How far can you shoot off a backpack?

[Ryan Avery]

@Formidilosus challenged me to ditch my bipod a few years ago and really see how far I could shoot from a backpack. Two years later I have a pretty good idea of what I am capable of. How about you?

I will post up later on what I have learned and my limits.

 

[PNWGATOR]

Couple of uncivilized fellas in that firing line...just sayin’.

 

[UpNorth89]

I haven't tried to see how far my limit off of a backpack is exactly but out to 500 or so isn't an issue.

Sent from my SM-G991U using Tapatalk

 

[Ryan Avery]

Couple of uncivilized fellas in that firing line...just sayin’.

The old guy needed a pad……

 

[justin davis]

Furthest I’ve shot off a pack was at rocks at 900

 

[DaleW]

For me I haven't seen any difference in accuracy when taking my time. The main advantage of the bipod for me is using it to get steady quickly. I find that when I'm breathing hard and my heart is racing, loading the bipod helps tremendously with steadying the rifle. If I have tons of time to relax there doesn't seem to be a big difference for me as long as i have rear support.

The furthest I've shot off a pack to kill an animal was an elk around 610 yards. The situation did not allow for the use of a bipod.

 

[BAKPAKR]

Depends on how big the target is.

 

[Laramie]

Very little difference for me if any. I learned off of a backpack. I do use a Harris 12-25 now so I have more versatility.

 

[BAKPAKR]

If I remember correctly, I was shooting rocks at a little over 800 yards in the first photo below and I am pretty sure I could have gotten a deer. It was “off a backpack,” but a somewhat different set up than I suspect was contemplated by the thread title. A little over two months later, I shot a sheep at 417 yards the same way (but at a little different angle).

 

[scott85]

If I remember correctly, I was shooting rocks at a little over 800 yards in the first photo below and I am pretty sure I could have gotten a deer. It was “off a backpack,” but a somewhat different set up than I suspect was contemplated by the thread title. A little over two months later, I shot a sheep at 417 yards the same way (but at a little different angle).

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Look at all that gray hair.

 

[BAKPAKR]

Look at all that gray hair.

Experience.

 

[Tullis94]

I listened to the newest podcast today. I'm interested to hear more about this online shooting deal you guys are putting together.

 

[Wrench]

That's 3 rounds from a 300wsm kimber at 1200. My longbow tab for reference. I was aiming for the corner above and left of the group.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Multiple 800ish (810-850) yard confirmed kills on big game in this position. Bipod as front rest and backpack as a mid rest/something to help stabilize my quads/core muscles. Using legs/hips as extra stability in this sort of formation. Helps if you have a tree or large rock to lean your back against as well. This one takes a lot of field practice but once you learn how to stabilize and use the correct muscles it’s incredibly stable and repeatable.



I turn my backpack long ways instead of the popular “sideways” lay down. I use this configuration whenever available (not always feasible when hunting big game). This position has been used to kill coyotes past 1,200 yards. Big game past 1,100 yards.

 

[Roguemountainhunter]

I have never tested my limits off of a pack. But, my daughter and I practice often off of our packs in different positions. She has been successful out to 550 and I have taken a cow just under 700 off of my pack.

 

[Ryan Avery]

I listened to the newest podcast today. I'm interested to hear more about this online shooting deal you guys are putting together.

We are working on it, more details soon. But it won’t start till January.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

I listened to the newest podcast today. I'm interested to hear more about this online shooting deal you guys are putting together.

What does this involve? Sounds interesting.

 

[Bluumoon]

Cold bore challenge says 50:50 at 600. I regularly practice at 675 off backpack and bino harness fo rear rest, usually ends up being 8 or 9 of 10 in fair winds.

 

[4th_point]

@Formidilosus challenged me to ditch my bipod a few years ago and really see how far I could shoot from a backpack. Two years later I have a pretty good idea of what I am capable of. How about you?

Cool topic. Looking forward to the replies.

Back in 2015 - 2016, I was obsessed with shooting light-ish rifles off of my pack. Tikka SL 300 WM, then a Kimber 84M 7mm-08.

Since then, my rifles have gotten heavier and I started using a Spartan bipod. I still shoot off of my pack for practice but it isn't as hard with the extra weight. And I've added a tripod to the mix, which is relatively new to me so I've focused on that more.

Anyway, I don't have the Kimber anymore, but looking at my notes/pictures I was good out to ~675 yards with decent conditions but it was starting to push it for me with that setup. I definitely shot farther but I want to say that ~600 was my comfort zone.

Lot of rifles have come and gone since then!

Jason

 

[Juan_ID]

I have ditched the bipod while hunting but am guilty of shooting primarily from a bipod during range time. I do know I need to practice more off my pack and trekking poles. It’s pretty amazing how stable you can get using trekking poles and a backpack. I did shoot this group off my pack last year at 450 with the 223. The target was a 7” gong, based off that I’d say I could probably do 500-550 off my pack “comfortably”… at the range.