To Preload or Not to Preload?

[Variable]

If I don't load the bipod, POI is usually ~1 moa higher versus shooting from bags.

Sounds like a mild case of "pod hop". I get that with unloaded Harris bipods if I shoot prone on concrete. Depending on the rifle, mine go higher and the group opens up too. It really pisses you off until you figure out what the problem is.

[Rambozo]

Yeah, this is something I have been learning to contend with when I moved over to shooting the .308 prone.

To answer the question, yes, but it depends on the pod. Something like a harris is harder to control. A Sinclair F-Class pod is easy as pie. I'm using a home build that I made out of angle aluminum (18" wide x 9" tall). I think bounce is as much from the torque of the rifle as it is the recoil. In this way, I think a wide bipod helps a lot. Still, linear recoil is a factor, and loading the pod helps. Ultimately though, I think it's a matter of having good feet. Sliding feet are better I think.

Still though, loading the pod makes a world of difference.

Here is something to consider if you don't shoot F-Class. Make what I call a foot sling. It won't be competition legal, but it works damn well. Run a piece of 1" webbing from the bipod or front swivel stud back to a loop that loops around your foot on the shooting side, making the strap run straight back below the stock and under the knee. Then have it equipped with a slip buckle that you use to cinch the rifle into your shoulder with. Lean into it. This is incredibly solid. Below is a picture of me doing this.

I got away from doing this though, as it's not competition legal. Have a PST on there now.

[rdsii64]

I know this is a way old thread but Here is my two cents anyway. when I am shooting prone off a bipod, I alway preload. I got into that habit with my bolt action .308. Preloading the bipod does three things for me. 1, it helps with bipod hop. 2, it helps me keep the muzzle on target during the recoil pulse (driving the rifle). 3, it forces me to get strait behind the rifle ( its near impossible for me to load the bipod with a canted shooting position.)

[ericv]

I read this thread and I did not know what preload was. My father taught my brother and I safe gun handling and basic shooting skills when we were kids but no advanced skills. So I tried this new to me technique and what a difference this made.

Thanks guys
Eric

[Shots]

OK, me also...load... Now what Bipod do you like best for these "Black Rifles"...????

[BjornF16]

Found a decent article on prone bipod use...

http://artoftherifle.blogspot.com/20...pod-prone.html

[Drifter]

Interesting new sling from LaRue:

http://www.laruetactical.com/optimized-sniper-sling

[BjornF16]

Interesting new sling from LaRue:

http://www.laruetactical.com/optimized-sniper-sling

That looks interesting!

[Armored Transport]

I load forward and use a GG&G pod. I have them on a black gun and a 16lb. 300RUM and I think they are top of the line. I like the design of that LaRue sling. May have to look into one. Looks like a good way to load on a slick surface....