what rest to take human error out of load testing?
- Thread starter stoop14
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I have a lead sled something or other. It is one of their top of the line versions (hfx?).
Put it this way. If the fiancé wasn't the one that bought it for me it'd be sold. It doesn't do any better than a front n rear bag.
Put it this way. If the fiancé wasn't the one that bought it for me it'd be sold. It doesn't do any better than a front n rear bag.
Most experts will say there is no such device for a rifle. An experienced rifleman is the only way to properly load test. The lead sleds won't distribute the recoil and damage your rifle if you are shooting high powered ammo, and that also messes with the barrels harmonics. For a pistol, a ransom rest will do the job properly. Best bet is to get your ace in the hole buddy to join you at the range or else shoot a couple years and redevelope your load. I know this isn't the answer you are looking for. It's the answer I received when I asked the same thing last year.
Led Sleds DO NOT take human error out of the equation. Learn to shoot prone with a bipod/bag in the front and a rear bag or other support. Once you have this down, load development will proceed much better, with your focus on the development process itself rather than on possible shooter error. Even if there was a device that could take all shooter error out, what good would it be. Sooner or later the shooter has to do the job and won't always have the benefit of such a device when shooting.
Just treat it like zeroing: take your time, make as stable a supported position as you can, and make every shot count. The round robin nature of load development can often make us want to rush, but you have to suppress that urge if you want the best results.
There are mechanical rests which can, in fact, lock a rifle in a recoiling cradle, eliminating human error. The rifle (locked in a carriage) recoils straight back along linear, roller, or V-bearings. The rest base itself may be anchored up to six feet deep in concrete foundations.
I have seen where a human shooter can actually shoot tighter groups (especially with Olympic-grade rimfires) than a locked-in rifle.
I have seen where a human shooter can actually shoot tighter groups (especially with Olympic-grade rimfires) than a locked-in rifle.
Gimmicks don't work. Doing load work-ups depends on the shooter creating absolute repeatability. With the exception of "rail guns", etc., look to the very heavy, micro adjustable front rest used by the BR guys. The rear rest is usually some form of rabbit ear bag. This system, when set up properly and used properly, will give the greatest repeatability. That's why the BR guys use it. With this stuff you can literally dial in your NPA with no contact with the rifle. If you get off the rifle and then go back nothing should have changed. The problem is the shooter must be in contact to fire the rifle and now the errors are induced.
You can go a long way to reducing the variables but ultimately it gets down to the shooter. The advice given Mikeltee is correct.
You can go a long way to reducing the variables but ultimately it gets down to the shooter. The advice given Mikeltee is correct.
HYSKORE company has one called the Dangerous game machine rest. I don't know how to post a link but Brownells shows it. The Brownells part number on their website is 100-004-910WB. I haven't ordered one yet but It looks to be well made.
I used just $20 sandbags from Cabelas that I filled with store bought sand from Walmart.. I shot these groups today doing a load workup. The left are 5 shot groups and the right was gonna be a 5 shot group until I noticed my rifle really liked one of the recipes and I made those 10 shot groups... The best part is no expensive fancy doo dad benchrest which leaves me more money for upgrades or ammo or another gun!!
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I bought a lead sled to try and do the same thing when I was a new LR shooter. It did NOT do the job. Pretty much wasted money. I might see about the big "folded pillow" on sale at midway http://www.midwayusa.com/product/610698/caldwell-tackdriver-shooting-rest-bag-nylon-green-filled
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