Testing loads for accuracy

[bball97]

I am ready to head to the range to test my first batch of 38 special various loads for accuracy. What is the best way to hold steady and stay consistent? Pistol rest? If so, what is a good brand to get?

[speculatorking]

I would have to say the Ransom rest. It is the gold standard. If you don't want to spend the roughly $400 bucks, I guess you could use sand bags. I have also seen pistol rests at midway and other places for around $20.

Edited April 21, 2009 by speculatorking

[TonyT]

If you were interested in the ultimate in bullseye pistol load performance at 50 yards then a Ransom rest would be the way to go. I find a pair of sandbags provides me with adequate stability out to 25 yards.

[Hi-Power Jack]

I've thought about it (but never actually done it)

but seems to me that once you're over 25 years

old, or so, adding an optical sight to the gun just

for the accuracy phase would be perfect - lot of

variation from using the open sights. It would be

a better way of making sure you're "holding properly"

and a great test of the gun & ammo - takes your

eyesight out of the equation.

Jack

[Flexmoney]

Sandbags...learn how to shoot from them properly. (probably a thread or two around here on that)

[LPatterson]

Sand bags, rests like MTM and other rigid rests affect bullet grouping depending on pressure on the gun. Lay frame on the bag loosely, once you know where the gun is shooting then move so your wrists are over the bags for final shot placement.

[bball97]

Sand bags, rests like MTM and other rigid rests affect bullet grouping depending on pressure on the gun. Lay frame on the bag loosely, once you know where the gun is shooting then move so your wrists are over the bags for final shot placement.

Sand bags it is! Thank you all!

[bball97]

I've thought about it (but never actually done it)

but seems to me that once you're over 25 years

old, or so, adding an optical sight to the gun just

for the accuracy phase would be perfect - lot of

variation from using the open sights. It would be

a better way of making sure you're "holding properly"

and a great test of the gun & ammo - takes your

eyesight out of the equation.

Jack

I had to smile being 51 and now needing reading glasses just to reload! Oh for the body of a teenager, though I wouldn't trade the wisdom of older age.

[Jake Di Vita]

Sandbags...learn how to shoot from them properly. (probably a thread or two around here on that)

Thank you.