Shooting off bench stlye

[goodbadugly]

When shooting off bench using sandbags, how many hold onto the forearm of the rifle and how many just let the rifles forearm rest on the sandbag? What works the best for you and why? thanks

 

[6bra1k]

sand bags are an assist. but they will move and settle after each shot.
a front rest is a better plan.
holding would be based on recoil...more recoil more hold.
22rf no hold

 

[goodbadugly]

I should have mentioned that Im shooting a SS rem 700 '06 24' with 165 gr nosler accubon handloads at 3000 FPS. It does jump up alot if I dont hold it . Im using a front rest with sandbag attached to it. Thanks

 

[6bra1k]

the problem is you cannot replicate in the field.
is this a hunting load ?
what position do to plan to hunt from ?
use that position for target shooting also
( hoiw is that 24 FOOT bbl working out ??..lol)

 

[goodbadugly]

Yes its a deer hunting load. I shoot from a ladder stand that has a padded shooting bar in front. Ranges vary from 75- 418 yrds. Yup longass bbl for sure. .LOL The rifle is stock except for a new trigger teck trigger set at 2 lbs. I happy with the way it shoots being stock. 1.25"@200, 2"@300, 2.80"@400. It does shoot better holding the forearm tight. Love those accubonds. Hits on shoulder, BAM down they go. Rite thru. Just wondering how other hands hold rifles for paper punching. Thanks 6bra1k

 

[RegionRat]

I would add that there is nothing wrong with playing with free recoil but only for the sake of curiosity or testing the shifts in POI, not for critical load testing or final sight in.

Get away from the benches and practice to hold like you hunt as soon as possible. Critical load development and final sight in should be supported and held the way you hunt.

For starters, the follow through is important no matter what type of shooting is being discussed and that doesn't happen with free recoil on a light hunting gun. With a light 30-06 off a front bar, the rig is likely to jump pretty bad if it isn't body supported. Good Luck and Good Hunting. YMMV

 

[INTJ]

Load development should be done from a stable bench with a good front rest and rear bag. That is the best way to ensure the most stable shooting position.

Practice should be done from the positions you plan to shoot in the field. Offhand, bipod, prone, field rest, whatever......