Bipod or Sand bags

[Boss Gobbler]

I am sighting in my new Thompson Encore 209X50 muzzleloader with a Leupold 2.5X8 scope. I was wondering which is generally more accurate, using a bipod for the front rest or just sand bags? I wondered if the use of a bipod negatively effected the normal recoil movements of the gun, like preventing it from moving downward at all if it needs to. I realize the bipod is probably more stable. Any input or opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Speckmisser]

I would say to go with the sandbags for sighting in. They'll be a lot more stable and your shots will be more consistent. A bipod is gonna move, regardless of your effort, since it's basically part of the gun. The sandbags will sit tight.

As to the effects due to recoil... well, the Encore is basically a rifle without a stock. The sandbags will have the same effect on it that they would on any other rifle.

Once you get zero, then shoot from the bipod. Your point of impact may change slightly, and you can make adjustments with confidence, knowing that it's the gun and not the shooter.

Then, I'm not a benchrest shooter. I've used the bench to sight in a lot of rifles, though, and the sandbags have always been the best tool for me.

 

[Frank]

I like the sandbags. In fact I like them so well I quit using my manufactured rifle rests. I have also tried some of the ones that completely hold the rifle for you and all you have to do is touch the trigger. I did not care for the couple of those I tried either as well as the sandbags. Perhaps I just never tried the right one?

Anyway, the bipod is an exceptional hunting tool especially for deer, elk etc but I personally would not use it when sighting in / testing loads.

Frank

 

[Boss Gobbler]

Speckmisser, Just to clarify that my Encore is the rifle version not a pistol, not that it should matter. Thanks for the input.

 

[Rick]

I guess my buddy and I are the odd ones here. We shoot our best groups off bipods with bull bags at the toe of the stock. The .223s and rimfire we let recoil freely, but bigger bores, we hold just like we would from a hunting position. We get half-inch or smaller groups regularly with our Savage and CZ .223s, and I get 3/4 inch or smaller from a .300 Wthby and close to half-inch from a .338 Win. We use the Caldwell bipods and fine tune the target picture by squeezing the bull bags. The bipods also let us sit at a more reasonable position, as our tables are too low - with bags, we end up really bent over.

 

[GruntHunter]

I have a MidWay gun rest I use but find that 'shot bags' filled with kitty litter works real good, both front and rear.

 

[smokin54]

For a encore rifle I use the sandbags for load devolopment , As with any break action rifle like the encore they can be sensitive to how the forend is held or positioned on sand bags, often best rested directly in front of the trigger gaurd . I have heard of cases were they will not group well with a bipod and it probally will change POI .You may also need to free float the forend for best accuracy .
I would start off on the sand bags , you may also consider portable tripod like you would use for your spotting scope as a front rest for the feild.