Lead Sled Experiences

GaryO · Jan 20, 2015

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...

BRICKBURN · Jan 20, 2015

Used one when I was sighting the 375H&H in.
Repeated shots, as in 30 plus.

It helps save your shoulder.

Jfet · Jan 20, 2015

I found mine very useful.

PHOENIX PHIL · Jan 20, 2015

I have one, it does it's job. But I don't particularly like to use it. I have read, never witnessed it nor know anyone personally who has experienced it, that in the hard kickers that it kills wood stocks. Weighted down there's no give on the recoil end. The barrel and action thus slam your stock, I'd presume this to be worse at the tang. I could buy into this, but can't help but wonder if the stock is properly bedded that this wouldn't be an issue. I would not think that would be a problem for the 7-08 or other such calibers.

From my experience, there's no need to lug around the 25lb bags of sand or lead shot to use it effectively. 5lbs or thereabouts should do the trick.

My dislike about it is that I just don't like the shooting position it puts me into. It for all purposes extends the length of pull of your rifle and this puts me into an awkward position to properly see through the scope.

Bhfs300 · Jan 20, 2015

I would agree with Brickburn. I used mine to get my 300 WM on at 200 yards but then shoot shots without it since it is kind of hard to get behind the rifle when it is on the rest.
I use mine without weights so don't see a problem with stock ever happening.
Great for getting it dead on

CAustin · Jan 20, 2015

I have the top of the line model and must tell you that I wouldn't want to go back to not having one. Firing thirty rounds through my 416 was a dream! The key is to have about 50# of shot underneath to help keep it in place. They part the holds the butt of the stock is also padded which helps a lot. Get one if you can.

Mekaniks · Jan 20, 2015

I use one that I borrow from a buddy. I use it when I am first siteing in a rifle to help remove "my human factor" from the equation. But I have never used one after that, although I suppose it could be used for everyday recoil reduction. It would be better than developing a bad flinch or becoming gun shy from shooting off the bench. And help build confidence in a rifles accuracy.

Red Leg · Jan 20, 2015

I have one. I use fifty pounds of shot with the heavies and have never had an issue. There is some "give" with the lead and padding which absorbs recoil - not like mounting the rifle in concrete. I have had no issues with any of my stocks. That said, I do not shoot classic doubles in it - though I have used it to sight in and verify my S-2 (.375 and 500/416). Again no issues.

kathy · Jan 20, 2015

yes they definetley make a huge difference. I also use 50 + lbs of lead. shot a 31/2 magnum 12 guage pump gun that kicks like a grey face muel, was like shooting a 410. Forrest

matt85 · Jan 20, 2015

I use top of the line lead sled for developing loads in my rifles. ive never seen any problems with my rifles. I have probably fired 100+ full power loads from my 416 RM using the lead sled. 50 pounds of lead makes a 416 RM feel like a 30-30.

ive used the lead sled for doubles in the past but I ran into issues with the guns wanting to jump out of the sled. most doubles ive seen have been designed to rise rather then deliver the recoil strait back. this means holding it down in the lead sled can be a bit difficult.

-matt

bluey · Jan 20, 2015

ive got one that is still just sitting on the shelf in the poolroom ,since the day I bought the bloody thing .
maybe I should try it out when im out of action in march .

Pheroze · Jan 20, 2015

I like it when I sight in. I used it for my '06 and 375, but I find the shooting position awkward so don't otherwise use it. I think the most weight I put on it was 10 pounds (a little purple exercise ball of my wife's...looked really cool lol).

bassasdaindia · Jan 20, 2015

well worth the purchase, I use one for my large calibers

lcq · Jan 20, 2015

Weighted with twenty pounds of shot it works. The down side is sighting the target, it is awkward to say the least and not nearly as stable as a bipod and rear bag IMHO. For sighting in and load development for kickers it is worth its weight in gold

Royal27 · Jan 20, 2015

You might also try a PAST recoil pad if you don't want to go the sled route. Might be another option for you.

matt85 · Jan 20, 2015

Royal27 said:
You might also try a PAST recoil pad if you don't want to go the sled route. Might be another option for you.

never tried one of those things, are they effective enough to let you shoot a 416 from the bench?

i use the lead sled because im not crazy enough to shoot any thing bigger then a 375 off a bench. ill shoot my 416 all day long from a standing position but from a bench its a fierce beast that deserves fear and respect.

-matt

K-man · Jan 20, 2015

I bought the "dual frame " model several years ago for sighting in. I like it because it holds the heavy bags very well. I only use it for sighting in, I detest bench shooting after it is on target. It is perfect for what I use it for.

Royal27 · Jan 20, 2015

matt85 said:
never tried one of those things, are they effective enough to let you shoot a 416 from the bench?

i use the lead sled because im not crazy enough to shoot any thing bigger then a 375 off a bench. ill shoot my 416 all day long from a standing position but from a bench its a fierce beast that deserves fear and respect.

-matt

I think it would be Matt. They really work surprisingly well. Makes the .375 feel like almost nothing to me on the bench. Haven't shot the Lott off the bench and won't even try until I absolutely have to, and that will likely be from a sled, but the PAST serves a purpose for sure.

ActionBob · Jan 21, 2015

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!

Nyati · Jan 21, 2015

I use a PAST recoil pad, it sure helps.

Lead Sled Experiences

GaryO

BRICKBURN

Jfet

PHOENIX PHIL

Bhfs300

CAustin

Mekaniks

Red Leg

kathy

matt85

bluey

Pheroze

bassasdaindia

lcq

Royal27

matt85

K-man

Royal27

ActionBob

Nyati

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