Using a tripod to isolate shooter input?

[PJT]

Maybe a stupid question But!!!
I am trying to develop a load for my recently purchased 338LM. Believe that I am having a detrimental effect on groups which is probably a result of poor fundamentals that are not showing up that much with my 308, but which are being enhanced by increase in calibre.

Would it be practical to isolate myself from the equation by mounting the rifle on my tripod, trying for free recoil, whilst developing the load?

Thanks in advance

 

[PinesAndProjectiles]

I wouldn't.

I've only fired from a tripod a hand full of times, but I don't find it nearly as stable as prone with a bipod and rear bag.

 

[Newbie2020]

You might have a friend close the bolt for you and randomly close the bolt on an empty chamber without you knowing. If your crosshairs move on the “click”, then you know you’re flinching and you can address it.

 

[6.5SH]

You might have a friend close the bolt for you and randomly close the bolt on an empty chamber without you knowing. If your crosshairs move on the “click”, then you know you’re flinching and you can address it.

Or failing that spend 10 minutes dry firing first.

For the OP, line the gun up to the target, line yourself up directly behind the gun. Either it or you aren't, you shouldn't have to muscle the gun into position between shots. There are lots of great pictures and videos here demonstrating the right and wrong way.

 

[VargmatII]

When I bought my 300 win mag it took about 200 rounds to get comfortable with it. When I started using a tripod with a hog-saddle it took about another 150-200 rounds to find a good way to use it.
Combining a 338 that you are not used to with a tripod you dont seem used to seems like a horrible idea.
Free recoil is something I associate with bench rest shooting and maybe PRS. A 338 is probably not ment for either.
You need to learn hos to shoot a bigger rifle, worry about that first.

 

[PJT]

Thanks everyone, your comments are really appreciated, interestingly "V" & "about 200 rounds to get comfortable", I've put 220 rounds down the Barrel and lately had some very good groups, but just not consistently. So will try the Friend and dry fire tactic, forget the Tripod idea, dial in the patience and stop getting frustrated.
Cheers

 

[slowworm]

Upgrade to paid supporter and get access to the hide training.

You will more than get your 15 quid a month out of it.

Edited: Spelling.

 

[Baron23]

You still need to control the gun with a tripod and as said, in my limited experience, its not the most stable position available to the shooter.

 

[W54/XM-388]

You didn't mention which rifle you have, but if it's under 10kg you are not going to have fun with it as a range rifle.

The .338LM is in the big class where recoil and blast start to be flinch inducing and they don't forgive bad fundamentals.

Bring your .308 to the range, use it to warm up for 10 or so good shots.

Then take your time shooting your .338 and limit yourself to say 10 rounds per session, or until you start to notice you are flinching / anticipating.
Call it a day and either go back to the .308 or call it a the day.

Another idea is to setup a window frame style shooting bench where you shoot the rifle standing up instead of prone or at a bench, both of which accentuate recoil.

Also consider using something like the Cadex M1 muzzle break that will help mitigate the recoil.

Depending on the rifle model, you could also add weight plates to it, if it's a chassis rifle, pushing the weight up to the 15kg range will help a lot with the recoil.

If you are shooting it with a sound moderator, I'd go for adding weight to the chassis if possible.

Get some good factory (such as Lapua) 250gr rounds and practice till you can shoot well with them, then start your load development once you are comfortable with your shooting.

 

[VargmatII]

Are you able to get a suppressor for it?
It wont be a bad idea!

 

[Steel head]

Shooting well of a tripod is actually a good bit more difficult than prone.
A great bipod, bag, brake, some weight really help with bigger magnums.
And fundamental issues will quickly be exploited by 338 and bigger recoil.

The lighter bullet mentioned above is a good recommendation.
My 265 grains load is quite mild and relaxing to shoot.

 

[PJT]

Apologies for only giving part of the information required to analyse the problems I'm experiencing.
Initially I started firing Full Bore with a 308 Tikka 595, beautiful rifle that I have every confidence in, regularly group 1/2MOA at 100m - not really shot out to extended ranges due to local facilities and work commitments, but out to 300m my abilities allowed well within 1MOA - wind reading a problem!!!
Wanted to push things and wanted a shorter rifle for stalking in the hills so bought a Desert Tech SRS Covert in 308 => Accuracy and short length. Not as confident with the rifle yet, accurate but appear on occasion to experience a double split group 1" - 2" apart, often each sub group will be 1/2MOA.
put this down to fundamentals and am concentrating on maintaining good positioning as described above by "6.5SH" above and the infamous FG in his videos, Book and Articles on SH.
Bought a 338LM 26" conversion Kit for the SRS, multiple 3 shot groups consist of two rounds in close proximity with the third 1 to 1 1/2" away. Putting this down to me. I have chosen a 300gn Lapua Scenar to develop a load because this is what I understand Desert Tech was using in their ammunition with a claimed 1/2moa accuracy in their rifles.
All rifles are fitted with Moderators.

Interestingly "W54" shooting a 303 at the weekend stood up in a window type frame and no muzzle jump. Shooting facilities for the 338 are limited locally, I am using a pipe range, with Benches, but will see if I can knock up a frame as described.

thanks again everyone lots to think about and try.

 

[Rocketmandb]

Shooting well of a tripod is actually a good bit more difficult than prone.
A great bipod, bag, brake, some weight really help with bigger magnums.
And fundamental issues will quickly be exploited by 338 and bigger recoil.

The lighter bullet mentioned above is a good recommendation.
My 265 grains load is quite mild and relaxing to shoot.

Pretty much this. I shot off a tripod (when a friend brings one on a shooting trip) as a way to add some challenge. I would never use one to shot groups.

 

[W54/XM-388]

Apologies for only giving part of the information required to analyse the problems I'm experiencing.
Initially I started firing Full Bore with a 308 Tikka 595, beautiful rifle that I have every confidence in, regularly group 1/2MOA at 100m - not really shot out to extended ranges due to local facilities and work commitments, but out to 300m my abilities allowed well within 1MOA - wind reading a problem!!!
Wanted to push things and wanted a shorter rifle for stalking in the hills so bought a Desert Tech SRS Covert in 308 => Accuracy and short length. Not as confident with the rifle yet, accurate but appear on occasion to experience a double split group 1" - 2" apart, often each sub group will be 1/2MOA.
put this down to fundamentals and am concentrating on maintaining good positioning as described above by "6.5SH" above and the infamous FG in his videos, Book and Articles on SH.
Bought a 338LM 26" conversion Kit for the SRS, multiple 3 shot groups consist of two rounds in close proximity with the third 1 to 1 1/2" away. Putting this down to me. I have chosen a 300gn Lapua Scenar to develop a load because this is what I understand Desert Tech was using in their ammunition with a claimed 1/2moa accuracy in their rifles.
All rifles are fitted with Moderators.

Interestingly "W54" shooting a 303 at the weekend stood up in a window type frame and no muzzle jump. Shooting facilities for the 338 are limited locally, I am using a pipe range, with Benches, but will see if I can knock up a frame as described.

thanks again everyone lots to think about and try.

300gr Lapua Scenar projectiles are nice, but given the short ranges you are shooting at, I'd suggest you try the 250gr versions of the same as you'll find a noticeable decrease in recoil. Under 500m the 250gr will probably be faster, flatter shooting and a bit better grouping depending on the barrel.
The recoil reduction might be just enough to get you over flinching on one of the rounds in your string.

 

[PJT]

300gr Lapua Scenar projectiles are nice, but given the short ranges you are shooting at, I'd suggest you try the 250gr versions of the same as you'll find a noticeable decrease in recoil. Under 500m the 250gr will probably be faster, flatter shooting and a bit better grouping depending on the barrel.
The recoil reduction might be just enough to get you over flinching on one of the rounds in your string.

Got the 338 because a new range opened up which goes out to 2000m, unfortunately with all the Covid restrictions over the past 18/24 months only been on it twice so far and only with the 308. However will definitely try with the 250gn', Many thanks

 

[W54/XM-388]

Got the 338 because a new range opened up which goes out to 2000m, unfortunately with all the Covid restrictions over the past 18/24 months only been on it twice so far and only with the 308. However will definitely try with the 250gn', Many thanks

When you get everything settled in and are actually pushing for the 2000m range, you'd have a much easier time using these:

E.L.R. Bullets Archives - Badlands precision, LLC

badlandsprecision.com

ICBM-2 Archives - Badlands precision, LLC

badlandsprecision.com

Not that your 300gr Lapua Sencar projectiles won't work, but the above ones are specifically designed for ELR shooting and have much better ballistics.
However you MUST pay attention to what the twist rate on your barrel is and check the projectile listing to see what the minimum twist rate on each of the bullets is, as if your barrel is not fast enough the rounds will be unstable. They have ones for 1:10 minimum, 1:9 minimum and the heaviest ones need 1:8 minimum.

 

[Steel head]

When you get everything settled in and are actually pushing for the 2000m range, you'd have a much easier time using these:

E.L.R. Bullets Archives - Badlands precision, LLC

badlandsprecision.com

ICBM-2 Archives - Badlands precision, LLC

badlandsprecision.com

Not that your 300gr Lapua Sencar projectiles won't work, but the above ones are specifically designed for ELR shooting and have much better ballistics.
However you MUST pay attention to what the twist rate on your barrel is and check the projectile listing to see what the minimum twist rate on each of the bullets is, as if your barrel is not fast enough the rounds will be unstable. They have ones for 1:10 minimum, 1:9 minimum and the heaviest ones need 1:8 minimum.

The badlands kick ass!

 

[Rocketmandb]

The badlands kick ass!

View attachment 7631756

They come packaged in a cigar wrapper and plastic? Very cool

 

[MMH]

The badlands kick ass!

View attachment 7631756

Awesome Pic!!!!