Bench shooting bag(s) recommendation

[wildfowler]

I am not into any sort of tournament or competition shooting whatsoever and don't plan on doing so.

I do enjoy pulling the trigger from the comfort of my private range and got to thinking the other day that I could probably benefit if I upgraded to a better set of bags or rest of some sort

My rifles are going to have hunting or field type stock with rounded forearms on them with out any flat surfaces, cut outs or any features for a specific type of rest.

I am currently using an inexpensive Caldwell green sand bag set that came with the large front pillow smaller rear "V" bag.

I think I do pretty good with this bag set but feel like I could improve from a more stable platform and was hoping someone could make some recommendations or send me a link or two to get an idea of a better system? But I don't know or understand how important that really is?

The recoil from firing my rifles causes the front pillow to shift around and lose it shape causing me to have to adjust my position between shots and I'm thinking that's not the best system.

My current calibers are:

280 Remington
308 Winchester
300 blackout
And a couple of wildcat A.R. 15's.

I'm not looking to spend thousands of dollars but I don't mind spending a moderate amount of money for something that might work better.

Thanks.

 

[edw]

I'm fond of the Protector bags and then work them over in the "v" with holster lightning to make the stock slide properly.

 

[Fast14riot]

Build a small box to fit the front bag into, that will allow it to keep shape and elevation without rolling around much.

 

[hrlincoln]

Check out Sinclairintl.com...they have a selection of rests and bags that might suit you.

http://www.sinclairintl.com/shootin...s/sinclair-heavy-varmint-rests-prod57001.aspx

 

[wildfowler]

Check out Sinclairintl.com...they have a selection of rests and bags that might suit you.

http://www.sinclairintl.com/shootin...s/sinclair-heavy-varmint-rests-prod57001.aspx

Ok. Yes, that's interesting to me. Thanks.

 

[mudduck]

Check out the bald eagle rest from bullets.com also

 

[timeout]

Check out the bald eagle rest from bullets.com also

These are a good deal for the money. For hunting style stocks, I like to work up loads from the bench with the Sinclair F Class bipod and a good rear bag. Once set up, it will take cant out of the equation. That can be troublesome when shooting hunting style stocks from a front rest. Brownells has these on sale right now.

 

[Intheshop]

As a slight tangent....

Think I have the same Caldwell bags in your O.P.They are my travel bags when,headed over to friends to shoot sporters,informally.

-----at home---

Protektor leather on one of our heavy BR fr stands,matching rear.Which,gets shared duty on our shop range with an "X" bag(I think that's what they're called).

The point being,don't sell your existing bags.

 

[Steve Ladino]

Fairly heavy and good fit is what you want for both front and rear. Stock must settle all the way down in the rear bag V and settle down on a not rock hard front sandbag in a heavy tripod rest.
The more adjustments on the front rest the better, suggest a joystick model like the SEB first design which can be had for about $650.00, rear rabbit ear heavy bottom Protektor bag. These are what you likely will want after all is said and done fooling around with other stuff. Readily re-sellable and will last a lifetime.

 

[fredo]

You're shooting hunting rifles, so I don't see the need for any high end benchresty-type stuff?

Here's all you need:
http://www.harrisbipods.com/HBRS.html

put one of these on it:
https://www.kmwlrs.com/pod-loc

And use the rear V bag you already have, it should be fine. Otherwise, there are literally hundreds of different size/weight rear bags to choose from...

Most importantly, do some research on the fundamentals of marksmanship & proper technique for shooting off a bipod. IMHO, that will benefit YOU as a shooter more than any expensive rest setup ever will. And all that money you don't spend on a high dollar rest can be put toward your ammo bill...

here's a link to get you started:
http://www.accuracy-tech.com/loading-a-bipod/

Have fun!

 

[jdh47]

The Grizzly front rest would be a good choice and Protector front and rear bags. I have used the Protector bags for years with good success. The tripod designed rest will allow changing front bags for different fore arm widths if you decide to get into target competition later.

Technique will help with the heavier recoiling rounds like the 280 and 308. The idea is to keep the rifle recoiling straight back the same for each shot. Try to keep the for end from jumping up out of the front bag during recoil.

Joe

 

[jds holler]

For $113.79 I can send you a pair of these Rustic Wrangler custom bags which have the distinction of being used by nobody who shoots serious benchrest competition. Free shipping, bench not included. jd

 

[wildfowler]

For $113.79 I can send you a pair of these Rustic Wrangler custom bags which have the distinction of being used by nobody who shoots serious benchrest competition. Free shipping, bench not included. jd

I've got something similar to that now, but mine are made out of tractor inner tubes.

Haha

Thanks for all the suggestions. I've got a lot to mull over.

 

[RustyMetal]

I do something similar to what 'jds holler' showed. I also have used a cheap $40 plastic rest for zero'ing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004N0FFBW/?tag=accuratescom-20 and put a runner's 5 lb ankle weight in the sliding pocket thing to weight it down.

If you wanted to really spend some money on it you could try this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005CF0MVK/?tag=accuratescom-20

But honestly I prefer using the bipod for the front rest and heavy bean-bags under the rear of the stock, that I keep my hand on and squeeze/roll/push them for slight adjustments.