New Guy question

[dfanonymous]

Wow, that's great! Thanks.

I knew this was the place to come for good intel.

I would have just tried, and probably failed to explain the process to you. Thank the guys on sniperhide, they linked the vids for another guy that had the same question like 2 months ago.

 

[79m1a-texas]

What kind of bipod are you using?

 

[ShtrRdy]

Is your view in the scope pointing so far off target that you cant see it after recoil?

 

[Unoboats]

I've been reading the forums here for years. I've finally decided to ask a question that I don't remember seeing previously.

I've been having a hard time spotting shots from my .308win. Its a varmint profile factory barrel and mounted in a B&C stock with the aluminum block bedding. Its topped with a Vortex Razor HD Gen 2, 3-18x50. I have printed some really good groups with military Mk316 Mod 0 ammo. I have access to a big range in eastern NC and shoot to 800 whenever I get a chance.

My problem is spotting my shots. I know I have pressure on the bipods. I check NPA, inhale, close eyes, exhale, open eyes still on target. I believe I'm square behind the rifle but obviously I can't see myself to confirm.

My question is: Is it possible to overload the bipod? Could I be putting too much pressure on it causing it to slip under recoil? Shooting surfaces vary, sometimes its gravel, sometimes grass some times rooftops.( like I said its a big facility), today was in my pasture with real tall grass.

My accuracy seems fine. I was shooting a 4" steel plate today at 350m. I could see the target swinging after the hit but can never seem to watch the impact.

Let it rip fellas, I got thick skin, and thanks.

Reduce your magnification on your scope and then have your bipod length per leg staggered, each rifle will jump up and to the right or left. I lengthen and then level the rifle with the swivel on the bipod then determine which leg needs to be longer to help in the spotting of your shots . Its not perfect but on most rifles elliminates the need for a brake.

 

[BullElk54]

I have been thinking about a brake. That's how I got here. I figured this was my last stop before buying a brake. I've been looking into a Witt's clamp on brake. I'm just not sure I want the extra decibels. I'm already half deaf, sorta...

I usually shoot with the zoom set between 6 and 10 power depending on range to the target. I try to keep is so that I have just enough zoom to clearly see the target, but keep enough field of view to see the surrounding area. You know in keeping with cardinal rule number 4.

I thought of using a strap from a belt loop to the bipod like some guys favor for shooting off of tripods. Maybe I'll try that.

The attached pic is 3 shots on a 12 inch steel plate at 400yd. This is fairly typical of the accuracy I'm getting. Just can't spot as they hit. Maybe its much ado about nothing but if I were to hunt out west I sure would feel better about being able to spot the hits.

It's been my experience that seeing your hits at the shooting range are key. It trains you to stay on target and recovery quickly from the recoil for your next shot. My range practices including shooting positions will be identical to what I use typically in the field.
I've hunted in the West beginning in 2012. Primarily mule deer and elk. Ive always hunted with a guide, who was calling my range and shots, which are typically in the 300-450 yard range. Ive always use sticks / tripod to shoot from and I've never seen my hits in the field. Though, I trained myself to cycle my action and remain on target for the follow up shot, which often is needed. Hope this helps.

 

[25WSM]

Alot of people can't keep their eyes open to see impacts at closer range. It takes alot of practice. Start with a 22lr at 50 yards and concentrate on watching the new hole appear. With the right light you can actually watch the bullet go to the target with match ammo. Remember the close 300 yard and in targets are hard to see the hit because it happens so fast. If you even blink any amount you miss it. Just keep concentrating on keeping your eyes open. You will get there.
Shep

 

[JGemballa]

A brake will help , but isnt necessarily the answer , it's recoil mitigation primarily through the firing hand if you are prone. I've been shooting PRS now for 5 years and it took a solid two years to figure out staying square behind the rifle , keeping the rifle butt on the collar bone more center of the body and pulling back with the firing hand with at least 15 pounds of pressure..... I was first able to spot hits at 600 to 800 yards then through practice have been able to get it down to 200 yards , if you get a chance take a look at an article in snipers hide on the mechanics of the firing hand...... basically keep practicing it'll come , you did pick a difficult caliber but it is possible , I can now spot hits with my 6.5 PRC Good luck

 

[bigbulls]

Reduce your magnification on your scope and then have your bipod length per leg staggered, each rifle will jump up and to the right or left. I lengthen and then level the rifle with the swivel on the bipod then determine which leg needs to be longer to help in the spotting of your shots . Its not perfect but on most rifles elliminates the need for a brake.

Unoboats,
Could you explain a little more on your leg height bipod adjustment? I have been keeping my legs the same length and I get the jump to the right, I'm a right handed shooter, In this case which way would you adjust the legs to take some of the right jump out? Thanks

 

[tomsd]

While I have not hunted for a while - in the "old" days - nobody worried that much about spotting your shot - as if you missed with your first shot - the Deer wuz gone in a flash.
Nowadays - with these loooong shots (to me - anything over 350 yards hunting is long - even tho I used to be on a rifle team last century ) - I guess the Elk are confused from which direction the shot came and don't spook as fast?

 

[tomsd]

BTW - in prone - it is good to tinker with your leg placement a bit - finding the sweet spot for your own shooting.

 

[tomsd]

BTW Dos - if you can shoot a tight group like that at 400? yards - nothing to worry about.

 

[tomsd]

BTW - in prone - it is good to tinker with your leg placement a bit - finding the sweet spot for your own shooting.

I meant your own leg placement - behind you - not playing with the bipod.

 

[MAD10]

You'd have really weigh the rifle down a lot

Case in point I run a 11 lb. 7mm08 with 162 eldm's as a comp rifle and still have trouble inside 400 yards due to recoil even with a brake

 

[Roughwater]

I have been thinking about a brake. That's how I got here. I figured this was my last stop before buying a brake. I've been looking into a Witt's clamp on brake. I'm just not sure I want the extra decibels. I'm already half deaf, sorta...

I usually shoot with the zoom set between 6 and 10 power depending on range to the target. I try to keep is so that I have just enough zoom to clearly see the target, but keep enough field of view to see the surrounding area. You know in keeping with cardinal rule number 4.

I thought of using a strap from a belt loop to the bipod like some guys favor for shooting off of tripods. Maybe I'll try that.

The attached pic is 3 shots on a 12 inch steel plate at 400yd. This is fairly typical of the accuracy I'm getting. Just can't spot as they hit. Maybe its much ado about nothing but if I were to hunt out west I sure would feel better about being able to spot the hits.

Wow, I looked at the picture of your 3 shots on the plate at 400 yrds and that's better than good! I've shot for a long time and from what I see on the plate just keep doing things exactly as you are! I live in Oxford NC. Nice shootin!!!