Shooting rests

Dustin Cantrell · Dec 4, 2012

I'm wanting to get a front rest and rear bag. I think I'd prefer that over a full rest like a Lead Sled. I finally got a .17 HMR barrel for my CZ 455 Varmint and found I wasn't able to test ammo well as I wasn't able to eliminate movement very well. I just have a front bag I made myself and then was using a clenched fist under the stock at the rear. Didn't help that I was prone in the bed of my truck... There are just so many options for rests, some very cheap and some well over a few hundred dollars. I'd like to keep this setup under $100-$150. Do you guys have any suggestions?

I will say that I was still able to shoot some decent groups. Here's my best, a little .33" five shot group.

hermnrob · Dec 4, 2012

Nice group, I like that scope! Caldwell bags cheap, you can get an unfilled front and back bag for $20 bucks. I usually roll up a towel in front and use my fist in back but for the range sight in or ammo test I use a sled. How do you like the 17HMR?

Dustin Cantrell · Dec 4, 2012

Marshal F said:
Nice group, I like that scope! Caldwell bags cheap, you can get an unfilled front and back bag for $20 bucks. I usually roll up a towel in front and use my fist in back but for the range sight in or ammo test I use a sled. How do you like the 17HMR?

I wonder where I got that scope...

It is nice. The eye relief is very narrow at 18x but I understand that's true with any high power scope. I realized after I went out today that I should have put on the sunshade. It was an afterthought but the sun was out and as I was shooting south it was an annoyance.

I really like the .17 HMR. Today was my first day shooting it. My shooting location only allows me to shoot at around 50 meters, I wish I could try it at 100 meters. I didn't fully zero it, just got it close. Want to do some more ammo testing before I decide which load I want to zero it with. Luckily for the squirrels they were all hiding today. I was in the mood for some squirrel stew!

I made a quick decision on the rest and just now ordered a Caldwell Rock BR with a Caldwell universal rear bag. It should do fine for my needs.

dennishoddy · Dec 4, 2012

Hit a squirrel anywhere but the head with a .17HMR, and you will have little edible meat left. It will be tender though.

That's a real nice looking group!

hermnrob · Dec 4, 2012

Glad you like the scope so did I, you will really love it when you stretch it out. My shooting buddies all have the 17HMR rifles and we have shoot offs for who buy's beer when we are at the farm. It's a accurate and fun round to shoot, I love mine my buddies don't but I do. I'll try to post some picture of 270 and 223 shell we shoot at 100 yards.

Dustin Cantrell · Dec 4, 2012

Thanks. I'd only do head shots with this rifle on squirrels and rabbits. I'm hoping I can get several of each this winter. I've heard these light 17 grain .17 HMR bullets pretty much explode on impact.

hermnrob · Dec 4, 2012

Yes they do, my rifle shoots the Hornady and CCI the best with a slight edge for the CCI.

drmitchgibson · Dec 4, 2012

I've been using a set of Winchester brand sand bags from Walmart. They've done very well, and were cheap. I would buy them again.

dennishoddy · Dec 4, 2012

Dustin Cantrell said:
Thanks. I'd only do head shots with this rifle on squirrels and rabbits. I'm hoping I can get several of each this winter. I've heard these light 17 grain .17 HMR bullets pretty much explode on impact.

Correct for the most part. They are very fragile. One can put a 2 liter bottle of water out and shoot into it. There will be little if any exit damage.
The exception is a new 20 grain bullet designed to be a little less explosive so it can be used on big game like a raccoon. Lol.

I love my .17. Many varmints have fallen with it.

Boxerglocker · Dec 18, 2012

Nice group, what distance is that at. Just a little hint I learned about when getting into precision stuff. Use a group target that has a verticle and horizontal grid lines. It really helps for consistency with you sight picture to pick a definative spot and overlay your crosshairs. This group was 5 shots at .281 MOA (100 yards), Nosler 55g BT over H335, Remington SPS Tactical in .223, Harris Bi-pod un front Red Tac rear bag. The POA was the lower left corner of the red box made up of 4 squares.