to do.

Bottom line is, as with any type rifle shooting, is get still. As well as making sure the forearm isn't touching the barrel, whatever the front rest may be.


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Re: Testing loads for groups [Re: J.G.] #6263150 04/17/16 12:30 AM
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Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Bipod and rear bag. But that is a learned skill, that not everyone knows how to do.

Bottom line is, as with any type rifle shooting, is get still. As well as making sure the forearm isn't touching the barrel, whatever the front rest may be.
.

Some rifle stock combinations do not lend themselves to the bipod front as the front rest. I hear it said wood stocks are the worst for this but the "Tupperware" plastic/synthetic stocks found on lots of factory rifles are just as bad or worse for letting the barrel and forearm touch or even more pressure to be applied.


lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true
Mainstream news might be fun to watch
Re: Testing loads for groups [Re: kmon11] #6263163 04/17/16 12:39 AM
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Right.I've figured out a way to combat that.

You need a piece of angle iron, 2"X4", square tubing, something solid ahead of the bipod feet, clamped or screwed down. Load the bipod very heavily, and many stocks will flex away from the barrel. I can make a Tikka, and Savage clear the barrel by an eighth inch or more, with the factory stock.


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Re: Testing loads for groups [Re: jlsbassman] #6263521 04/17/16 12:16 PM
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Is it good, bad or other wise to use a carpet mat on the bench top? In this case a heavy wooden bench.


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Re: Testing loads for groups [Re: jlsbassman] #6263539 04/17/16 12:41 PM
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I use a saddle blanket on our concrete benches.


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Re: Testing loads for groups [Re: J.G.] #6263553 04/17/16 12:53 PM
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Originally Posted By: FiremanJG
Right.I've figured out a way to combat that.

You need a piece of angle iron, 2"X4", square tubing, something solid ahead of the bipod feet, clamped or screwed down. Load the bipod very heavily, and many stocks will flex away from the barrel. I can make a Tikka, and Savage clear the barrel by an eighth inch or more, with the factory stock.
are you pushing forward against the angel iron?


hold on Newt, we got a runaway
Re: Testing loads for groups [Re: colt45-90] #6263571 04/17/16 01:05 PM
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Yes, that is loading the bipod. The harder the recoil of the cartridge, the more I load the bipod.


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Re: Testing loads for groups [Re: jlsbassman] #6263702 04/17/16 02:27 PM
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I feel like for me the bipod and rear bag are working best. I've tried using the sand bag in front but doesn't seem as stable. The benches at the range where I shoot have nothing to load the bipod against except a sand bag. Is loading the bipod more for controlling recoil jump or does it help you stabilize also. I tried loading against the sand bag but it seems to want push away. My recoil is not that big of a deal, I'm shooting a ruger precision rifle in 243 win. I've just started loading for it, I've had a couple groups where all are touching in a circle, had some groups where some are touching stringing right to left. Most groups, I will have 4 rounds touching and then have 1 off a 1/4" or so, I was just wondering how much of that would be human error or load/gun error.

Re: Testing loads for groups [Re: jlsbassman] #6263730 04/17/16 02:42 PM
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Loading is for control, as well as to combat recoil. But I do it prone, and the goal is to witness impact down range. In other words, I see the bullet I shot hit the target, or splash in the dirt. I can make a correction as needed. You can load the bipod on a bench, and it will help, but not as effectively as doing it prone.

The only time I shoot from a bench is three days of prairie dogs, and even then I have angle iron bolted to the end of the bench.


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Re: Testing loads for groups [Re: jlsbassman] #6263741 04/17/16 02:50 PM
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Jason taught me the technique for loading the bipod and it does help me steady the rifle. My back tends to hurt shooting prone so I have used a piece of angle iron clamped to a bench with the same positive results. Some of the shooting mats have pockets/slots to place the bipod feet allowing you to load it. Give it a try without ammo and see just how stable you can get.


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I was wrong...on anything technical.

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Fitz............. is right, ya know............
Re: Testing loads for groups [Re: jlsbassman] #6263750 04/17/16 02:55 PM
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These are pics of the groups I'm talking about.




Re: Testing loads for groups [Re: jlsbassman] #6263816 04/17/16 03:49 PM
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That's a mass produced rifle, you're doing all the good! up

To get any tighter than that, typically means a cut rifled barrel, chambered by a Smith that is extremely picky. That's another $700


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Re: Testing loads for groups [Re: jlsbassman] #6263895 04/17/16 04:40 PM
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That rifle does shoot, and it might get even better after a few more rounds. Ya gonna swap it off, JLS?

bolt


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Re: Testing loads for groups [Re: jlsbassman] #6263934 04/17/16 05:14 PM
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I think It's a keeper

Re: Testing loads for groups [Re: jlsbassman] #6264012 04/17/16 06:25 PM
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the .243 is the "sleeper" of the RPR's

7 twist barrel, scoot those D-Tacs

fast 6mm's are almost as cool as a fast 6.5's popcorn


SPACE FOR RENT


Re: Testing loads for groups [Re: jlsbassman] #6264504 04/18/16 02:01 AM
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Gotta wonder why it's not available in 7mm-08 or .260 Rem.


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Re: Testing loads for groups [Re: RiverRider] #6264531 04/18/16 02:19 AM
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They already make the 6.5 Creedmoor. The .260 being the sister to it, producing exactly the same external ballistics, often times. It makes sense why they don't offer both.

The head shed may think the 7mm-08 is also too close to the .308, though we all know it is not.


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Re: Testing loads for groups [Re: jlsbassman] #6264872 04/18/16 01:33 PM
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I use Harris/Larue bipod up front. Wiebad bags in rear. I may actually swap to true sandbags in the rear because I found I was shooting slightly better with them.

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