Load development- Special rests and scope?

[thefitter]

Do most people use a big adjustable heavy front rest and shoot off the bench for load development?

What about a different scope? Higher magnification, finer reticle and clicks?

Basically load development in a more finite and controlled environment. Then use that data for the "tactical" set-up?

I have been doing load development prone, bipod and rear bag with a 3-12x50 with a GENII Mildot.

I'm starting to think I'm not getting the most consistent and accurate data from my sessions due to the "shooter variable".

 

[vman]

Re: Load development- Special rests and scope?

Shooter variable should be removed.

Load development is mainly concerned with getting a consistent muzzle velocity and optimal seating depth. You just dont want shooter variables to effect the point of impact on a ladder or an ocw test.

Once all of that is sorted, you can then decide which way you want to shoot, prone, bench etc.

A solid rest is deffinately worth it. A good read bag works well. You dont need a front elevation type rest, a bipod will do. But if you have such a rest, go for it and use it.

scope type and magnification should not matter, provided it works and doesnt skip a beat.

 

[LoneWolfUSMC]

Re: Load development- Special rests and scope?

I think I just suck from a front rest. I have a nice Rock BR rest and I still feel more comfortable shooting from a bipod and rear bag. Hence I get my best accuracy this way and that is how I do my load development.

If you are accurate enough off of the bipod then develop your load that way.

I would not go to the trouble of mounting another scope. If you are having problems, print a target that favors the reticle you have. I find that a little diamond inside of a big diamond is pretty easy to shoot even with a pretty coarse reticle and lower magnification.

 

[thefitter]

Re: Load development- Special rests and scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LoneWolfUSMC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">... I find that a little diamond inside of a big diamond is pretty easy to shoot even with a pretty coarse reticle and lower magnification. </div></div>

The S&B rep said the exact thing to me today.

 

[42769vette]

Re: Load development- Special rests and scope?

i was curious one time so i took a rifle and shot 10rds froma lead slead, then took the same rifle, ammo, day and shot 10 rds prone.

personally i shoot alot better prone

 

[Fuzzball]

Re: Load development- Special rests and scope?

Test the way you will shoot. If your range accuracy is 1 MOA, it won't make any difference if your load is capable of 1 MOA or .2 MOA.

 

[flashhole]

Re: Load development- Special rests and scope?

I guess I'm the odd man out. I have seen significant differences (read better) in load development by using stable rests and higher power scopes. I like to use a heavy butterfly bag (Uncle Bud's Bulls Bag) with a rear bag to minimize muzzle jump. Technique is important too. You want to be as repeatable as you can when positioning the gun and pulling the trigger. If you are shooting at 200 yards or more for load development high magnification and fine crosshairs go a long way toward better holding.

 

[thefitter]

Re: Load development- Special rests and scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fuzzball</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...If your range accuracy is 1 MOA, it won't make any difference if your load is capable of 1 MOA or .2 MOA. </div></div>

Can you explain this simpler? Thanks

 

[eleaf]

Re: Load development- Special rests and scope?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: thefitter</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Fuzzball</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...If your range accuracy is 1 MOA, it won't make any difference if your load is capable of 1 MOA or .2 MOA. </div></div>

Can you explain this simpler? Thanks </div></div>

You ammo can only be as good as you are capable of shooting. Even with the best ammo in the world, if YOU are only a 1 MOA shooter, your ammo will only be 1 MOA.