If used correctly and having a “Bulls Bag” filled with sand like mine is..the bag I have grips the stock sort of clam shell style…if you push down on the rifle adjusting your point of aim..the bag grips the stock even tighter and you get a really secure rifle without muzzle jump. Don’t be a smart ace…Bulls Bags work well…Ron should have moved the bag back towards the receiver more and looking at that bag…not sure what he filled the bag with. FYI….I use the bag for all of my bench shooting no matter the chambering. With my 223/22-250/AR’s there is virtually no movement when I send a bullet down range. My 300 WinNags snd the 7mm RemNags..again..very stable using the BB. Using that bag you learn the quirks. It is a learning curve. But!! Results are proof. Let’s be honest. Hunting rifles on the bench is only for load development and accuracy testing. Period! And it’s hilariously funny for me and those I use to hunt with..seeing some that tagged along on hunting trips that they’d never..ever..practiced “Real” hunting rifle practice. Using the sling as a stabilizing tool whether standing/squatting/kneeling/or sitting on you butt. Use The Sling!! It’s unfortunate that BB doesn’t make the model of bag I have but they don’t. But using any shooting bag filled with polyester type pillow type fill will not produce. In my view those bags are worthless. Anyhow..be a SA…but BB’s work.
Hi Ron, love your videos, try flipping your front rest around 180 so that the two spread legs are facing you and the single leg is facing forward, equal length/spaced tri-legged rests are designed to use in that way while the sling shot style legged rests are meant to use with the single leg facing the shooter, just an observation. Keep the videos coming 👍
I’m an F-Class shooter. I can tell you pressure on the scope can cause impact shifts. You should adjust the front rest so you don’t have to rely on muscle input on the rear bag. A good, affordable rest is the Bald Eagle from Grizzle Tool. Add a Shade Tree Engineering top for a good package.
Yeah..I only hunt..but you’re correct. We’d never put any pressure on the scope during accuracy and load development. Target shooters I was around years ago urged anyone not to do that. As I told a fellow here..benchrest shooting doesn’t add up in real hunting scenarios..snd I’ll say Ron is correct in stating that know where your trigger breaks. And practice real hunting positions with live ammo shooting. It’s a whole different world and I’ve known bench rest shooters who really..weren’t all that great of shots on real live game in tough hunting situations. It is a whole different beast..!!
Thank you, to both of you guys for having a little common sense, the optic is not a grip or a handle. I cringe every time I see someone doing thi;, why would anyone consider this a proper method?!
If I were to buy a front rest, I’d gravitate toward the Caldwell Rock Deluxe. Pair that with your current rear stock technique and perhaps you’ll tighten the groups a little more.
Hi Ron ! 2 guys you likely know that are proven benchresters & gun writers are Jim Carmichael & Layne Simpson . Might want to get their opinions & give them a try or invite them out for a shoot . Would be great to see you 3 legends together on the range . Cheers man
Damn Ron, you hsve killed tons of big game far and wide. Im certain that whatever you have done for all these years is FINE!!!!! WHY CHANGE. All my rifle hunting is within 400 yds. The simple bench technique has worked for me, for years.
Well my thought is, most new rules are moa capable. The shooter is the variable. If you can shoot 1 moa without support, you're a good shot. If you have your rifle anchored down in some way, your rifle is accurate. I work on my shooting, not my rifles. Out on a hunt you are the biggest variable. I don't know many fellers bringing bags and lead sleds out on a hunt.
I’m with you. I’ve learned with lots of practice how to shoot around MOA seated and off of shooting sticks out to about 300 yards. Might be able to stretch it farther, but I just haven’t gotten there yet. I shoot off the bench for zeroing and load testing.
Ron, thanks for the demo. Gave me some pointers for my own setup. For your rest, it may help to keep the rest stable (not sliding) by screwing down the screws in the base so that they have a slight bite in the wooden tabletop. Plus, a sandbag atop the legs can keep it from tilting when sliding the rifle forward or back.
Thanks Ron for sharing man 😁 and enjoyed it.we all have our own way of shooting a rifle, if it works all good 👍 young shooters thanks to Ron and many others have a hold of technique Lol , your rifle is a tool it does what you tell it so take some notes and adjust as you and it become one , then your results will speak for itself.
Hey Ron, great video…..one thing I was just recently told is the more contact with your firearm, the less accurate. That being said, having a great, solid base is where to start….fore end being supported through gravity force on to a rest like you are using , bipod or bags. The buttstock should be firmly supported, whether a bag, bag rider, or an adjustable monopod. Was also instructed to have your non shooting hand flat on the surface not touching bag or firearm. Only hand that touches the firearm is the shooting hand/finger to release the trigger and grip the firearm. Then there’s the breathing, which is whole other topic of discussion…..Thanks so much Ron…Love your informative videos…Keep Keeping on Brother…👍👍👌🫶❗️
Hey Ron, I'm also learning shooting techniques for tighter groups. I shoot from .117, .22, .25, air rifles and 5.56/.223 bolt action, a rem. BDL Deluxe 30.06 and a M91/30 Mosin Nagant. I've noticed when I'm squeezing the trigger with my thumb around the grip of the rifles my shots aren't as tight as when my thumb isn't rapped around the grip and I'm noticing the muscles in my trigger hand as I shoot, how they push up against the stock and how much those muscles in your fingers and hand influence the shot. Now I'm practicing applying as little pressure from my trigger hand as possible and applying all of proper shooting mechanics before taking the shot, and I'm seeing a difference with tighter groups. I thought I would share this with you so can test it out to see if it works for you, and if it does share it with you followers, Thanks for all fun and knowledge you bring to the shooting community.
I remember using straw bales as a table/shooting bench, overalls for the front rest, and a jacket for the rear rest. Not the best but it got the job done.
The heavier the rifle, the better the 'bench rest' technique works for me. For very lightweight mountain hunting rifles, like the Kimber Mt. Assent, I have the best results by using my left hand to help hold the rifle in place by putting down pressure on the forward scope ring, but never on the scope body. This technique works off a backpack, lightweight carry shooting bag, or other padded surface under the fore end, but takes practice employing it when using a bipod unless you can build some type of rear support like your pack. As much as we wish it didn't, changing degrees of barrel heat affects group size and impact location, so it's difficult to do multiple tests at one setting without conditions changing and producing differing results, so I'm not surprised by what you experienced. Enjoyed the show; thanks.
I have several rifles that shoot half inch or better a couple that shoot quarter inch 3 shot groups regularly . Two of the best being rem 700s adl and bdl in factory form with factory ammo (go figure) . But I had a tikka t3x lite stainless that I couldn’t get to shoot sub moa with about 7 different factory loadings. My other rifles were still shooting great so i knew it wasn’t me. In desperation I read a write up by a target shooter and he said light weight rifles need consistent downward pressure to eliminate movement through the firing process. Went back to the field and was easily holding sub 3/4 inch groups as long as that lightweight tikka and lightweight leupold had my hand on that scope applying just a little down pressure. Idk the science behind it but it fixed that bad shooting tikka . Heavier rifles I still let free recoil however with good results .
@@HazardousRob not a shooter issue. Not a gun issue, is a combination of things.The shooter in this case has no performance issue with other rifles . I just mentioned I have or have had several that go sub half and quarter MOA regularly in my hands. Also mentioned it happened in the same day . Everything shot well but the tikka. Also went on to say that the remedy was to apply slight constant downward pressure on the gun through firing sequence. That particular rifle went from shooting poorly to shooting well in the same day AFTER reading from a well seasoned target rifle shooters entire write up on the issue. But go on tell me how you know more than the competition shooter that SOLVED the issue… would also like to add that tikka/leupold setup weighs less than your 8 lb 4 ounce rifle so mentioning your heavier, completely different rifle doesn’t really take anything away from my point . The point of discussion here was a shooting technique to help some shooting scenarios with a some rifle geometries and weights. Nothing more nothing less.
@@davidheath2427 the spot you hold makes no difference the principal is to just hold the rifle steady while you pull the trigger ,rather than allowing it to free recoil like you would with some guns that are entirely happy laying on the sandbags.That’s all , hold the forend or whatever is comfortable for you. It’s not a rule for all rifles or even all weights class it’s just some weights and some rifle geometry’s benefit from some “holding” pressure.
Hey Ron, me and a lot of my friends use the Armegeddon game changer bags. We all run the schmedium. Anarchy outdoors in Smithfield Utah has them on location. Which I believe is somewhat local to you. We achieve 1/2 moa accuracy with nearly all our guns using that bag and a bipod. Might be worth a look! 🤙 love your videos man!
Absolutely correct, I've never had a scope that 100 yard parallax adjustment was parallax free at 100. My new Burris 4.5-14x42 is parallax free at 50 yards with the scope saying 25
Applied Ballistics has captured, on high speed video, recoil causing the gun to move before the bullet exits the muzzle. No brake or suppressor could counteract it. It’s silly to speculate on whether it’s a thing or not.
I agree with many of the posters. You change the way you grip the rifle differently shot to shot. Sometimes you hold your thumb along the side of the rifle, other times you wrap it over. A rifle needs you to be consistent with how you manipulate the rifle.
I would say, whatever is most comfortable. I always wrap my legs and lock them under my chair.lol I’ve had one ragged hole with 55 grain FMJ .223 semi auto. Repeatedly.
Enjoyable video, what stands out to me is pick a style and stick with it. Ideally your style should be one you can use in the field. So for me I don't care how good the groups are I won't be putting downward pressure on the scope in the field so no sense using it on the bench. Perhaps in a blind you could put pressure on the scope, I don't know I have never hunted from a blind. I use your first method. Support at the front, bag at the back and off hand on the bag.
Ron, Thanks I always learn something from your videos. Question: Fortunate enough to draw a WY Antelope tag the average altitude in the area I drew is 6300 ft. My home in Washington is around 1500 ft. So obviously my zero will change. Other than resighting in in hunting area is their a mathematical formula for figuring the difference. 6.8 Western 162 grain copper impact factory load, 24 in. barrel. Current zero is 200, regularly shoot out to 500. Mils. FFP
Why not just sight in your rifle at home..go online to the BLM..find a free shooting range at a higher altitude and resight in. You’re not gonna have much of a difference in impact accuracy. You can’t figure in temperature change snd humidity. I lived in western Colorado for 12 years at 6,500 feet. So I’m just saying sight in and go hunting. I’d highly recommend if you haven’t already..practice low shooting positions cause antelope with spot you a mile away..no joke….and once the shooting starts antelope will be moving as soon as they spot uou. Trust me they will. Here’s another factor of hunting antelope in Wyoming..it’s called “High Winds”..and more high wind. Wyoming is absolutely horrible and notorious for high winds…nearly all of the time cause most of the southern area of Wyoming..if that is where you pulled a tag…there’s not much to stop the wind. Here’s another factor of Wyoming hunting..called high wind coupled with snow! Now..depending on the season/month of your hunt…there’s no guarantee you won’t get a quickly snow storm. Talk about messing with your shooting habits!! With so much open sage brush ladened areas of Wyoming..you’d best learn to use your sling to stabilize your shooting position. Cause there’s nothing like trying to sneak up (Good Luck On That One!) on an antelope and sticking your hand/leg right into cactus!!!! Oh momma Mia!! And there’s little ricks/trees to use as support. Yup ..been all over southern Wyoming…and I wouldn’t want to live there even though I lived 40 miles south of the Wyoming border. He that has an ear..needs to listen.
Here’s the running joke in northwestern Colorado. What do you get when you mix a snowflake and high winds in Wyoming? A four foot snowbank…! If you get a freak snow storm sweeping across Wyomings I 80 corridor..I 80 can close in a heart flash…there are flashing barricades that will come down as soon as it’s signaled to close..the barricades are just like railroad crossing barricades and if the interstate closes..it can close til whenever..due to the high winds. Also..if you don’t have one..buy a range finder!! Those open hills can really mess with your distance perception.
I always dry fire in position. Check for rifle movement or vibration. My RPA action with bellville washers striker spring is DEAD. No vibration at all.
in my experience, it comes down to managing recoil, making sure it recoils the same every time. so maybe it doesn't matter how you hold it as long as it recoils the same.
You revisit your original hold 20 minutes into video and first two shots group nicely with thumb up top, then a wide right shot on third with thumb wrapped. Your videos will tell you a lot about what you’re not repeating. Feel, this only you can tell. I love your shows BTW. Just over here with two cents. Lol
Bags and rests are For dialing in the rifle . Confirmation that your weapon is accurate. Highly recommended. In the woods, the hunter is the weakest link. I personally use a shooting rail in my stand..
holding the bell on this particular scope seems pretty obvious to me that it is flexing the scope. that is why it shot a good amount higher and opened up the group. Also turn your tripod around so that the single leg is out front. it doesn't matter if the rifle rocks back but you want to be able to lean into it without it rocking.
I am seeing one thing and is repeated in every group of three shots. All to right of the dot. Is it possible the scope is off and need some adjustment? Ron, I know you are the expert in the field. When I am hunting, I focus on my shooting and the element I am in to be successful. It is never going to be a perfect world. Ron, you are the best. I love your channel.
Fair point, Nino, but the right side group centers are because that is where the scope is set. When testing for group accuracy I am not concerned with hitting my aiming point so much as getting a tight, consistent group. Often different types of ammo shoot to different points anyway, so as long as they land relatively close to my aiming point and group tightly, I'm happy.
Most of us older shooters have used backpacks, rolled up jackets, rocks, tree's and a buddies shoulder on occasion. Bench shooting / long range target shooting is a good time, but making an extended, (longer than your average) shot in unfamiliar territory, off something other than a bench, (your normal prone etc) without time to get set up perfect is a different thing. I shoot 800 to1200 yard's pretty decent.....off a bench, sitting in a folding chair, bipod and rear bag, same shooting area, not out of breath, heart thumping, with no time limit or living creature as the target. Change any aspect of that comfortable paper target shooting changes everything. My humble opinion is practice the positions you expect to use with the exact equipment you will have on said hunt in varying conditions, know your and your rifles limitations.
As mentioned…bench testing using the most stable test that will remove as much human error as possible..is for load development and accuracy testing ..only!! gor hunting rifles. 2nd…if an elk or deer presents themselves in a brief moment..what’s with people thinking they’ll have time to dial in their scope..?? It’s hilariously dumbfounding! We hunted throughout the western US..we learned snd practiced using our slings to stabilize our rifles as we’d moved in on breaking the trigger. We took lots and lots of deer/elk/antelope But hype is alive and well you see..eh?
Needing to finish my view. Sling use..performing ehat we called a “Sling Double Hitch” where you’d take a double wrap of the sling around you forearm and kick your arm out away from your body..would remove most of the Rifle movements and you’d focus on the crosshairs of the scope moving across the kill zone…snd squeezing the trigger and knowing your trigger break. This sling use is quick..stable…and is good for sitting/squatting/standing. Here’s one that most wannabe game slayers will lose their minds on. Have them try “Big Bore Hunting Rifle Silhouette” target shooting….!!!! Wanna see arrogance shattered? Extremely extraordinary funny how self proclaimed “Great Shots” were not so great. Off hand..way out there ram sized metal targets..stationary…🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣….one day at one of those competitions will make even strong men humble..🤣🤣🤣. Big bore silhouette shooting will teach someone about trigger break and scope crosshair movement. Because I’ve hunter..sometimes taking game at long long range..and try as you may in a real hunting scenario..it’s just nearly impossible to remove cross movement aiming at a deer/elk out in western terrain open hunting. I simply don’t believe people saying they can hit a deer off hand at extreme range unless they’ve practiced and practiced some more..then practice yet again. A lot!! We found that competing in big bore silhouette sharpened our shooting ability tremendously which we experienced far better game harvesting. Just saying.
Hello Ron! Thanks for your time. I have been shooting and reloading almost as long as you have, and I wanted to put in my suggestions. 1: How you hold the rifle WILL effect point of impact. Consistency is the key to repeatable accuracy. If you are hunting then practice off a backpack, just like you would in the feild. Twenty pounds of sandbags are less convenient than your little tripod but they are rock steady for benchrest competition. 2: light rifles or heavy recoiling cartridges tend to string vertically. A firm grip on the fore end will cut these groups in half. No downward pressure. Just hold on tight. It helps with the recoil too. 3: One ten shot group will tell you more about the load than ten three shot groups. It helps eliminate false perceptions. Five shots is a minimum. 4: leave the copper fouling in the barrel. Or, forget the first five shot goup. 5: infrared temperature gauges are cheap and can be used to check chamber temps for consistency. I fire multiple rifles and take my time between shots. 6: DON'T let you bags pinch the rifle or touch the barrel. There is no way to do that consistently. 7: DON'T put odd pressures on your scopes! Leopold's are tanks but I wouldn't try that at all. 8: Did you notice the fly? I would have taken a shot at him. I am still a child at heart at 55.
@@brandonyoung7760 Well maybe you yanks have not seen it till now . But I owed one in 6.5x55 sweed in 2014 and they had been around well before that . Well at least in Europe and Australia. But I was laughing at the release of the Baretta BX1 last year as well . They were also available in Australia and Europe well before the USA . Maybe America isn't as good a proving ground as you guy's think .
@davidheath2427 yeah well you're wrong and if you think a 85 is a s20 you're still wrong so yes like I said do your research you might learn a thing or two. Ps don't be jealous because I'm American you're making yourself look foolish.
yeah this works great on huntin rifles, much less perhaps on bench rest rifles. You get more gains from the scope-hold on higher recoiling calibers like 7mm PRC.. You do really need a stiff rear bag for it, as a soft rest will sink down when you apply pressure.
... I'm a hunter ... not a bench rest shooter ... so I sight in using a technique which closely as possible resembles one I would use in the field when encountering game ... for me that's the right shoulder behind the butt plate and left hand cupping & holding the fore-end of the rifle whether or not supported by shooting rests or sandbags ... I practice at all ranges ... deer, elk, moose in my experience don't conveniently place themselves at 100 yds and turn sideways to the hunter and then stand motionless
i think this video should be title Ron learns about statistical sample size, variance, and standard error. Single 3-shot groups with inherent variance that exceeds the magnitude of the technique changes teaches us nothing. Or maybe it teaches us that the specific technique doesn't matter, but only consistency in using the technique? As Mr Harrel always says: Even if there is a difference, is there enough of a difference to make a difference? You be the judge.
Bullbag, first shot thumb up top. Second it’s wrapped. Third shot thumb on top and first and third holes touch. If you want the rifle to repeat you have to. 😳
Ron, is your rear bag flat for a target stock or angled for most hunting stocks.? You look real uncomfortable controlling elevation using the bull bag or rest with the hand on the scope not able to squeeze the rear bag. To make that work, you need a sloped rear bag that rides on the slope of the stock. Elevation is controlled by sliding it forward or backward, just like one adjusts an old iron rear sight with parallel ramps. Always enjoying your videos. Greetings from South Africa.
I personally HATE putting my left hand on the scope. Never helped me. Changed point of impact like it did you. Feels so un natural. Thats just me. Everyones different.
I use empty lead shot bags with a plastic bag inside filled or partially filled with birdseed, NOT SAND! If a bag leaks sand and that would get in your action--- NOT GOOD!
From my observation. Your bench is a lil too high for you. I may just shoot strange. I don’t square up on my target. And I target shoot the way I hunt. If you’re in an unnatural stance at the bench. It can cause you to have a big impact shift in hunting stances.
Ron the best piece of advice I can give you is to treat your wife better. Not every woman would sit by her husband on the rifle range acting as a camera operator.
I always thought a bull bag was for growing the herd. Lol thanks for another great show. From Australia
😂 we call it sack in this hemisphere
If used correctly and having a “Bulls Bag” filled with sand like mine is..the bag I have grips the stock sort of clam shell style…if you push down on the rifle adjusting your point of aim..the bag grips the stock even tighter and you get a really secure rifle without muzzle jump.
Don’t be a smart ace…Bulls Bags work well…Ron should have moved the bag back towards the receiver more and looking at that bag…not sure what he filled the bag with.
FYI….I use the bag for all of my bench shooting no matter the chambering. With my 223/22-250/AR’s there is virtually no movement when I send a bullet down range. My 300 WinNags snd the 7mm RemNags..again..very stable using the BB.
Using that bag you learn the quirks. It is a learning curve. But!! Results are proof.
Let’s be honest. Hunting rifles on the bench is only for load development and accuracy testing. Period! And it’s hilariously funny for me and those I use to hunt with..seeing some that tagged along on hunting trips that they’d never..ever..practiced “Real” hunting rifle practice. Using the sling as a stabilizing tool whether standing/squatting/kneeling/or sitting on you butt. Use The Sling!!
It’s unfortunate that BB doesn’t make the model of bag I have but they don’t. But using any shooting bag filled with polyester type pillow type fill will not produce. In my view those bags are worthless.
Anyhow..be a SA…but BB’s work.
I am glad you finally got you a garmin chronograph
Are these Garmin chronographs any good, thanking you in advance?
Hi Ron, love your videos, try flipping your front rest around 180 so that the two spread legs are facing you and the single leg is facing forward, equal length/spaced tri-legged rests are designed to use in that way while the sling shot style legged rests are meant to use with the single leg facing the shooter, just an observation. Keep the videos coming 👍
I’m an F-Class shooter. I can tell you pressure on the scope can cause impact shifts. You should adjust the front rest so you don’t have to rely on muscle input on the rear bag.
A good, affordable rest is the Bald Eagle from Grizzle Tool. Add a Shade Tree Engineering top for a good package.
Yeah..I only hunt..but you’re correct. We’d never put any pressure on the scope during accuracy and load development. Target shooters I was around years ago urged anyone not to do that.
As I told a fellow here..benchrest shooting doesn’t add up in real hunting scenarios..snd I’ll say Ron is correct in stating that know where your trigger breaks. And practice real hunting positions with live ammo shooting.
It’s a whole different world and I’ve known bench rest shooters who really..weren’t all that great of shots on real live game in tough hunting situations. It is a whole different beast..!!
Thank you, to both of you guys for having a little common sense, the optic is not a grip or a handle. I cringe every time I see someone doing thi;, why would anyone consider this a proper method?!
If I were to buy a front rest, I’d gravitate toward the Caldwell Rock Deluxe. Pair that with your current rear stock technique and perhaps you’ll tighten the groups a little more.
@@rogerj.fugere3570Do you know anyone who recommends putting pressure on the scope?
Hi Ron ! 2 guys you likely know that are proven benchresters & gun writers are Jim Carmichael & Layne Simpson . Might want to get their opinions & give them a try or invite them out for a shoot . Would be great to see you 3 legends together on the range . Cheers man
Randy Selby! Randy's custom rifles, does a good video on the bench and uses the hand over the top method.
Damn Ron, you hsve killed tons of big game far and wide. Im certain that whatever you have done for all these years is FINE!!!!! WHY CHANGE. All my rifle hunting is within 400 yds. The simple bench technique has worked for me, for years.
I’d encourage you to never stop learning and never stop trying new things. ;) You CAN teach an old dog new tricks!
Well my thought is, most new rules are moa capable. The shooter is the variable. If you can shoot 1 moa without support, you're a good shot. If you have your rifle anchored down in some way, your rifle is accurate. I work on my shooting, not my rifles. Out on a hunt you are the biggest variable. I don't know many fellers bringing bags and lead sleds out on a hunt.
For long range i bring a rear bag. Bipod front. If i cant get in that prone position i wont take the shot
I’m with you. I’ve learned with lots of practice how to shoot around MOA seated and off of shooting sticks out to about 300 yards. Might be able to stretch it farther, but I just haven’t gotten there yet. I shoot off the bench for zeroing and load testing.
Thanks for informative video. Always learning from the best.
Ron, thanks for the demo. Gave me some pointers for my own setup.
For your rest, it may help to keep the rest stable (not sliding) by screwing down the screws in the base so that they have a slight bite in the wooden tabletop. Plus, a sandbag atop the legs can keep it from tilting when sliding the rifle forward or back.
Thanks Ron for sharing man 😁 and enjoyed it.we all have our own way of shooting a rifle, if it works all good 👍 young shooters thanks to Ron and many others have a hold of technique Lol , your rifle is a tool it does what you tell it so take some notes and adjust as you and it become one , then your results will speak for itself.
I have Leupold scopes on all (5) of my rifles. I didn’t plan it that way but that’s how it worked out. Thanks for the great videos Ron.
Hey Ron, great video…..one thing I was just recently told is the more contact with your firearm, the less accurate. That being said, having a great, solid base is where to start….fore end being supported through gravity force on to a rest like you are using , bipod or bags.
The buttstock should be firmly supported, whether a bag, bag rider, or an adjustable monopod.
Was also instructed to have your non shooting hand flat on the surface not touching bag or firearm. Only hand that touches the firearm is the shooting hand/finger to release the trigger and grip the firearm.
Then there’s the breathing, which is whole other topic of discussion…..Thanks so much Ron…Love your informative videos…Keep Keeping on Brother…👍👍👌🫶❗️
Ron I love your channel. I think everyone shoot different. People need to figure out what works best for them and they are comfortable with.
Hey Ron, I'm also learning shooting techniques for tighter groups. I shoot from .117, .22, .25, air rifles and 5.56/.223 bolt action, a rem. BDL Deluxe 30.06 and a M91/30 Mosin Nagant. I've noticed when I'm squeezing the trigger with my thumb around the grip of the rifles my shots aren't as tight as when my thumb isn't rapped around the grip and I'm noticing the muscles in my trigger hand as I shoot, how they push up against the stock and how much those muscles in your fingers and hand influence the shot. Now I'm practicing applying as little pressure from my trigger hand as possible and applying all of proper shooting mechanics before taking the shot, and I'm seeing a difference with tighter groups. I thought I would share this with you so can test it out to see if it works for you, and if it does share it with you followers, Thanks for all fun and knowledge you bring to the shooting community.
Maybe Try Sand bags on the front rest
I remember using straw bales as a table/shooting bench, overalls for the front rest, and a jacket for the rear rest. Not the best but it got the job done.
The heavier the rifle, the better the 'bench rest' technique works for me. For very lightweight mountain hunting rifles, like the Kimber Mt. Assent, I have the best results by using my left hand to help hold the rifle in place by putting down pressure on the forward scope ring, but never on the scope body. This technique works off a backpack, lightweight carry shooting bag, or other padded surface under the fore end, but takes practice employing it when using a bipod unless you can build some type of rear support like your pack. As much as we wish it didn't, changing degrees of barrel heat affects group size and impact location, so it's difficult to do multiple tests at one setting without conditions changing and producing differing results, so I'm not surprised by what you experienced. Enjoyed the show; thanks.
Another thing to consider is the vertical orientation of the gun shifting, although at 100yds the effect should be small.
I have several rifles that shoot half inch or better a couple that shoot quarter inch 3 shot groups regularly . Two of the best being rem 700s adl and bdl in factory form with factory ammo (go figure) . But I had a tikka t3x lite stainless that I couldn’t get to shoot sub moa with about 7 different factory loadings. My other rifles were still shooting great so i knew it wasn’t me. In desperation I read a write up by a target shooter and he said light weight rifles need consistent downward pressure to eliminate movement through the firing process. Went back to the field and was easily holding sub 3/4 inch groups as long as that lightweight tikka and lightweight leupold had my hand on that scope applying just a little down pressure. Idk the science behind it but it fixed that bad shooting tikka . Heavier rifles I still let free recoil however with good results .
thats shooter issue not rifle issue. my 7prc is about 8.25lbs with optic and it can consistently hit 1/2moa
So how would you do this whilst out hunting.
@@HazardousRob not a shooter issue. Not a gun issue, is a combination of things.The shooter in this case has no performance issue with other rifles . I just mentioned I have or have had several that go sub half and quarter MOA regularly in my hands. Also mentioned it happened in the same day . Everything shot well but the tikka. Also went on to say that the remedy was to apply slight constant downward pressure on the gun through firing sequence. That particular rifle went from shooting poorly to shooting well in the same day AFTER reading from a well seasoned target rifle shooters entire write up on the issue. But go on tell me how you know more than the competition shooter that SOLVED the issue… would also like to add that tikka/leupold setup weighs less than your 8 lb 4 ounce rifle so mentioning your heavier, completely different rifle doesn’t really take anything away from my point . The point of discussion here was a shooting technique to help some shooting scenarios with a some rifle geometries and weights. Nothing more nothing less.
@@davidheath2427 the spot you hold makes no difference the principal is to just hold the rifle steady while you pull the trigger ,rather than allowing it to free recoil like you would with some guns that are entirely happy laying on the sandbags.That’s all , hold the forend or whatever is comfortable for you. It’s not a rule for all rifles or even all weights class it’s just some weights and some rifle geometry’s benefit from some “holding” pressure.
I use the same paper as Ron. I only use the center dot for fouling shots. Aim small shoot small.
Hey Ron, me and a lot of my friends use the Armegeddon game changer bags. We all run the schmedium. Anarchy outdoors in Smithfield Utah has them on location. Which I believe is somewhat local to you. We achieve 1/2 moa accuracy with nearly all our guns using that bag and a bipod. Might be worth a look! 🤙 love your videos man!
Can’t wait.
Absolutely correct, I've never had a scope that 100 yard parallax adjustment was parallax free at 100. My new Burris 4.5-14x42 is parallax free at 50 yards with the scope saying 25
Applied Ballistics has captured, on high speed video, recoil causing the gun to move before the bullet exits the muzzle. No brake or suppressor could counteract it. It’s silly to speculate on whether it’s a thing or not.
Yes. Stay on the gun, follow through. And heartbeat is a big factor. Always loose the shot on the downbeat. At the pause. Your shot will be true.
I agree with many of the posters. You change the way you grip the rifle differently shot to shot. Sometimes you hold your thumb along the side of the rifle, other times you wrap it over.
A rifle needs you to be consistent with how you manipulate the rifle.
Great video enjoyed it 👍
Big Ron from the group- home.
Keep up the good work
I would say, whatever is most comfortable. I always wrap my legs and lock them under my chair.lol I’ve had one ragged hole with 55 grain FMJ .223 semi auto. Repeatedly.
About time! 😂
Ron is fidgety. Always moving. RELAX.
Enjoyable video, what stands out to me is pick a style and stick with it. Ideally your style should be one you can use in the field. So for me I don't care how good the groups are I won't be putting downward pressure on the scope in the field so no sense using it on the bench. Perhaps in a blind you could put pressure on the scope, I don't know I have never hunted from a blind. I use your first method. Support at the front, bag at the back and off hand on the bag.
you better check out Bian litz slow-mo video showing how much a rifle moves before the bullet comes out.
Can you link this? I tried to find it
For barrel cooling I use small electric air pump (air mattress pump).
Very interesting.
I wish I had one . Working up reloads and the crono doesn’t work. Is frustrating. I hunt small game so tight groups are important.
Ron, Thanks I always learn something from your videos.
Question: Fortunate enough to draw a WY Antelope tag the average altitude in the area I drew is 6300 ft. My home in Washington is around 1500 ft. So obviously my zero will change. Other than resighting in in hunting area is their a mathematical formula for figuring the difference. 6.8 Western 162 grain copper impact factory load, 24 in. barrel. Current zero is 200, regularly shoot out to 500. Mils. FFP
Why not just sight in your rifle at home..go online to the BLM..find a free shooting range at a higher altitude and resight in.
You’re not gonna have much of a difference in impact accuracy. You can’t figure in temperature change snd humidity. I lived in western Colorado for 12 years at 6,500 feet. So I’m just saying sight in and go hunting.
I’d highly recommend if you haven’t already..practice low shooting positions cause antelope with spot you a mile away..no joke….and once the shooting starts antelope will be moving as soon as they spot uou. Trust me they will.
Here’s another factor of hunting antelope in Wyoming..it’s called “High Winds”..and more high wind. Wyoming is absolutely horrible and notorious for high winds…nearly all of the time cause most of the southern area of Wyoming..if that is where you pulled a tag…there’s not much to stop the wind.
Here’s another factor of Wyoming hunting..called high wind coupled with snow! Now..depending on the season/month of your hunt…there’s no guarantee you won’t get a quickly snow storm. Talk about messing with your shooting habits!!
With so much open sage brush ladened areas of Wyoming..you’d best learn to use your sling to stabilize your shooting position. Cause there’s nothing like trying to sneak up (Good Luck On That One!) on an antelope and sticking your hand/leg right into cactus!!!! Oh momma Mia!! And there’s little ricks/trees to use as support.
Yup ..been all over southern Wyoming…and I wouldn’t want to live there even though I lived 40 miles south of the Wyoming border.
He that has an ear..needs to listen.
Here’s the running joke in northwestern Colorado.
What do you get when you mix a snowflake and high winds in Wyoming?
A four foot snowbank…!
If you get a freak snow storm sweeping across Wyomings I 80 corridor..I 80 can close in a heart flash…there are flashing barricades that will come down as soon as it’s signaled to close..the barricades are just like railroad crossing barricades and if the interstate closes..it can close til whenever..due to the high winds.
Also..if you don’t have one..buy a range finder!! Those open hills can really mess with your distance perception.
I always dry fire in position. Check for rifle movement or vibration. My RPA action with bellville washers striker spring is DEAD. No vibration at all.
I used to use hand on scope as tightened groups with lighter rifles but also had poi shift so stopped doing it.
in my experience, it comes down to managing recoil, making sure it recoils the same every time. so maybe it doesn't matter how you hold it as long as it recoils the same.
It seems like when you get pressure in front of the front ring, on the bell, your group was fairly tight, but your group moved up about an inch.
I’ve always had my best results with my hand in the Scope
Pretty good info Spomer. This time…..
You revisit your original hold 20 minutes into video and first two shots group nicely with thumb up top, then a wide right shot on third with thumb wrapped. Your videos will tell you a lot about what you’re not repeating. Feel, this only you can tell.
I love your shows BTW. Just over here with two cents. Lol
Bags and rests are For dialing in the rifle . Confirmation that your weapon is accurate. Highly recommended. In the woods, the hunter is the weakest link. I personally use a shooting rail in my stand..
holding the bell on this particular scope seems pretty obvious to me that it is flexing the scope. that is why it shot a good amount higher and opened up the group. Also turn your tripod around so that the single leg is out front. it doesn't matter if the rifle rocks back but you want to be able to lean into it without it rocking.
Leather bags are pretty but waxed canvas rear bags are superior as they conform to rifle and bottom surface better, giving better stability
I am seeing one thing and is repeated in every group of three shots. All to right of the dot. Is it possible the scope is off and need some adjustment? Ron, I know you are the expert in the field. When I am hunting, I focus on my shooting and the element I am in to be successful. It is never going to be a perfect world. Ron, you are the best. I love your channel.
Fair point, Nino, but the right side group centers are because that is where the scope is set. When testing for group accuracy I am not concerned with hitting my aiming point so much as getting a tight, consistent group. Often different types of ammo shoot to different points anyway, so as long as they land relatively close to my aiming point and group tightly, I'm happy.
Most of us older shooters have used backpacks, rolled up jackets, rocks, tree's and a buddies shoulder on occasion. Bench shooting / long range target shooting is a good time, but making an extended, (longer than your average) shot in unfamiliar territory, off something other than a bench, (your normal prone etc) without time to get set up perfect is a different thing.
I shoot 800 to1200 yard's pretty decent.....off a bench, sitting in a folding chair, bipod and rear bag, same shooting area, not out of breath, heart thumping, with no time limit or living creature as the target. Change any aspect of that comfortable paper target shooting changes everything. My humble opinion is practice the positions you expect to use with the exact equipment you will have on said hunt in varying conditions, know your and your rifles limitations.
As mentioned…bench testing using the most stable test that will remove as much human error as possible..is for load development and accuracy testing ..only!! gor hunting rifles.
2nd…if an elk or deer presents themselves in a brief moment..what’s with people thinking they’ll have time to dial in their scope..?? It’s hilariously dumbfounding!
We hunted throughout the western US..we learned snd practiced using our slings to stabilize our rifles as we’d moved in on breaking the trigger.
We took lots and lots of deer/elk/antelope
But hype is alive and well you see..eh?
Needing to finish my view.
Sling use..performing ehat we called a “Sling Double Hitch” where you’d take a double wrap of the sling around you forearm and kick your arm out away from your body..would remove most of the Rifle movements and you’d focus on the crosshairs of the scope moving across the kill zone…snd squeezing the trigger and knowing your trigger break.
This sling use is quick..stable…and is good for sitting/squatting/standing.
Here’s one that most wannabe game slayers will lose their minds on. Have them try “Big Bore Hunting Rifle Silhouette” target shooting….!!!! Wanna see arrogance shattered? Extremely extraordinary funny how self proclaimed “Great Shots” were not so great.
Off hand..way out there ram sized metal targets..stationary…🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣….one day at one of those competitions will make even strong men humble..🤣🤣🤣.
Big bore silhouette shooting will teach someone about trigger break and scope crosshair movement. Because I’ve hunter..sometimes taking game at long long range..and try as you may in a real hunting scenario..it’s just nearly impossible to remove cross movement aiming at a deer/elk out in western terrain open hunting.
I simply don’t believe people saying they can hit a deer off hand at extreme range unless they’ve practiced and practiced some more..then practice yet again. A lot!!
We found that competing in big bore silhouette sharpened our shooting ability tremendously which we experienced far better game harvesting.
Just saying.
Hello Ron! Thanks for your time. I have been shooting and reloading almost as long as you have, and I wanted to put in my suggestions.
1: How you hold the rifle WILL effect point of impact. Consistency is the key to repeatable accuracy. If you are hunting then practice off a backpack, just like you would in the feild. Twenty pounds of sandbags are less convenient than your little tripod but they are rock steady for benchrest competition.
2: light rifles or heavy recoiling cartridges tend to string vertically. A firm grip on the fore end will cut these groups in half. No downward pressure. Just hold on tight. It helps with the recoil too.
3: One ten shot group will tell you more about the load than ten three shot groups. It helps eliminate false perceptions. Five shots is a minimum.
4: leave the copper fouling in the barrel. Or, forget the first five shot goup.
5: infrared temperature gauges are cheap and can be used to check chamber temps for consistency. I fire multiple rifles and take my time between shots.
6: DON'T let you bags pinch the rifle or touch the barrel. There is no way to do that consistently.
7: DON'T put odd pressures on your scopes! Leopold's are tanks but I wouldn't try that at all.
8: Did you notice the fly? I would have taken a shot at him. I am still a child at heart at 55.
With a level made into it
I prefer holding the forend. That's the most realistic to hunting. I'm sure other methods are better but I don't use my guns for bench rest shooting.
You should consider using a decent bipod with a rear bag.
When are we going to see you with a new Sako S20 in your hand Ron?
The sako s20 has been around for a long time . Taking a guess but maybe 15 +years
@davidheath2427 you might want to invest in a little more research
@@brandonyoung7760Nah they’re a new Sako model
@@brandonyoung7760 Well maybe you yanks have not seen it till now . But I owed one in 6.5x55 sweed in 2014 and they had been around well before that . Well at least in Europe and Australia. But I was laughing at the release of the Baretta BX1 last year as well . They were also available in Australia and Europe well before the USA . Maybe America isn't as good a proving ground as you guy's think .
@davidheath2427 yeah well you're wrong and if you think a 85 is a s20 you're still wrong so yes like I said do your research you might learn a thing or two. Ps don't be jealous because I'm American you're making yourself look foolish.
I’m a hunter and I would never rest my hand on the scope as I believe it would cause the shot to go off the mark
Do you think you could show us how much accuracy can be affected it you rest the barrel directly on the front bag?
I like the Real Gunsmith method, because when hunting you can use it on a backpack or sticks, which is the only way I'm taking a longer shot.
See Ron, holding your hand on the scope with gentle downward pressure tightens groups
yeah this works great on huntin rifles, much less perhaps on bench rest rifles.
You get more gains from the scope-hold on higher recoiling calibers like 7mm PRC..
You do really need a stiff rear bag for it, as a soft rest will sink down when you apply pressure.
... I'm a hunter ... not a bench rest shooter ... so I sight in using a technique which closely as possible resembles one I would use in the field when encountering game ... for me that's the right shoulder behind the butt plate and left hand cupping & holding the fore-end of the rifle whether or not supported by shooting rests or sandbags ... I practice at all ranges ... deer, elk, moose in my experience don't conveniently place themselves at 100 yds and turn sideways to the hunter and then stand motionless
Sinclair rest is also decent
i think this video should be title Ron learns about statistical sample size, variance, and standard error. Single 3-shot groups with inherent variance that exceeds the magnitude of the technique changes teaches us nothing. Or maybe it teaches us that the specific technique doesn't matter, but only consistency in using the technique?
As Mr Harrel always says: Even if there is a difference, is there enough of a difference to make a difference? You be the judge.
Have you ever tried a hasty sling?
😂did you say your muff? yeah, I wouldn't like it either. That sounds painful😂
Applying too much pressure to the scope forward of your rings can cause your rounds to impact high.
What if you had the sand bag closer to your magazine ?I think you would have less pressure on your stock against the barrel.
barrel is free floated, doesnt make contact with the barrel. especially on the rifles in this video
Was your very first group (the worst( from a cold/clean bore?
Maybe get ahold of Eric Cortina.
Keep your right thumb on the right side of stock. At least always have it in same position.
Ron get a bipod!!
bipod would have been helpful.
Wont your action drop bc. Recoil drops rear of your rifle
You showed me why I will never have a shooting bag for the front rest. Crazy unstable.
Hey Ron, got a promo code for those Shell Shock earmuffs?
Bullbag, first shot thumb up top. Second it’s wrapped. Third shot thumb on top and first and third holes touch. If you want the rifle to repeat you have to. 😳
Get the Caldwell front reast about 200 dollars
CvLife bipod $40
Mr.Spomer,i think you changed the ammunition between the 1st and 2nd groups...
Ron, is your rear bag flat for a target stock or angled for most hunting stocks.? You look real uncomfortable controlling elevation using the bull bag or rest with the hand on the scope not able to squeeze the rear bag. To make that work, you need a sloped rear bag that rides on the slope of the stock. Elevation is controlled by sliding it forward or backward, just like one adjusts an old iron rear sight with parallel ramps. Always enjoying your videos. Greetings from South Africa.
Ron, what rest and bags are those?
😂I’ve done the same a few times. Get everything set up including me and reach for the bolt. 🤬
First three shots review thumb placement. 😳
Be good to
Meet your better half one day mate she’s the great woman behind u !
😎
The second hold down on scope your gun was probly not level.
I personally HATE putting my left hand on the scope. Never helped me. Changed point of impact like it did you. Feels so un natural. Thats just me. Everyones different.
I really don’t like doing that either. I do think that some rifles like to be held on the forend though.
Maybe a 4 leg rest would be better
I use empty lead shot bags with a plastic bag inside filled or partially filled with birdseed, NOT SAND! If a bag leaks sand and that would get in your action--- NOT GOOD!
Sorry, but holding down the objectiv bell is the worst idea. Rather at the turret. But, you do neither when hunting.
Why not build a rock solid concrete bench? A portable like yours is not as sturdy as you may think.
Just think how much you could've saved in ammo if you would've done this sooner. Haha
Benchin' shots, repeated consistent grip. Form and repetition Breathing, Trigger, posture..
Just my thought ,but three shoot groups do not tell you very much .
In conclusion a factory load a
From my observation. Your bench is a lil too high for you. I may just shoot strange. I don’t square up on my target. And I target shoot the way I hunt. If you’re in an unnatural stance at the bench. It can cause you to have a big impact shift in hunting stances.
Get that hand OFF the scope
Ron the best piece of advice I can give you is to treat your wife better. Not every woman would sit by her husband on the rifle range acting as a camera operator.