Using a Lead Sled

[TraderVic]

I received one of these as a gift several years ago, I suspect it was because my right shoulder has seen better days (and a rotator cuf surgery). Anyway, I need to work up a new hunting load in my Marlin 45/70 as my current load is a bit "warm".
I've read comments about these 'sleds' that suggest they put more pressure on the stock because there is no "give" as there is with a shoulder, and can cause a crack in the stock.
Do any of you use one of these ? Is this concept a possibility?

[Bronco]

I have one! I have also read the same thing ! What I found out upon further investigating this is that some people would put a 100 pounds of lead shot on them in trying to eliminate the recoil. Soooo when I was working up hot loads for my 50-110 I only put 25# of lead on it to just tame the recoil. I never cracked a stock. But that is just my experience.

[TraderVic]

I have one! I have also read the same thing ! What I found out upon further investigating this is that some people would put a 100 pounds of lead shot on them in trying to eliminate the recoil. Soooo when I was working up hot loads for my 50-110 I only put 25# of lead on it to just tame the recoil. I never cracked a stock. But that is just my experience.

Thanks for the feedback. I don't think I'd use more than the 25 lbs you have, certainly not 100 lbs.
I am only looking to reduce (not eliminate) felt recoil as I work up a new load or two.

[44shooter]

I used mine with a 870 express to try different slug loads with no problems. I only put a bit of ammo on it for weight though. It was annoying with boxes of ammo bouncing at every shot. I've used rifles with it bare.

[jkbrea]

We have 3 that we loan out at our gunclub. Most people don't use any weight and it still takes out much of the recoil. They weigh about 7-10 lbs.
A 25 lb barbell weight fits in it perfect, or a couple sandbags. I've never heard of a stock getting cracked. It does add an inch or so to the stock length when the rifle sits in it.

[AJMD429]

I made one with scraps, and later on bought one of the commercial models. I rarely use weight, but do like the 'butt-cuff' ( ) because it positions the gun the same way each time by keeping it from sliding fore and aft. I suppose it absorbs some recoil, but I pull the gun firmly to the shoulder, so I doubt it really absorbs much, especially without weights.

My 'lead-sled' writeups - I mostly intended to make a 'levergun rest' because most rests require repositioning the gun to work the lever, and I wanted more clearance. The extra clearance also makes it easier to use pistol-grip guns like AR-15's or using longer magazines in those guns or 10/22's or whatever. Cost for the various hardware trinkets was under $50.

Definitely worth having a 'lead-sled' type rest, either store-bought or home-made...!

https://levergunscommunity.org/viewtopi ... =1&t=47960
https://levergunscommunity.org/viewtopi ... =1&t=32821

Here's a couple pics from the threads above:

Weight Tray doubles for holding loose cartridges, tools, etc.



With or without tray, Rest Allows Lever Use without moving gun...

[Bill in Oregon]

Thanks for posting those links, doc. I had missed this build. So nice to be able to work the lever in that rest.

[GunnyMack]

I've had very little experience using a lead sled but I will say it does make a difference when shooting big kickers like 12 ga slugs!
Looks like a good design ya got there Doc!

[TraderVic]

Great looking design, wanna trade ?