I don't really see why one would want to pre-load a bipod. Does one have to to achieve max overall performance? I can see how it might allow for a steadier hold, but that is not the only factor as I (a beginner) see it.
Depending on the amount of pressure, might that not change the harmonics? Also, do you pre-load by pulling toward the stock or pushing toward the muzzle?
Grant.rexreviews,
The barrel moves toward your target when loading the bipod.
I'm not sure I know what you mean by "preloading" a bipod. I've always heard it described as "loading".
There should be no change in the harmonics of the barrel if it's free floated. If not, you may see a major change of point of impact, depending on how much pressure you apply on your stock/handguard.
I had a horrible time getting groups that looked remotely reasonable until I figure out my bipod was loose.
Watch this video by Frank Galli. It will help.
https://youtu.be/VjG1JZxiui0?list=PL8fnqvvHY0tqf1AG1z3HZ5kaCMs7PT8pA
Hello Grant, Geoff,
"Loading" a bipod has always been somewhat of a mystery to me as well.
I am no expert but, what I have determined so far is my accuracy is better when I really focus on my shooting form for each shot. The old adage "consistency is key" really is true. So, if that means I'm "loading" the bipod the same way for each shot and my group size is small for a series of shots then, my form must be correct.
There are some pretty cool high speed videos on Youtube showing rifle movement during recoil. You might be amazed at how much components (barrels, stocks, etc.) move when the rifle goes BANG!
Hi ARM, So do you "load" the bipod or not? Can't tell for sure based on what you said. If yes, have you tried without "loading" it and what was the result?
Hi Geoff, I didn't find the video all that convincing either way, but thanks for posting.
Hi Geoff, You mentioned your bipod being "loose". Do you mean loosely attached to the rifle, or that it was loose in the sense that you didn't "load" it.
Grant,
Sorry, it was way past my bed time when I answered your post! Yes, load your bipod. It needn't be a tremendous amount of pressure, but like A.R.M. says, consitency is key. You should be able to keep the buttstock in your shoulder pocket without effort.
Why load the bipod? If your rifle moves too much after the shot, your scope will be off target, making it harder to see your hits or the "splash" if you miss, especially at distance.
Even only at three hundred meters, it can be a pain!
The goal is to be able to make corrections in your point of aim (if needed) for your follow-up shot. Recoil management is key and loading the bipod is one factor in managing recoil.
As usual, the experts explain it much better!
Grant,
Oops, for got to finish answering. Old age!
Anywho, yes, the bipod was loose on the rifle! Couldn't manage the recoil at all, and the bipod would "hop" off target so bad that I had no clue where the bullet was hitting.
With tips from Rex, John, and Frank, among others, I can see my hits at 1,2, and 300 meters easily. And I've only been doing this for less than a year!
I'm not braggin', just happy! Gotta wait a year or two before I can get somewhere where I can see if I can put into practice what I think I know at distance. Hopefully, will have taken Rex's seminar by then!
A.R.M.,
Yep. consistancy is key. Assuming that we're doing it right in the first place! :-D
Also, do you pre-load by pulling toward the stock or pushing toward the muzzle?
Hey Guys,
Sorry for the slow reply, on my afternoon break.
Yes, I do put some pressure on my bipod toward the muzzle. Sorry I didn't make that clear.
So, for example, on a Harris bipod I use, I will put just enough pressure on it to feel some resistance but not so much that the feet start to turn or the bipod begins to slide forward. On an Atlas bipod which has a little more flexibility in the legs, I will put enough pressure on it to take up that little bit of slack in the joints and feet .