Bi-pod vs Benchrest style front rest for load development

[fire arrow]

A buddy and I got to talking about front rest for load development for large caliber rounds. He says there is no way to remove the "human factor" by using a bi-pod, and there is way to much torque on a 300 WM when shooting off of a bi-pod to get consistent repeatable groups during load development. After he gets his loads worked up, he would then switch back to his bi-pod.

So anyway I figured I would throw this out there and get everyone's opinion on his theroy about his front rest removing more of the human factor than a bi-pod, and about using a BR style front rest for load development only.

 

[Justin Crossley]

I use a bi-pod most the time. I've shot 1/4 minute groups using it.

 

[GLB]

For me I prefer to use a Bipod. I have spent a lot of time behind the rifle using one. With that said when I was at Thunder Ranch's High Angle Course a couple years ago I made my longest shot on target (1400 yds) using my pack for support, in fact when we went up in the mountains I did most of my shooting from the pack. So for me it's all about getting off the bench/using a bag support and getting on the ground using Bipod or bag support and getting straight behind the rifle vs using a bench technique.

 

[Travis Bertrand]

Shoot 3- 3 shot groups using both styles and same load. Sandbags seemed edge out bi-pods

 

[fire arrow]

I'm glade to see other people feel the same way. I started out strong in the conversation, but started to fold a bit. Either way it's what I use that's important to me, not what he uses.

 

[jaxdialation]

For load development I use a sand bag. It's a different objective than practicing
or hunting. I don't use a bipod when I practice. Only improvised and comprised
positions.

 

[Sam Millard]

I haven't shot from a bench in 3 years! Big 338s, 260s, and everything in between shoot as well as I can hold from a prone bipod/rear bag position.

 

[BillyGoatGruff]

I haven't shot from a bench in 3 years! Big 338s, 260s, and everything in between shoot as well as I can hold from a prone bipod/rear bag position.

Sam,
Curious what bi-pod you use/prefer?


BGG

 

[Sam Millard]

I use a Harris 6-9 "S", leg notches, pod lock, and a 4x5 Giles rear bag.

 

[Ironman8]

I'll just add that you can be extremely stable off a bipod when the bipod is loaded correctly...IMO, more stable than just a rest under the forend of the stock.

Human error will always be there, but if the stock is torquing under the loading action of the bipod and affecting groups, then you have an issue with the stock not being rigid enough...the Hogue stocks come to mind for example.

 

[Brandon Pattison]

Do you guys relax, push forward or a combination of pulling the rifle into your shoulder without folding the legs? I lean towards the latter, getting my buttstock rearward to avoid the rifle jumping.

 

[rayporter]

some observations

with bags you dont have to think about pushing forward, pulling back or getting a bipod level
quite a few who shoot off bipods believe pushing forward is a key. how hard to push is a part of that
with bags any rifle will fit and with proper adjustment be more solid than any bipod could ever be.
got a 12 ga slug gun or muzzle loader, drop it in the bags. very versatile


cons

heavy
not portable -but then i aint going to carry a bipod either
more expensive

a question
are any group records held by a bipod?

 

[HellsCanyon]

I've had groups that were perceived worse/better from shooting off a bench with bipod/rear bag than from prone with bipod/rear bag. Difference? The amount of preloading and shooters natural point of aim affecting the point of impact. Meaning? Stay consistent...
Whatever you do for load development, stick with a consistent shooting position. Your most accurate loads will still show themselves unless the human factor (YOU) in one position or another is so bad that they can't maintain a small enough point of aim to see the difference between loads....

FYI I do all my load development prone with a bipod and rear bag. Like Justin have shot 1/4MOA groups repeatedly with it and have for a few years.

Mike

 

[mtswampfox]

Used portable shooting bench( basically a piece of plywood on a tripod) when shooting p dogs. Started out with the short harris then one year moved to a sinclair front rest, the kill ratio jumped substantially

 

[jlmoeller]

Use what ever method gives you the most solid accurate position during load development so your are measuring the loads potential accuracy and not your ability to shoot. Once you have a proven load, then practice shooting from field positions. If you can do all that from a bipod great. If you need other equipment for the range, that is fine too.

Jason Moeller