Ballistics, recoil and accuracy - need some expert input

[stretch2]

I'm trying to better understand how these three things are inter-related to help me become a better shooter. What I'm finding is that there seems to be two completely opposite techniques when shooting rifles: One technique, as used in bench rest competition, essentially lets the rifle recoil freely with human contact at a minimum. The other technique, such as used by military snipers, is to use a bipod (that doesn't move freely) and use body weight to "load" the bipod forward in anticipation of recoil.

I have a (very) basic understanding of ballistics (I'm still learning ) and it seems to me that the "free recoil" technique yields the highest level of accuracy, but if that's so, why don't we have bipods (or other portable devices) that allow the rifle to freely recoil while used in the field? When I use my Harris bipod (instead of sand bags) I see the rifle "jump" on recoil and my groups grow. I noticed that many "F class" competition rifles use extra wide bipods with ski's for the feet. I'm guessing the ski's help the rifle recoil in a more rear-ward than upward direction. If that works better, why don't we all use ski's (or other devices) on our bipods to allow the recoil to move more freely?

[spamsucker]

The method of resting has absolutely nothing to do with group size.

What you have an issue with I'm betting is recoil induced flinch. When you load a bipod you're pre-tensioned so the flinch won't be able to be as effective at ruining your groups. On a bench it's difficult or impossible to load the bipod properly so it's going to smack the piss out of you and the muzzle will jump.

Loading a bipod is the correct way to use it.

[russ69]

...If that works better, why don't we all use ski's (or other devices) on our bipods to allow the recoil to move more freely?

You seem to have a good handle on things. There are two ways to deal with recoil as you have stated. The heavier recoiling of long range cartridges in lighter rifle requires that you take a firmer grip with those guns. You can free recoil a 6PPC but a 308 gets a little abusive if you try that so the way to deal with it is to start holding the rifle more firmly so it doesn't recoil away from the target center.

[RandyD]

The key to shooting accurately in the field, or attempting to shoot small groups from a bench are dependent upon everything being consistent. The bullet is traveling down the barrel as the firearm is recoiling, so you want to make recoil as consistent as possible from shot to shot. This is more easily accomplished by shooting on a bench. When you allow the rifle to freely recoil, while shooting from a bench, you limiting the variables that affect consistency. This is impractical when shooting in the field, that is why it is important to learn to shoot while holding the rifle.

[stretch2]

I have a Savage Axis II in .223 with Boyds laminated wood stock. I'm shooting longer ranges (over 100 yards and up to 300 yards). I'm shooting pretty standard, off the shelf 55 grain ammo (Federal bulk and AE55). My goal is 1 MOA or better. I'm shooting now roughly 2-3 MOA.

I'm shooting from a bench (wood top with heavy metal legs) in a sitting position. For now, I'm trying sand bags in the front, and my hand as a rest in the back. I've tried shooting with minimal contact with the rifle and pulled into my shoulder and cheek. Don't see much difference in group size. I do see some "jump" of the rifle on firing. The stock has two sling posts that maybe catching on the bags which I will probably remove to see if there's a difference. What setup and technique do you recommend?

[MrOrange]

I have a Savage Axis II in .223 with Boyds laminated wood stock. I'm shooting longer ranges (over 100 yards and up to 300 yards). I'm shooting pretty standard, off the shelf 55 grain ammo (Federal bulk and AE55). My goal is 1 MOA or better. I'm shooting now roughly 2-3 MOA.

I'm shooting from a bench (wood top with heavy metal legs) in a sitting position. For now, I'm trying sand bags in the front, and my hand as a rest in the back. I've tried shooting with minimal contact with the rifle and pulled into my shoulder and cheek. Don't see much difference in group size. I do see some "jump" of the rifle on firing. The stock has two sling posts that maybe catching on the bags which I will probably remove to see if there's a difference. What setup and technique do you recommend?

Benchrest guys will always reference the three Bs: Barrels, bullets and bedding. I'm thinking the bullets are part of your problem. You need premium ammo to shoot premium groups. Fed GM is a good benchmark for off the shelf stuff. There's some that's better but not by a lot, it's just that I view any match ammo in the light of how it stacks up to GM.

You seem to have a good handle on things. There are two ways to deal with recoil as you have stated. The heavier recoiling of long range cartridges in lighter rifle requires that you take a firmer grip with those guns. You can free recoil a 6PPC but a 308 gets a little abusive if you try that so the way to deal with it is to start holding the rifle more firmly so it doesn't recoil away from the target center.

Just wanted to chime in that I'd feel safe taking precision shooting advice from someone with that avatar!