? about zero change between bipod loading vs no bipod, different positions

[bojangles808]

I have a dumb question for more experienced shooters that I keep thinking about watching these comp stage videos on youtube. And yes this is probably a shoot for yourself, test and find out type of situation but ammo is very expensive here and our range is rarely open but I do plan on experimenting next time at the range. Figured I'd at least ask for some insight on here to lessen the learning curve.

When shooting from prone, wouldn't there be a poi shift when loading a bipod vs not loading a bipod because of the pressures into the rifle when it recoils? I have a hard time feeling comfortable with loading a bipod consistently especially with a Spartan bipod, and I have heard at long range you can get some fliers with inconsistent loading. so I don't load the bipod, just get comfortable sort of neutral behind it like its a bag or pack and shoot. I would also think according to bro science wise not loading a bipod would be more similar recoil when shooting seated of sticks or tripod so zeroes would be more likely to be as close as possible. Precision wise I'm usually at .5-1 moa with 5 shot groups and 1-1.5 moa with 10 shot groups prone with no loading so acceptable imo. And I'm only shooting braked 6cms and unbraked 223s so minimal recoil. Maybe i'd notice more with bigger cartridges?

Then I watch these nrl hunter or prs stage videos and the guys load the heck out of their bipods from prone, then shoot off a tripod kneeling, and then a barricade with a bag on it. Seemingly 3 different pressures into the rifles but their zeroes seem to be fine when they shoot out to 5-6-700. Is that because the rifles are heavier or I'm missing something? Is the loading bipod more about managing recoil and shouldn't affect POI/zero? Or maybe if shooting a 10 shot zero the differences aren't seen? If you shoot a Spartan bipod are you loading it?

I know the easy answer is ditch the bipod but I'm still curious and would love some insight into how I can be the most consistent across prone with bipod to seated/kneeling with tripod to seated with sticks and pack. Thanks

 

[Q_Sertorius]

I don’t treat anything differently. I just get the rifle stable, squeeze the trigger, and shoot. It sounds to me like you are overthinking it all and you just need to go shoot more.

I practice positional shooting with the Spartan system, backpack, etc. every week. It’s not hard to have a .22, .223, and hunting rifle all set up basically the same.

 

[Odd1out]

Might answer your prone questions

Sent from my SM-G986W using Tapatalk

 

[Lawnboi]

I want whatever is on the front of my gun regardless to track straight back. Bipod, bag, backpack don’t matter. I create preload with my shooting hand by putting some rearward pressure into my shoulder, I can do this from any position. This als allows me to support the rifle, and not just rely on whatever is underneath it.

Torque in the system is bad. Any torque I try to avoid but at times it can be hard to, especially when on the clock or in of positions. Another reason I dont use spiked feet, they easily create torque. I do not preload my bipod at all as it’s just not repeatable in different environments.

Lots of comp shooters can get away with a lot because of weight, recoil mitigating devices (brakes and suppressors) and stocks/chassis that are less effected by torque than a lot of mid level or beginners gear. As weight goes down and recoil goes up everything gets magnified in regards to torque.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

I have a dumb question for more experienced shooters that I keep thinking about watching these comp stage videos on youtube. And yes this is probably a shoot for yourself, test and find out type of situation but ammo is very expensive here and our range is rarely open but I do plan on experimenting next time at the range. Figured I'd at least ask for some insight on here to lessen the learning curve.

When shooting from prone, wouldn't there be a poi shift when loading a bipod vs not loading a bipod because of the pressures into the rifle when it recoils? I have a hard time feeling comfortable with loading a bipod consistently especially with a Spartan bipod, and I have heard at long range you can get some fliers with inconsistent loading. so I don't load the bipod, just get comfortable sort of neutral behind it like its a bag or pack and shoot. I would also think according to bro science wise not loading a bipod would be more similar recoil when shooting seated of sticks or tripod so zeroes would be more likely to be as close as possible. Precision wise I'm usually at .5-1 moa with 5 shot groups and 1-1.5 moa with 10 shot groups prone with no loading so acceptable imo. And I'm only shooting braked 6cms and unbraked 223s so minimal recoil. Maybe i'd notice more with bigger cartridges?

Then I watch these nrl hunter or prs stage videos and the guys load the heck out of their bipods from prone, then shoot off a tripod kneeling, and then a barricade with a bag on it. Seemingly 3 different pressures into the rifles but their zeroes seem to be fine when they shoot out to 5-6-700. Is that because the rifles are heavier or I'm missing something? Is the loading bipod more about managing recoil and shouldn't affect POI/zero? Or maybe if shooting a 10 shot zero the differences aren't seen? If you shoot a Spartan bipod are you loading it?

I know the easy answer is ditch the bipod but I'm still curious and would love some insight into how I can be the most consistent across prone with bipod to seated/kneeling with tripod to seated with sticks and pack. Thanks

I've seen this - I think it is a good question. I used to use a spartan and load it pretty heavy and I would walk linearly with impacts. I've seen that a lot less with the gunwerks bipod. But when I shoot in higher seated positions on that bipod, I can get some veritcal variance. I suck. Would love to hear others who know why that might happen (I feel like it's me loading with a bias/not neutrally).

@Q_Sertorius I do not think seeing something from shooting and asking about it is overthinking it; it is trying to understand and correct for it.

Good example - gwerks just released a video about shooting from the prone. The amount of thought, setup, considerations, and whys in that video were surprising.

 

[willfrye027]

i shoot a smaller group prone off a backpack than from a bipod. The wobble zone might look worse off the pack, but the inconsistent recoil impulse from (my) poor bipod technique causes weird outliers in the group and stringing. I tested this with 20 round groups and it was a significant difference, YMMV but for me a bipod is not consistent and it’s mostly giving the illusion of stable crosshairs with less wobble zone but in reality I am better off without it. Actually sold all of mine to remove temptation.