Thread: Sighting in rifle using a Calwell Lead Sled Solo

The Caldwell Lead Sled Solo has a velcro strap to hold the rifle down into the fore-end cradle. I used one at the weekend to help sight in my rifle. Took a lot of the frustration out of the equation and was a quickly hitting the 200m zero, and then went on to the 300m, 400m and 500m gongs using the Solo before heading home. I'm guessing though, that with the rifle being strapped down into the rest/using that particular rest, what I have done is zero the rifle only when using that rifle rest in that way. In the real world of hunting, I am not lugging that rest around, nor holding the rifle in the same way, so am I correct in assuming that such a rest is only to be used as a tool to speed up the sighing in process (or load development, etc), but the rifle still needs sighting in/confirmation using another type of rest (sandbag, bipod, etc?), or do such rests not hugely affect accuracy.

Sorry, probably a dumb question, but of late I've struggled with my shooting and want to get things back on track and gain more confidence.

Correct, you’ll likely get a minor zero shift when not utilising the rest.

Originally Posted by Moutere

Correct, you’ll likely get a minor zero shift when not utilising the rest.

Thanks. Will reconfirm zero without the rest.

Getting into longer range shooting/hunting has been a real eye opener compared to my normal bush stalking where a 'minute of deer' will do. Being involved in smallbore shooting for quite a few years in high school and Uni means that I probably expect too much from my hunting rifles and end up chasing accuracy that may not be present in the first place.

Originally Posted by mimms2

I would never endorse "minute of deer" shooting. At the sloppiest, "minute of vitals".

Absolutely, if I was that bad, I'd give up the sport! I don't even attempt shots at moving animals. Some guys can, but I like to take my time (within reason) and be certain on shot placement. Obviously a stag popping up at 10m gets dropped quick smart.

You must hate your scope

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

You must hate your scope

Not since I upgraded the VX1 to a Z5

I never strap down the forhand barrel end on zeroing.Let the rifle do its little recoil bounce as if you taking the shot off yr pack out in the field.You got to have the rifle relaxing as much as possible.Then yr zeroing firing at the range will be the same relaxed shooting as out in the field.
Replacate how you shoot out at the range as you shoot out hunting.

Yep, the big issue here is what that velcro strap does to the barrel dynamics and if tight enough what it may temporarily do to the bedding. Probably not such an issue if the barrel is not free floating and bedded on a pressure point in the fore end.

With lightweight sporting rifles it is not that difficult to flex a barrel away from a scopes line of sight.

Sorry to the OP but much too American for me.

Originally Posted by Kimber 7mm-08

Not since I upgraded the VX1 to a Z5

I was referring to the use of the lead sled, don't have to look far to find some real horror stories about wrecked scopes from running rifles in lead sleds

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

I was referring to the use of the lead sled, don't have to look far to find some real horror stories about wrecked scopes from running rifles in lead sleds

Ah, I see. Was not aware of that issue. Something else to factor in now. Thanks for the heads up.

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

I was referring to the use of the lead sled, don't have to look far to find some real horror stories about wrecked scopes from running rifles in lead sleds

Not to mention broken stocks (usually walnut ones to be fair).

The biggest issue is the rifle moves about 1.5mm BEFORE the bullet leaves the barrel - its an immutable law of physics. If that 1.5mm isn't the same each shot you will have a POI change. Its called various names, "follow-thru" is the most common, and its one of the least understood factors in shooting well.

I dont use plastic loaded rests,just a nice soft cushion to absorb the recoil bounce of the 300WM.Right hand on the grip and butt in the sholder.Relax,get the eye,cross hairs and breathing right.Slowly squeeze off the trigger.Let the rifle do its thing and shoot 1/2 moa at a 100yds.On a good day the 300wm will shoot 1/4 moa at 400yds.

Two middle shots 20 minuts after end shots.Close enough for me after 2 clicks up and 1 click left.
Two shoot group at 400yds off the bonnet of the truck,cushion as a rest.

So Trout, with your technique above your left hand doesn't touch the rifle at all?

Good shooting@ Trout I like your set up while sighting in.

Left hand not touching rifle.