Caldwell Lead Sleds?

[Joom]

Anyone shoot with these... Bit expensive I know, but interested in 1 for testing loads and getting sighted in.

I do ok, but I could be a bit steadier when shooting off the bags/bipod. I reckon spending a few hundred on one of these probably pays for itself after not too long if you're getting more shots on target and not taking as long to test loads, sight in etc.

Feedback?

[Lorgar]

I think they're fine if you're shooting from them all the time.

I've read a few reports that because of how firmly everything's held in the rest and how heavy it is, it significantly changes the point of impact of shots.

Not much point sighting in perfectly with a sled if it's different once you're firing it freehand or from your bipod in the field.

[Aster]

Not much point sighting in perfectly with a sled if it's different once you're firing it freehand or from your bipod in the field.

Exactly. I've had people tell me they got up to a 4 inch change in POI when shooting from a sled then moving to freehand.

Personally I'm not a fan of the sled setups.

Front rest and a bag if you want something for the rear is a better option IMO, both for improving your shooting skill and keeping results similar between styles of shooting.

[mark04]

I've had people tell me they got up to a 4 inch change in POI when shooting from a sled then moving to freehand.

Man, 4 inches off

Presumably it gets worse too as you shoot further? You'd be miles off by the time you get out to 200-300 metres if you were hunting?

[Harts]

Man, 4 inches off

For $300 for the rest... bugger that.

[Aussier]

For $300 for the rest... bugger that.

Up to $600 for the top one if I recall correctly.

[Herdsman]

Because of how tight the rifle is held in place and how littler give there is for recoil, there is a lot of stress placed on the stock when firing.

I've read reports of people firing large calibres strapped into these things and having the stock snap and action/barrel come hurtling off.

How'd you like a 416 Ruger action to the face?

[agentzero]

How'd you like a 416 Ruger action to the face?

I'm going to say, zero likability.

[Joom]

I'm going to say, zero likability.

Need to do it once so you've got a story to tell

[Igoe]

Got a Led Sled DFT that I use for load testing on my 30-06 and 243. Cost me about $170-180 when I was in the States a year ago.

The consistency a rest like this provides is invaluable if you are trying to work out the most accurate load.

Can't say I've noticed any difference in POI shooting freehand, but even if there is, big deal. Get your loads sorted, then adjust your scope for freehand. Best of both worlds.

I've also heard reports about stocks snapping with heavy recoil rifles, but wonder whether that is is just people repeating that they have heard reports of stocks snapping. Regardless, there are rests available that are designed to absorb recoil progressively.

Ian

[Khan]

I've also heard reports about stocks snapping with heavy recoil rifles, but wonder whether that is is just people repeating that they have heard reports of stocks snapping.

There's no shortage of that unfortunately

[Aster]

Regardless, there are rests available that are designed to absorb recoil progressively.

2-3 times the price that you're talking about though, no?

[Igoe]

2-3 times the price that you're talking about though, no?

No, not necessarily. An Aussie based store has the Hyskore gas-dampened rest for $190 at the moment. Another has the MTM Shoulder Guard for a little over $100.

They might be a piece of junk for all I know, but you can't complain too much about the price.

Ian

[Aster]

No, not necessarily. An Aussie based store has the Hyskore gas-dampened rest for $190 at the moment. Another has the MTM Shoulder Guard for a little over $100.

Ah. I had $500-$600 in my head for some reason.

[Berper]

Ah. I had $500-$600 in my head for some reason.

You can get a semi-competition rest and rear bag for 2/3 that price

[Willow]

I bought one to sight my rifle in. It served it's purpose well enough for that, but it's not something I'd use for everyday shooting. Better off with a decent front rest and rear bag IMO.

[Harts]

It served it's purpose well enough for that, but it's not something I'd use for everyday shooting.

I reckon.

Awkward as hell to use for a full day at the range I'd think.