I'm in the market for a lead sled, should I buy the original or the DFT? Also I just want to take the edge off of firing my 500 Jeffrey on the bench, and I don't want to risk stock splitting. I was thinking of using no more than 25 lbs of weight?

Thanks,

Chuck

i don't get the dft idea, so it might be wasted gimmick on me

25# is about right

Thanks jeffeosso,

Chuck

I use the original Lead Sled on all of my rifles. I have used it on .243 up to .458 Lott. I use 50 to 100 pounds of lead shot on it. I have not had any stock problems.

I do not know what the DFT is.

The nice thing about the DFT is the ability to move the front rest to accommodate different length, size, shape ,etc. of forend and firearm.

Amen, plus the DFT allows windage adjustment, love mine!!

The DFT looks like it has better feet, too. My standard Sled sheared the rear elevation foot twice with with the reallt big bore rifles. The bolt they use grabs a wood surface. Easy fix but you shouldn't have to on a device built for recoil.

I sell them both and have used them both on several rifles. IMO the DFT is a complicated waste of money. Too many extra adjustments that will come loose. Stick with the standard sled.

I have the Caldwell Lead Sled DFT.

I use and like it.

I have two negative comments:

1) With the vertical adjustment locks loosened off in order to change the vertical position, the forearm rest is a little wiggly this is a minor issue. When the locks are tighten for firing the forearm is stable.
I suspect that to have made the rest rock solid while the locks are loose would have required a lot more precision than what could be purchased for $250.00. It's a minor issue just be aware that its there.

2) I find the bracket that holds the butt of the stock from moving rearward on firing a bit uncomfortable (square edges) and it leaves me with a detached feeling that I'm not connected to the rifle.

Again this is a minor issue, and one that I might be able to correct. If the butt was able to protrude past the sides of the rear bracket and a couple of fabric straps wraped around the butt from the side panels in order to let the rifles actual recoil pad touch your shoulder.
That would cure the detached feeling.

All things considered I enjoy using this rest.
On a lightly recoiling rifle this rest is over kill.
I use it when I fire my 375H&H and my 12 gauge with slugs these are the only high powered firearms if have, I add a 15 lb. weight bag to the tray then.

I guess I don't mind the minor inconveniences, I bough mine at a local shop for $180, if you shop around, you can find the DFT much cheaper than $250.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/ca...sled-dft-336647.html

http://usarmorment.com/caldwel...45.html?currency=USD

I have the DFT lead sled. It works great for me and my hunting partners. Plenty of adjustment and worked great for developing a few loads. I usually use 25-50 lbs in it even for larger rifles. No problems so far.

Greg

quote:

Originally posted by wrongtarget:
I guess I don't mind the minor inconveniences, I bough mine at a local shop for $180, if you shop around, you can find the DFT much cheaper than $250.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/ca...sled-dft-336647.html

http://usarmorment.com/caldwel...45.html?currency=USD

Hello wrongtarget
You have to realize that greenjoy is from up here in the great white north and we get to pay more because of exchange rate (1.16 today)and our lovely federal sales tax known as the GST...
Having said that I just got off the phone with WSS in Calgary their price was $219.95 before taxes and shippping, and it's on it's way.. Armoment price = $174.95 X1.16 = $201.84 cdn $...Hmmm?

So how does your DFT work for your NEF's in 45-120 and your .405 Win.?...I am buying it for my Ruger in .405 Win. using a 420 gr. cast..How much weight do you use? I am not much into setting at the bench and getting the snot kicked out of me...little jam tart that I am..

I've used a friend's standard sled on a .300 RUM, .458 Winnie, and his .375 with the S&B scope with the crummy eye relief. Used 50 lbs.

No complaints.

I bought the standard sled after checking both out, $80 cheaper and looks solid.

Thanks all,

Chuck