Caldwell Rock BR, make it heavier?

[Chris Edmondson]

Just remember that you have to carry all this weight to/from the shooting bench. Makes those sandbags seem a little better choice.

That's a great point. Fortunately, the range I shoot at has a drop-off/pickup area next to the long range, and I use a roller cart. Still, I have to lift the cart and contents in and out of the truck bed, so, weight matters, and I'm not getting any younger .

 

[Chris Edmondson]

Wife would skid the rest a tiny bit forward resetting rifle.
Last couple seconds of this video.

Shooting line has a slight round down and after several shots she would have to reset the rest.

The Slick bag and extra pads fixed it.
We shoot 22 Nosler so not big on recoil. Going to a dual post rest ($$) probably isn't worth it.

I use the slick bags also, they work great. Our range benches have heavy rubber mats on them, think horse barn flooring. With spiked feet the rest really doesn't move much, if at all, but the recoil has been known to move the mat itself, at least when I was using a bipod, may be a non-issue with bags and slides.

 

[Rocketvapor]

You could set up a video camera to see how much the rest moves (at the bag).

 

[TTE]

This has great potential, thx

IMO .... if you do that you will still need some kind of mechanical connection.

 

[nmkid]

Maybe mix an epoxy with lead shot and pour in the leg voids

I used epoxy and BBs on a Caldwell. It worked fine for the weight. However, at times, the BBs would fall out. I finally just taped the legs, and no more BBs fell out. It looked rookie, but it worked.

 

[rjs1230]

I'm using a Caldwell Rock BR front rest with a ShadeTree top, the rig weighs about 14lbs.

Wondering if adding some weight is useful, and if so, would pouring some lead into the leg voids do the trick?

Thanks.

View attachment 1608739

I filled mine with hot lead made a big difference

 

[steelshooter]

I have one that I added a 3/8” plate and PMA legs and rubber feet too. It weighs 33#

 

[Chris Edmondson]

I have one that I added a 3/8” plate and PMA legs and rubber feet too. It weighs 33#

Where'd you get the plate if you don't mind me asking?

 

[butchlambert]

I did the black plate below my Bud's rifle. He shot a 250-21X Sunday in a very tricky and gusting wind.

 

[steelshooter]

Where'd you get the plate if you don't mind me asking?

I had my made at work. But company isn’t in business anymore. But you could go to any burn house and they can make for you. I also use used dryer sheets between the bags and gun stocks, so it slides smoothly on recoil.

 

[LHSmith]

Dryer sheets do work to increase slickness, but they have to be well used, not new out of the box. However there is a point where the bags can be too slick where maintaining POA is difficult.

 

[AccelR8]

Parchment paper, like used in the kitchen, works well when placed between the stock and the bag to make things slicker.

 

[lotech]

Stay away from Caldwell; buy a Hart rest. Good quality and weighs seventeen pounds before you put the sandbag on it. It won't move on the bench. Attempting to convert the Caldwell into a good rest is not worth the effort and possibly, expense.

 

[butchlambert]

Stay away from Caldwell; buy a Hart rest. Good quality and weighs seventeen pounds before you put the sandbag on it. It won't move on the bench. Attempting to convert the Caldwell into a good rest is not worth the effort and possibly, expense.

Curious as to what difference that you see in the Hart 3 legged rest that is superior to the Caldwell. Just curious.

 

[Rocketvapor]

glued large steel washer to feet and stick on anti-slip pads.

 

[lotech]

Curious as to what difference that you see in the Hart 3 legged rest that is superior to the Caldwell. Just curious.

Heavier

 

[butchlambert]

Heavier

I won't argue with you, but with two side by side and picking up each, I can't say that. Now that is if you are comparing the cast iron ones.

 

[AckleymanII]

Three very good options:

Bird shot mixed with epoxy

Stick on wheel weights

Hot lead, but you can not fill it at one time, pour in several stages, and do not count on it sticking with the leg inlets acting like a mold. Let it cool inbetween pours, then the epoxy the ingots in the legs.

 

[lotech]

I won't argue with you, but with two side by side and picking up each, I can't say that. Now that is if you are comparing the cast iron ones.

I thought the cast iron ones were lighter than the Hart, but I've been wrong before.

 

[Rocketvapor]

How much does a Hart cost for a couple extra pounds?
I got a second Caldwell for $100, free shipping, +$10 for the feet, and +$34 for a Good front bag.
Still have enough sticky pads and Large washers for this one.