SmallCaliberCentral

Well, I tried free recoiling with my bench rest mounted Cooper yesterday. I'd read that this method is used by some in bench rest, but it sure didn't work for me. After about 75 rounds of various bullets and loads I decided that it wasn't working for me. My groups went from well below 1/2 MOA to above 1. Not too bad, but certainly not the direction I wanted to go. If I was using a 1.5oz pull trigger the exercise might have worked.

On the bright side, I also began using a new CED M2 chrono and found that my strings frequently had variations of less than 20fps.

If you keep working on that technique it will come around.

What powder gave those consistant results?

Both RL10x and Benchmark had tight results, with the 10x only fractionally better using several different bullets... Sierra 39g SBK's and both Berger 35g and 40g . I do exact powder weights for every cartridge on a Redding #2 scale after using a Harrell BR powder drop. All cases (Norma) were trimmed to the exact same 1.8425 length, and BR4 primers were used. I load using a Harrell arbor press, a Wilson SS neck die with a .226 bushing, and a Wilson SS seater.

Got to admire your reloading technique, but that won't work for me. I'm all ready for prairie dog season. I have 2,000
204 Ruger brass and at least 1,900 are loaded. Even being retired, I don't have the time to tune each cartridge as well as you do. I am pleased, however, with the consistency of IMR 8208 powder. Gives me real consistant loads from a Dillon 550.
I load .020 off the lands with 39 sbk's and I just use Win SR primers w/8208. Used BR-4 primers because of cratering and pressure signs before, but there is no pressure signs with the 8208.

Cooper Porn! I must admit I've never heard of free recoiling and I guess I still don't get it What does this practice do for you? If you want to set that Cooper free I'll send you my address!!! Gary

Free recoiling is simply not touching the rifle while shooting, except for squeezing the trigger. This would be very easy with a true benchrest 1.5oz pull. Minor aiming adjustments are made by using the left hand to squeeze the rear bag into the perfect aim. The theory is that by only touching the trigger, a truer overall aim will be made. I believe that it's the factory 2.5 pound pull that is the problem for me in this case.

Quoddy,

If I might ask whet is your usual technique?

I let my forend ride in the front rest loose grip the pistol gerip with my right hand and use my left hand to stabilize/squeeze the rear bag. Shoulder contact is something I have been working with in different variations.

Free recoil shooting depends a heckuva lot on the rifle being shot. My old Howa .223 favored free recoil, and so do a lot of heavy barrelled rifles, but I've noticed that, for example, my CZ Americans don't like it at all, they like a "hard hold" and good follow-through, like shooting a rimfire. Maybe that's because of the slower speeds in the chamberings of the CZs, but they shoot better if I hang onto them. I have to shoot my .22 Hornet, for example, like it's a 6lb. .338.

I ain't arguing, just reporting what my rifles like.

TD-Max... Up until now I've had the Cooper fairly snug into my shoulder, and depending upon how lined up the shot was, either lightly holding the fore-end (already supported in the rest), or squeezing the bag. My right hand (3 fingers) is very lightly toughing the grip while squeezing the trigger. I should mention that the Cooper and scope weight is 8 lbs 10oz thanks to the Swaro being lightweight.

I like your setup there Quoddy.

I thought free recoil was more for those 15 pound BR rifles with the 2oz trigger. Video

I've tried a light hold myself and had terrible results so far. Would be interested to hear some of the finer points involved in the correct technique.

Quoddy,

What is the overal cartidge length with the 39g?
Using an empty case with a 39g, closing the bolt, and removing it very carefully, I measured an overal cartridge length of 2.450" touching the lands, repeated the test 3 times. I think Rick is loading to 0.017 off the lands which doesn't leave much of the bullet in the case in my rifle. I see you are using 0.060 off the lands. Just starting out with the single shot stuff.
Thanks
Griffy

I'm only loading .017" from the lands in one rifle, my Cooper MTV in .204. Besides my custom M700 11-twist rifle with the chamber cut with the reamer I deisgned myself, those two are the only rifles I can reach the lands with in 204. My others all have 12-twist factory barrels with SAMMI chambers with no hope of reaching the lands with any bullet remaining in the case, no matter what the bullet weight.

Just wanted to clarify what you claimed I did in your post.

Using my Sinclair Seating Depth Gauge I found that at 2.384 my 39g Sierra's were touching the lands. The 39g Sierra's and 35g Berger's are the shortest OAL of my four major loads. The problem, as already mentioned, is that with some bullets there is little of them in the neck if backing off of the lands a very short distance. So far, I've adhered to the formula that the bullet should be seated at least half of it's diameter. For a .204 that would be at least .102 into the neck. 1/10" is not a whole lot of seating, but, when necessary, it has worked for me... with no noticeable downside.

Rick,
Cooper M21 it is...in 204. So I am assuming your chamber length will be very similar to mine.
Thanks
Griffy

One of the problems with using the "Free Recoil" method is setting the rifle in the exact same position for each subsequent shot in the bags/rest and only tripping the trigger using the 'pinch' method, with the thumb on the rear of the trigger guard and the iindex finger applying pressure to the trigger...

If you are pinching, or touching, the rear bag your pressure application will change the point of impact...The few times I've tried it, I found my groups opening up, mostly due to changes in the position of the rifle between shots...or the limited movement of the rifle between ignition and the bullet leaving he muzzle.. Your bags need to be just firm enough that the rifle cannot cant during the set up and firing..

I have much better luck with the rifle secured and concentrating on my physical position in relation to the rifle, with a gentle hold..and a gentle application of trigger pressure. While I may have an occasional flyer due to my lack of follow through or poor shoulder pressure, my groups are much better and more consistent..