A new direction

[Eric Johanen]

I have decided to take the next step in load testing. I have been using a Caldwell rifle rest and supporting the butt with my off hand for testing loads and practice. My club has just replaced our benches with new higher ones. I will not have to hunch down to get on the 200 yard target anymore so, I purchased the Cat's Shooting Stick's bench cross sticks and can now use a rear bag to stabilize the rifle. They are nice and have plenty of adjustment. As I've been practicing and working up loads my group size as been getting smaller and I think this will be a improvement and getting rid of those pesky flyer's. I'll be giving them a try on the next outing and hope to see my groups tighten up with the rifle solidly rested and removing some shooter error. Seems like the logical thing to do as the barrel will be on cross sticks at the same point as prone on sticks and the stability of the rifle butt will be more consistent. This should work right guy's?

[rdnck]

You would think it will work, but don't be surprised if your groups open up. Shoot straight, rdnck.

[Eric Johanen]

That is sure possible but, I can always go back to what I was doing. I'm thinking that I can modify my front rest and possibly use the rear bag for a more stable shooting position. We will see how things go.

[Lumpy Grits]

I have tried 3 of my most accurate rifles in a Caldwell. I can shoot each one better in my hands.
YMMV,
Gary

[rdnck]

That's what I like about the internet. A guy asks a question, and two experienced shooters give him an answer--which is not what he wants or expects to hear. Then he argues about it. And people wonder why some folks don't post much anymore. rdnck.

[Eric Johanen]

rdnck, I think you misread my post. If the new system does not work out, I'll try a longer threaded rod on the Caldwell rest and get it higher so I can use a rear bag. Presently using just my off hand to support the rifle butt and the hunched position with the old benches I sometimes have problems with vertical. If I can sit up straighter and use a solid rear bag I hope groups will tighten up. I got nothing to loose now that the new benches are on the line.

[rdnck]

Eric, I didn't misread your post. I have been exactly where you are right now, and apparently so has Lumpy. Your Sharps rifle will shoot more accurately held against your shoulder and in your hands than it will from bags or a rest once you learn to hold it still. All of mine will. A bolt gun may be a different matter, but you won't get much if any help from a mechanical rest with a Sharps. I have wasted a lot of time and ammunition trying to shoot from a rest, or bags, or sitting bench cross sticks. Put the rifle against your shoulder, hold it in your hands, and learn how to shoot it. You will be amazed when you figure it out. rdnck

[SgtDog0311]

I shoot mine off sticks since that's the way it will be in a match. Of course, the stock is in my shoulder. I was a little intrigued by sticks from a bench (if I understood correctly). Never seen or thought to do that. Eric, sometimes the best lessons are those you struggle through. You'll get there!

[Eric Johanen]

Now I understand. I have always shot off the front bag using my off hand between the rifle and the bag. Old High power/sling habit. This year I thought I'd try just resting the rifle on the front rest and using my off hand for support. Like shooting a prone match off the sticks. It still feels a bit odd, as if my left hand does not quite know what to do with itself. Trying the bench cross sticks would be an extension of that style shooting. I've only been competing a few years in this game and I've only observed 1 person using a wrist rest and supporting the forearm with his hand. I plan on experimenting with this method as it just seems more natural to me. (habit again). I know a great many shooter's do well off the cross sticks but it always feels un-natural to me. Again, too much time in the High power game. I think there 3 things that make for a good performance: Mental preparation, a good rifle and load, and a position where you can get locked in. I'm really trying to get the position figured out. With these new benches on the line, I thought I'd try something different for load development and practice...sight alignment and trigger control. I will keep your advise in mind as I work through this.

[Kurt]

Eric.

One more thing you might do is find the dead spot in your barrel to rest your sticks. It makes a difference.
If you don't know this already do this.
I hold my rifle at the balance point in my hand loose. Some hold it by the wrist. Now take two fingers and slap the barrel from the breach forward every inch or so and you will feel the barrel vibrate. Move forward as fast as you want till all of a sudden the vibration stops and it will have a flat sound. This is your null, or dead spot. mark this point and do it again. My rifles all vary where this point is. one is 10-1/2" from the muzzle some less. One rifle has two dead spots.
Take and wrap some electrical tape around the barrel at this point or put a small dap of paint there and that is where they rest their barrel on the cross sticks. This makes a difference.
I wish I would have looked you up at Lodi and said howdy.

Kurt