Front Rest Recommendations for Load Development

[Freezebomb]

I have been shooting off of a bipod and bag at the bench for a lot of my shooting and load development both (all I have gear wise). Noticing how much I am the problem when working up loads since I have to squeeze and hold the rear bag inconsistently. Any thoughts on a front rest to help here and maybe see if I like this type of shooting. Not wanting to spend seb money yet but budget is around $600. Hate to buy the wrong thing and be turned off of benchrest shooting before I even start. Was looking at a bald eagle and Sinclair comp rest (non wind age is all that’s in stock) to start with.

Thanks and appreciate the experience / lesson learned sharing.

 

[wkdickinson]

A used Bald Eagle would be a good start. I would suggest you then either remove the remote adjusting cable (there are "how-to's" on the internet) and put a bag made for the forend of your rifle (Protektor). Or buy a Shadetree Engineering "Joystick" top for it and again, put the correct bag on it. Then buy a correctly configured (style & height) rear bag from Protektor and you will be pleased with the setup and probably stay reasonably close to you budget.

 

[Freezebomb]

Perfect. Appreciate the advice. I was leaning this way to get a feel for a joystick top and knobs to see what one I like and sell the one I don’t. Luckily got a good rear bag from protektor. Thanks for the assist

 

[joshb]

I have a Sinclair and it’s nice. Before that, I used a Caldwell. It was OK for the money. I started with a couple big sand bags up front and a small one in the back.

 

[Rick Richard]

If I was only going to use it just for load development up to 200 yards, then no need to go with a high dollar front rest. A Caldwell that is setup stable with a stable rear bag/rest can work well.

 

[J.d. Popkes]

So you’re looking to take you, the shooter, out of the equation, except for the reloading and wind reading?