steadying the firearm to test accuracy

I use a relatively loose grip on the rifle (if rifle) unless the recoil will do damage. The less I am coupled to the rifle (light recoil rounds) the better I can hold. This is me and it is subject to the caliber being shot.

I use a cast iron front rest, similar if not exact in what hunterpistol shows in his picture. I do try to find a range with a stable bench and not be forced to shoot from a portable table, etc. The front rest has a leather bag on it with a formed notch.

So you can as others have said, make a similar rest that will virtually eliminate the side to side travel on the forend. Your shot will depend solely on the control you can exert on the stock. Use an old pair of pants, needle and thread. Clean sand and don't stuff the bag full tight. It needs to be moldable. Make a tube from the pants. Say 12 inches long. At 6 inches, sew it shut to form 2 pockets. Sew most of the ends closed, miinus about an inch. Fill with sand using a funnel. Sew the two ends shut. Yo now have a low cost notched front rest. Take the other leg, make a second, third, fourth tube. Leave these full lenght. Fill 3/4 with sand, not tight. Sew up and yo now have adjustability for various heights. Use a wood plank to add thinner increments under a bag or two. You can make a similar stock bag with a deep notch. Once you've done the front, you'll get ideas on the rear. My rear bag has a deep nothc, I just squeeze the bag with my left hand to raise or lower the sight line of the rifle. It'' make sense once you get the front rest is sewn. Cheap compared to $30 for just the leather bag for a cast iron rest.

You can sew by hand, no machine necessary. Levis and denim make the best rests, I believe. You wanted steadier on the cheap. That's about all I can offer. Others have indicated shooting tactics like breathing but you have been shooting a while so I think your aware of that.

Flat steady bench, notched front and rear bags, then a few other simple bags for the front. Yo can even pile up the bags to the sides of the forend, not to cover but for better side support.

Good luck to you. Hey If your not hunting too much, I would work those triggers down to the 2 lb range. That will make a huge difference in your let-off consistency. I shoot some crazy light triggers, I just know that I can't lend a gun to a friend nor carry with the hammer back or a round in the chamber while hunting. Under a pound with very minimal sear engagement makes for tight groups that might not be otherwise attainable.

Also ubetcha has a good thing with not gripping the stock with the trigger hand. Less contact is better, IMHO. Unless the 300 win mag is in service, then you've gotta do what necessary to keep control and a shoulder intact.

Good Luck. Mike