Hello folks,
No experience with BPCR but quite a bit with BP muzzle loaders and smokeless benchrest shooting. Never shot with X sticks.
It seems like all BPCR shooting, except the OH position, is done with the bbl supported nearer the muzzle on X sticks. Tradition I suppose. I would think that the best location of the cross sticks would be at the nodal point of the bbl. vibration and that would be found by experiment. If true would not that nodal point change with change of load? If so X stick placement would be another variable. The reason I ask this is I want to work up a load for my Browning ‘85 .45-70 BPCR using the Audette ladder method and Harmonics play a significant part in ladder load development, as I understand it and where the X sticks are located would affect bullet placement too. I would think the X sticks need to be at the same place for each shot or the work is in vain and you’re chasing the Will ‘O the - wisp.
Would not the ladder method be more effective if you shot of a forearm rest to find the closest spread then go to X sticks? Or am I over thinking this.
Thanks,
Richard