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Thread: Caldwell 7 Rest

  1. #1
    Boolit Grand Master
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    Caldwell 7 Rest

    I was looking for a light, portable rest for load testing and sight in.
    Found this and it was cheap enough, but I didn't know if it was stable enough.
    Attachment 224089
    Rifle it a M1 Carbine. Load testing.
    First problem was it was to long for the stock to be held on the rest.
    Easy fix.
    Drilled more holes so the rear rest could be moved forward.
    Next I found that it wouldn't hold rifle enough for repeatable shots.
    Had to adjust after almost every shot.
    Cast load, so not much recoil.
    I tried it with a .22 rifle and it worked great.
    I'll have to figure out a way to hold the rear more solid.
    Maybe a velco strap.

  2. #2
    Boolit Grand Master

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    You might try a sand bag or bag of shot laid over the beam, adds weight to stabilize the rest.

    One thing to check with the rifle when zeroing is change in point of impact from rest to position. Shooting my NM service rifles from a rest gave a different zero from position. I found I got a better more accurate zero from a sand bagged prone position with the sling than the rest and bench. The rifles will reoils differently from the rest and position.

  3. #3
    Boolit Grand Master popper's Avatar
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    Weight will help but usually the stock doesn't fit. Find a way to wedge it in and results will be better. I had the same problem with the lead sled.
    Whatever!

  4. #4
    Boolit Grand Master
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    Was looking for something light to carry to the range.
    Lead sled would be best, but just to heavy to carry.
    Got it mostly for load testing, and zero when trying different sights.
    I've also found that I can get better accuracy off a sand bag or soft rest.

  5. #5
    Boolit Grand Master popper's Avatar
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    I use a caldwell front stand, rabbit ear rear bag and a couple 5# weights for the front stand - carried in a cart. It's all about the recoil and getting it the same every time. The one I found that is really good is no longer made, Delta stand IIRC. Plastic triangular thing. Did 3 shot MOA @ 200 with 308W in a field. Anybody have one, I'll trade.
    Whatever!

  6. #6
    Boolit Grand Master tazman's Avatar
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    I get excellent results from a bipod on the front and a small bag under the stock in the back. Yes, I need to readjust after each shot but the groups I get make spending money on a fancy rest a non starter.
    At 200 yards I consistently shoot 1.25 inches or less(5 shot groups) with my 223 bolt guns. Similar for my 243, 308, and 3006.
    Last time I was out, the wind wasn't blowing at all. I shot 5 shots into a .75 inch group at 200.
    With results like that, why would I need a big rest?

  7. #7
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    tazman some people like you and me have the ability to stabilize themselves.. others have a bit of "wobble" built in .. a heavy rest does them well
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  8. #8
    Boolit Grand Master tazman's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Smoke4320 View Post
    tazman some people like you and me have the ability to stabilize themselves.. others have a bit of "wobble" built in .. a heavy rest does them well
    You know, I never gave that a thought. I should have since I have so much trouble offhand. You are right.

  9. #9
    Boolit Master

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    kids that hunt and fish dont mug old ladies

  10. #10
    Boolit Master Drm50's Avatar
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    I have always sighted in of sandbags. Last year I was sighting in a Ruger #3 375w when I guy
    offered me the use of one of the Caldwell Lead Sleds. It made a believer out of me. I had a old
    Burris 2x8 scope on the rifle and was shooting 11/2" groups at 100yds. With gun sighted on LS
    I can still get 11/2" off bags, but not every time. I don't belive I'll run out and buy one but they
    Work.

  11. #11
    Boolit Grand Master

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    Looks lightweight and wobbly to me. I prefer my benchrest rock with bags rear. I try to remove as much of “me” as humanly possible with target guns or when sighting in. Try to shoot from field positions too to verify zero.

  12. #12
    Boolit Grand Master
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    It's actually stable. I thought it would be a little wobbly too.
    Problem with it is it's a "one size fits all" kind of thing.
    Front and rear don't hold the stock solid like sand bags.
    It works, but not as good as a lead sled.

  13. #13
    Boolit Master OldBearHair's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by tazman View Post
    You know, I never gave that a thought. I should have since I have so much trouble offhand. You are right.
    Yeah Mr. tazman I can attest to that. Had a major car wreck 2002 , my feet were folded up in the accordian metal and the guys had to use "the jaws" to get me out.. Tendons damaged, have hard time walking straight line. Could not pass a heel toe sobriety test. My experience shooting the bow is that I am more stable sitting down, with the rib cage against the back of the chair, both feet planted firmly. Same with shooting boolits. The moving and point shooting still works pretty good with the pistols offhand when needed. I don't wobble as much when moving or shooting quickly.

  14. #14
    Boolit Master OldBearHair's Avatar
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    Two Shots Bow and Arrow

    Sitting in the chair 50 yards two shots. Sometimes better group w/arrows than pistols. LOL
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails gas cap 040.jpg  

  15. #15
    Boolit Grand Master tazman's Avatar
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    I haven't fired my bow in years. I may not even be able to pull it back now. At one time I was very good with one. Lousy bow hunter but a great target shooter.

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Abbreviations used in Reloading

BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
BR Bench Rest M Magnum RN Round Nose
BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
C Compressed Charge PR Primer SPCL Soft Point "Core-Lokt"
HP Hollow Point PSPCL Pointed Soft Point "Core Lokt" C.O.L. Cartridge Overall Length
PSP Pointed Soft Point Spz Spitzer Point SBT Spitzer Boat Tail
LRN Lead Round Nose LWC Lead Wad Cutter LSWC Lead Semi Wad Cutter
GC Gas Check