Thread: Changes in the impact point

I have tested the differing impact versus holding method many times over the years. The worst performers are always the softer synthetic stocked rifles. I have experienced an eight inch of impact point change at 100 yards with the worst one (AR15) when rested on a hard surface. Many other bolt guns with plastic stocks will also throw the shots all over the place particularly when shot off hard surfaces using the non tilting type Bipods. It is very easy to twist load these. Although poor fore end support (read block of wood here) will mostly result in shots going high, this is not guaranteed. Even bedded wooden stocked (including laminated) and fiberglass stocked rifles will throw shots off centre when fired in that manner, generally not as far off though.
If you want to sight in for <100 yard shots in the roar with any rifle, just do it as you intend to shoot it in the bush, with the same ammo you are going to hunt with.

For the record I use a Caldwell cradle for all load development, as this takes as much of "me" out of the process as possible. I'm only looking for tight groups here and not so fussed on point of impact. All subsequent sighting in is done in the actual shooting position I'll use when I shoot for keeps. I will often shoot a hunting rifle off my pack (as fore end support), then bipod, then sling prone, sling sitting, sling standing, and free hand standing to check differing zero points. All will usually result in slightly differing zeros. With a good hold technique the effect can me minimized. I find big, heavy, free floated, fiberglass stocked rifles usually have the least variation. They are also the least likely to be dragged through the scrub after animals.