I need to do some load testing for accuracy at 100 yards with my AR-15 (standard forend, not free floated) off of sandbags.  It is my understanding that the AR is sensitive to shooter technique, particularly to the way the barrel/forearm is supported.  What works best?  Should I just let the forend sit freely on the front sandbag and control the gun with the pistol grip and the rear sandbag/hand combo, or is there something better?  I am not interested in point of impact, just pure accuracy.  TIA.

-John

I'd say it depends on the forearm. A free floated system won't be affected. For load testing, the key is consistency though. The hold, whether its a bipod, sandbag or whatever, needs to be consistent to test the load instead of the shooter or the weapon.

And most of the 'pressure on forend' issue is concerned with sling pressure on the forend of a non-free float system.

Quoted:
 It is my understanding that the AR is sensitive to shooter technique, particularly to the way the barrel/forearm is supported.    TIA.

-John[/quo

I thought all firearms were sensitive to shooter technique.

I got my best groups from supporting as close the the upper as possible,  if you got a FFT it dont matter,  My worst accuracy came from a bipod mounted way up on just handguards,  anyway My advice is FF it and it dont really matter,  It only took 2 things to make my Match target Comp HBAR to go from 1" to 1/4",  I had a Free float tube installed, and a Jewell Trigger.  

Thanks.  I've used your technique and have been getting nice round groups.  No stringing.

Quoted: I got my best groups from supporting as close the the upper as possible,  if you got a FFT it dont matter,  My worst accuracy came from a bipod mounted way up on just handguards,  anyway My advice is FF it and it dont really matter,  It only took 2 things to make my Match target Comp HBAR to go from 1" to 1/4",  I had a Free float tube installed, and a Jewell Trigger.