SmallCaliberCentral

what have you all found to be the best way to steady a 204 so you can see the hits. I shoot a ruger 1v

I had that problem the other day. My bench rotates but doesn't lock, so sometimes the recoil would rotate the table a little bit and I'd miss seeing the shot. I'd just listen to hear Dad laughing and I'd know I hit it. I'm going to rig up some sort of engagement for the pivot so the bench stays put. I'm also going to pick up a rest to secure the rifle.

If you are using a bipod with the rifle, try placing a piece of thick carpet under the bipod legs.... It will reduce the jump from the recoil..

If you are using shooting bags, try reducing the filler a little so the upper ears of the bag will surround the stock a little more... I know if I am using hard bags the recoil will increase the movement.

Usually the weight of the gun and light recoil enable me to see the hits, but not if I am using to much magnification. Its nice to crank up the power so the target is filling the scope but then even a small amount of recoil can move your line of sight away from the delightful spectacle that the impact of a 204 offers. Instead of 12x try 8x or similair lower setting. Personally I like to use plenty of magnification, but I have to admit it doesn't make me more accurate and finding the target is harder.

Of course be sure to have a good rest, i typically use a bipod and a bunny ears bag. Its nearly as stable as a good table (much better than a poor table) and in the foothills here I can always find hill to lay prone on and cover an area out to 300 yards or so depending on wind.

good solid rest, and follow thru the shot, maybe try adding a little more weight to the gun. shooting groups, i like my sinclaire rest with bunny eared rear bag. in the field, i shoot off of a varminter rest, and most of the time, i will see my hits, with the 204, and i keep my magnification at 12x, unless the heat waves get too bad.

thanks the lower magnification seems like a good idea

Heavy barrel, light bullets, solid rest, lighten the loads a little.

BR Pivot shooting bench $500, Caldwell front rest $140, rear bag with bunny ears $20, watching the show through the scope each shot, priceless! Gary