Filler for Bench Rest to Make it Lighter

I use a bench rest to shoot as accurate as I can to 400-500 yards (shooting prone). I use a bipod, but use the rest under the rear stock for added stabilization, which works very well. I filled the rest with dehydtrated beans. Here is the problem...I would like to pack the rest when I go hunting, but it is heavy to hike with. Has anyone tried different filling products to lighten the weight? I thought of replacing half of the fill with ping ping balls, but thought I'd ask you guys and gals first.

You use a bench to shoot prone and want to take your bench gear with you hunting? Not sure about that but anything like that has not been my practice.

I only shoot for top accuracy when fine tuning new hand loads or seeing how far they drop out there at what my rangefinder claims as extended ranges. Once all that work is done, i can really start to enjoy the shooting. Most shells i expend are in field condition positions or at targets like the bottom side of full soda cans set at 100 yds, shot and often hit first shot offhand.

My hunting experiences tells me that guys screw around way too much, way more than they need to. There's a buck over youner that you want,..shoot him.

Nope, guys got to wiggle and waggle into a better position, then check their scope power setting, then adjust the paralex ring, if turrets, they must get the range before adjusting the turret, wiggle some more, get the wind direction, and all this as the buck at 2-300yds away finally walks out of sight or over the hill.

I've killed a lot of bucks that very well could have gotten away but i didn't give them the chance. See them, judge them, shoot them. No messing around, get a decent rest if you need one and do it!

Seriously, Good luck. Nothing wrong with wanting to be a better shot in the field...

Joey


"It's all about knowing what your firearms practical limitations are and combining that with your own personal limitations!"

Anyway I understand what you are saying....you might try making some type of mold. Then take a can of expandable foam that is used for sealing cracks and gaps....you can pick a can up at any hardwear store.....make your shape in the mold and leave the top open for expansion. After the foam dries cut off the excess and make that the bottom of your rear support. I would try cardboard as the mold material then if the foam sticks to the cardboard you can wet it and eventually get the mold material off your rear rest.....once you get your rest shaped with a knife the way you want it.....cover the entire rest overlapping with camo duct tape.....sometimes that foam gets air bubbles so try your best to fill in the mold ....may take a few tries to learn how to work with the foam or if your lucky you get it right the first time....the other option would be to just mold something square or rectangle then let the foam dry then carve out your shape instead of molding a shape that actually may work out to be an easier process......give that foam a few days to cure....the thicker the foam the longer cure time.....

Good luck

))))------->

I don't see a problem using a rear bag for hunting, depending on the type of hunting you do. For ambush hunting over a water hole, you might have hours to setup your rifle before you need it. In which case I would try replacing 50% of the beans with small styrofoam pellets or something. If you think you'll be hunting spot and stalk, maybe try practicing with your left fist under the rear stock.

Or, you could get something like this. mtmuley http://www.bipodbuddy.com/

LAST EDITED ON Sep-05-16 AT 11:10AM (MST)[p]Air soft BBs are a great filler and super light weight.
I usually always carry a rear bag. Easy to pack and always handy.