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.

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Originally Posted by Moutere

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

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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.

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Originally Posted by mimms2

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

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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

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Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

You must hate your scope

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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.

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Originally Posted by Kimber 7mm-08

Not since I upgraded the VX1 to a Z5

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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

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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

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

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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

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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 400ydsAttachment 160686.Attachment 160688
Attachment 160687
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.
Attachment 160691

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.

I would be delighted to have a lead sled for load development work. There is no law that says that you have to use the whole 40lb's of lead. Just weight it enough to tame the rifle. I have used one firing a 375 Snipetac ( 350 gr bullet and 140 gr Retumbo @3200 ) and was grateful for it

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Originally Posted by Trout

Left hand not touching rifle.

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Obviously a fairly hefty set up you have there (compared to mine - Kimber Montana 300WSM). Curious if you would you use the same technique for a lightweight magnum calibre rifle?

The 300 has a 26 inch barrel,but its fairly light to carry around.
I mainly hunt with a tika308,suppressed.
Iv sighted in a 308,270, 222,22 and soon a 243 sako finnlight.
Sight everything off the bonnect resting on a cushion.Cushion the secret,just nutralizes the recoil bounce about 90%.

It doesn't really matter how you hold the rifle within reason. It is more important that are consistent with what you do each time. Generally if you sight in on a sled or holding the for end then shoot unsupported you will shoot a little higher

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Originally Posted by mimms2

Jesus, that's a can! only... .300 doesn't recoil much, ya wuss.
At least you have the correct brand of vehicle...even if it is a bit young yet.

:P

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Recoil doesnt bother my 1.9mtr,135kgs.
Nothing wuss about looking after your hearing you deaf buggar.:thumbsup:

Just need to call this. Two shots is not a group.

They are both nice and close to the aim point - its more of a really good cold bore shot (x2).

Kimber, are you shooting a kimber 7mm08 ? Ive fired my mates one and its a kick-deamon. Not super accurate either, although good enough for deer. It may not be all you.

As far as zero goes, try it and find out if your own zero is the same with unsupported prone, bipod or over a tree trunk using correct hand technique. My 7mm08 does it. Has a standard weight non pencil barrel. Groups are bigger with other methods and smallest with a caldwell junior front rest and protector bunny ear rear sandbag. Groups are so much larger with hunting shooting gear/methods i couldnt really say the zero is different. I cant say i know about putting velcro over the barrel ... nathan foster recommends trying shooting with your hand on top of the scope to hold it down.

Oh and do use 5 shot groups and a few of them if you want to know the truth.

Yes, it's a Kimber Montana 7mm-08. Usually I'm going for 3 shot groups, and for what ever reason find longer distances easier perhaps because there is less pressure to hit a defined target as opposed to a steel gong? Went out on Sunday and had some consistency at 300 and 400m with my bipod and a rear sandbag. Group 1 is First 4 shots at 300m, then adjusted to 2 clicks left for 3 shot group for group 2. Group 3 is no further correction, just smaller gong. The Orange arrow points to my 7 year old firing the rifle for the first time (aided by the lead sled) - both he and I were both chuffed with his shot!Attachment 161071Attachment 161072

Yr young boy will never forget that.:thumbsup:

Cant complain about that shooting !
Was that the same sight setting as off the led sled ?

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Originally Posted by Bagheera

Cant complain about that shooting !
Was that the same sight setting as off the led sled ?

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Thanks, I know it's not the clover leaf groupings of many on this forum! I'll get there one day I guess...

As for differences between lead sled and this round, it was the same elevation at 300m, but two clicks left. At 400m I actually came down two clicks on my ballistic turret setting. I know I can improve on the groupings but at this stage (and this close to the Roar) I'm sticking with my factory ammo of choice/availability, which seems to be about 1MOA - 3/4 MOA at 100m when I absolutely do my bit (consistently). I will be back up to the range and take my sweet time with the next lot of shots as the barrel certainly heats up quickly. Shooting on a blazing afternoon in Central Otago is also not conducive to being cool, calm and collected. Perhaps I'll try early morning or in the evening.

After the roar I'll start my next project being a 300WSM Montana....
Attachment 161089

Those groups at 300 400mtrs,they will be close enough at 100 200mtrs for a deer.