Tiptons best for range shooting

[Wylie1]

Being I now have a rifle that seems to be better than I am (we haven't came to a verdict yet but the rifle thinks so anyway ) I'd like to work up some form of bench vise for shooting.
I have a Tipton's Best Gun Vise and have been thinking it wouldn't hurt to use it at the range just to get the straight dope on my loads.

The Rifle is a Tikka T3 Lite chambered in .308 I have replaced the original stock with a Bell and Carlson Medalist and lapped the lugs lightly (chambering a round was very tight or I wouldn't have done the lapping although it may have added to the rifles accuracy).
Last trip to the range aced a bullseye smaller than a nickle at 100 yards first round and produced two holes touching at 200 off bags on a bench in what I guess to be 7 mph cross winds. Lucky, likely yes! But I am sure this is the most accurate rifle I have ever fired.

What would you think of using the Tipton as a bench shooting vise just to take the human aspect/error out of getting the straight dope on my handloads?

 

[musicman10_1]

It would probably work - just not as well as a rig designed for that purpose. I think you will know very quickly whether or not the idea has any merit once you pull the trigger. I say give it a try and let us know how it works.

 

[hiphowitzer]

Tipton's Best Gun Vise

I have one and it's great for cleaning/maintenance/gunsmithing but I wouldn't use it for bench rest shooting. I think a better choice is Caldwell's Lead Sled.

 

[Ramone]

When I first started reloading, and really got into load development, I wanted to use a sled, but didn't think I'd use one enough to justify buying one, so I put up a card at my local range looking to borrow or rent a lead sled, and got about a half dozen offers to share one, and a dozen guys looking to rent or borrow it when I finished.

We ended up with a really good group of 8-10 guys, from gurus to neophytes, sharing info and equipment.

One range I have shot at had them for rent, as well, but didn't advertise it. ask around.

 

[Wylie1]

Thank you for your replies folks!

I'm in the same boat Ramone and may follow your path.

 

[Wylie1]

Now my problem is the local range doesn't have enough range, only 200 yards! My .308 Tikka shot a 2.25" four shot group from 400 yards this weekend in the wind no less.

 

[Al Thompson]

We'll run this over to rifles to get some visibility.

 

[Wylie1]

Thanks Al!

 

[hardluk1]

Maybe a shooters ridge tri- rest and rear bag-
http://www.ordertree.com/shootersridge/shooters-ridge-tri-stance-rest/
Might be cheaper at midway for the front and protektor or caldwell for the rear bag. I have used a combo like this for 35 years.

 

[Wylie1]

Thanks Hardluk!
I'm just trying to avoid the expense of something that may not get used all that often. I do have bags already that I have been using at the range on benches and with a friend off a folding table.

 

[Wylie1]

I think I have finally found at least a reasonable answer. Kind of a multi-tasker but no leadsled.
Bogpod

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

there's a reason serious shooters use a front rest and a rear bag...

 

[Wylie1]

Maybe I'm just not serious enough when I pull the trigger, I'll be working on it.