Solid rest recommendations

[leclairk]

Want a solid rest to use when load developing. I don’t need benchrest quality just something to get the job done. Currently I shoot prone off a bipod with a rear bag. I would like a solid position to help eliminate my shooting mistakes when tuning loads.

 

[Carlos Danger]

I didn't want to go apeshit when I got into the benchrest silhouette league so I compromised a little. The front rest has a nice upgrade as the factory bag sucked. The rear bag was inevitable. It makes for a nice steady rest with straight rearward recoil. I wanna say the Protektor upgrades were under $ 150 delivered and the Caldwell rest was whatever current market rate is.

 

[marchboom]

Get a rest with some weight to it. Get a front bag that is 3" wide and use a forend benchrest adapter such as this:

brownells.com/shooting-accessories/shooting-rests/shooting-rest-accessories/swivel-mount-benchrest-adaptor-sku749004954-35661-68511.aspx?sku=749-004-954.

This device will allow the rifle to remain steady and will minimize the amount of body contact needed to steady it. The rifle should slide back easily and when pushed forward should still be relatively on target. Use baby powder on the bags so the rifle slides back easier.

Even though some rests seem expensive they are one of your best investments and will last several lifetimes. Without a steady rest you won't know is the problem is with your loads or the rest moving.

 

[bax]

With a good rear bag, a decent bipod, and good fundamentals, you should be able to make accurate shots. I shoot threes (okay, big threes) shooting prone while using a Harris bipod, rear bag, and a 300 PRC (it has some recoil). If you are going for groups smaller than that, a front rest may be necessary. Even with a front rest, you still have to manage recoil.

Sinclair International makes a good front rest. I still shoot from a Hart that I bought many years ago. They don't wear out. If your weapon has noticeable recoil lightweight rests are not stable enough - look for cast iron or steel. An aluminum rest under a 13.5 pound rifle shooting a 6 mm cartridge is probably not going to be satisfactory. If you can find a used Pelican 1550 case, it will probably make a good case for your front rest - it works for me.

If you use a front rest or a rear bag, remove the sling studs. The stock rests on the bags, not the barrel. Use a front bag that fits your stock. When filling the bags, leave some room to squeeze - do not make the bags rock hard. Consider something like this to put under the feet. When shooting a weapon with noticeable recoil, prone is easier on your back than shooting from a bench.