Which Head to Use Manfrotto 055 Tri Pod w Hog Saddle

[majohnson2]

I'm looking at getting a tri pod set to shoot off. Referring to Hog Saddle web sight they recommend the Manfrotto 055 and list 3 different heads:
Manfrotto 054 Magnesium Ball
Manfrotto 498 Midi Ball
Manfrotto 496 Compact Ball

Anyone have any time shooting off any of these heads. The FAQ list on Hogs Saddle site indicate the 054 as the one to use.

The other concern is weight rating, the 055 is listed as having a maximum supporting weight of 15.4lbs. Anyone exceed that rating with their rig set up? My 6.5CM comes in at just over 22lbs, while my AE with a heavy varmint barrel is right at 17lbs.

Are you using another set up that works with heavier set ups? I'm open to suggestion.

 

[NoLegs24]

If you're going to be hiking quite the distance with the kit then stay with 055 Tripod and 055 Mag Ball Head since its much lighter package & the capacity is 26lbs on the head and around 17lbs for the tripod. The 055 set weights 6lbs w/out the HOG Saddle. if not, and you want a stupid sturdy set then get an 057 Tripod and an 057 Mag Ball Head, Load capacity 33lbs for the head and close to 40lbs for the tripod. The 057 set weights just shy of 9lbs w/out the HOG Saddle.

055 MAG BALL HEAD-Q5 MH055M0-Q5 - 055 Series | Manfrotto

http://www.manfrotto.us/055-carbon-fiber-tripod-q90-3-section

057 Magnesium Ball Head With Q5 Quick Release MH057M0-Q5 - 057 Series | Manfrotto

http://www.manfrotto.us/057-carbon-fiber-3-section-tripod


The tripod still has to have a great load capacity or else it will tip over quite easily......

 

[majohnson2]

There are no issues on weight factor, it will mostly be for range use. I have physical issues that prevent me from shooting in the prone position and in some cases place don't have benches to use. I figure that shooting from a tri pod would be a good compromise.

 

[NoLegs24]

If you're most likely going to be shooting seated, you might want to get a portable bench... just because the Tripod kit wont be as stable. It'll get the job done. I just don't know the consistency of it. I just shoot prone. I got the Tripod kit because of major physical injuries, I can't hold the the rifle up when I am seated without it wobbling all over the place. Cant do kneeling because I have no knees hahahaha, And I don't like shooting from the bench.

 

[Papa Zero Three]

Any of the recommendations for heads from the HOG website are good to go. The weight ratings the mfgr gives tends to be on the low side, many here use the heads mentioned with heavy guns with no issue.