Lead Sled Experiences

[jeffpg]

I have both the older and newer models and they work great for everything from testing loads through the chrony to shooting for groups at distance. I have a 300 yard range in my backyard with a bench on my deck covered by a metal roof. I have steel targets hanging and I can step out my back door and shoot in any weather condition, so when I am home, I normally shoot a lot. The lead sled not only gives a guy a break from the recoil, but it creates a very stable shooting platform as well. Simply adjust your seating height to your bench and you're set. I actually even use it from a prone position when shooting hard kicking rifles at longer distances.

The best thing about these is that with the weight added to the sled you can make the perfect squeeze without having to death grip the rifle, as recoil is not really an issue whatsoever.

 

[matt85]

I'm concerned about sighting in the 505 Gibbs, that is a beast and I surely don't want to damage the stock or bedding by locking it down in a sled.

Bob, if you rifle breaks on the lead sled then it was going to break down the road any way. the only thing the lead sled might do is speed up the process a little. if your really concerned about the rifle breaking you should have the action professionally bedded.

-matt

 

[jeffpg]

Yeah, it's not really locked down anyway. It can still move a bit. To be honest, one of the most violent rifles to shoot that I have is a 5 3/4 lb NULA in 300 Win Mag. When shooting 180 grain Hornady Superformance loads it rocks! It moves in the sled plenty freely enough that I'm not worried about it any.

 

[lcq]

I agree a lead sled is very helpful in getting a scope sighted in. and it can be awkward to get behind the rifle but at our range there are a few tables that are V shaped and that helps. With my M70 416, there is a lot of barrel jump from the sled.

I'm concerned about sighting in the 505 Gibbs, that is a beast and I surely don't want to damage the stock or bedding by locking it down in a sled. On the other hand I need to find a way to get it steady enough. Shooting 3 shots standing from the shoulder, no issues with bruises or anything, but it seems to fit me really well and I'm careful to pull it in tight. Don't think I would want to shoot off a whole box of 20. For one thing, that can be over $400!

I can't see a sled damaging anything. If you think about it a 15lb sled with 20lb of lead weighs way less than you do and it isn't nailed to the bench. My 300wsm has no problem moving my sled back a few inches

 

[matt85]

with 50 pounds of lead my 416 RM moves the sled about a half inch with each shot. every 3-5 shots i need to move the sled back forward.

-matt

 

[Grumulkin]

I had a Lead Sled a few years ago. Being a believer in go big or go home, I loaded it down with 100 lbs. of lead shot. True, there was NO felt recoil with anything I shot. I tired of it though and sold it along with the shot. Since then I have had NO regrets of having sold it even after shooting a 460 Weatherby Magnum of the bench today. It would have been hard to take it on safari anyway.

I don't think you would break a stock using it with even a 300 Win. Mag. but above that with a wooden stock, I think there would be a danger.

 

[lwaters]

I have a lead sled that I used to sight in my 375 ruger. I felt it did a good job. My rifle has a hogue stock which is like rubber and it has less felt recoil than my 338.

 

[Hank2211]

I have used one for years to sight in rifles. Have never really put any weight on it though - it does move, but the recoil, even on .404 or bigger, is very manageable.

A few years ago I brought one to Africa, without weight of course. Used it to sight in the rifle, and then told my PH he could have it, for which he was grateful. Later we heard a large number of shots being taken at the range. At dinner, the other hunter in camp, older fellow from Minnesota, said he had had trouble with his scope, and had to give up trying to sight in his .375 because he couldn't take any more recoil from the bench. [After a bit of a stare at his PH (why let this go on?)] Offered the lead sled and problems were fixed first thing next morning.

I will not try it with some weight on it if and when I ever get the new .416!

 

[elmerfudd555]

Like mine well enough but noticed that with two of my rifles POI changes when I revert to shooting off of regular bags. Think it's due to the fairly firm front bag on the sled. I'm never comfortable shooting off it though, like others have stated, I feel like a contortionist. Really tames the belt off of my Benelli when Im patterning 3.5 turkey loads.

 

[Steve Steyr]

Mine doesn't go down the hills, no matter how slick nor how deep the snow is. I'll stick with my saucer sled. It always works.

 

[colorado]

Like mine well enough but noticed that with two of my rifles POI changes when I revert to shooting off of regular bags. Think it's due to the fairly firm front bag on the sled. I'm never comfortable shooting off it though, like others have stated, I feel like a contortionist. Really tames the belt off of my Benelli when Im patterning 3.5 turkey loads.

Agree, I only use my lead sled for initial sight in Once I think it's dead on I confirm it with several 3 shot groups off of a traditional bench rest. Load development is where they really come in. Shooting two 3 shot groups with six different loads in an afternoon without it becomes difficult and I at least start getting concerned about getting recoil shy. The lead sled makes it easy.

 

[Rob404]

I use my sled for test firing every new or used rifle I buy, also I do some wildcat builds and the first round down range is fired from the sled even though I have them checked beforehand

 

[NWOOD88]

As I approach 70 years of age, I find myself becoming more and more sensitive to recoil. Even the moderate calibers like the 7-08 beat on me to the point where range sessions these days are limited to about a dozen shots. I have noticed some folks using the Caldwell Lead Sled device with good results. Can any of you folks that have actually used one share your experience, please? Thanks...

My dad was having the same problem and it seems to have helped him out with Zeroing anyway, although I don't think it is quite as useful for general practice. Hope that helps.

 

[JTEX]

I have seen a stock broken by a lead sled and I have seen a scope that let loose on a lead sled, I won't use one.

Maybe I'm recoil tolerant ( i don't really believe so) but when I shoot a big rifle off the bench like a Lott or a 470, I just sit lower where my body is in a more upright position so I can roll with the recoil. I think a natural hold, rather than mechanical, is better for zeroing rifles so that the rifle can recoil in the same way as it will when you are hunting. It's mandatory for doubles.

 

[Big5]

I have seen a stock broken by a lead sled and I have seen a scope that let loose on a lead sled, I won't use one.

Maybe I'm recoil tolerant ( i don't really believe so) but when I shoot a big rifle off the bench like a Lott or a 470, I just sit lower where my body is in a more upright position so I can roll with the recoil. I think a natural hold, rather than mechanical, is better for zeroing rifles so that the rifle can recoil in the same way as it will when you are hunting. It's mandatory for doubles.

Good advice, I agree.

 

[JGRaider]

I agree with JTex......no sleds for me.

 

[CTDolan]

For the sake of wood, I'd stick with a PAST and avoid the sled (even though my Google handle happens to be leadsled69). No matter how well-inletted the stock, certain areas are subject to considerable stress with hard-recoiling rifles. When you're standing, the time function is lengthened (body roll), diminishing peak load (use a standing rest for sighting in...many ranges don't have them (most, actually), but they're really simple to construct and have available for portable use).

With synthetic, it's a toss-up.

 

[CTDolan]

I have seen a stock broken by a lead sled and I have seen a scope that let loose on a lead sled, I won't use one.

Maybe I'm recoil tolerant ( i don't really believe so) but when I shoot a big rifle off the bench like a Lott or a 470, I just sit lower where my body is in a more upright position so I can roll with the recoil. I think a natural hold, rather than mechanical, is better for zeroing rifles so that the rifle can recoil in the same way as it will when you are hunting. It's mandatory for doubles.

What JTEX said.

 

[CAustin]

I have only used the sled for zeroing in as others have mentioned.

 

[matt85]

I believe that if your rifle breaks from being fired on a lead sled then it was poorly built and was going to break sooner or later any way.

-matt