Am I holding on too tight

[ozone]

.

I shoot regularly at 100 and occasionally out to 500,
I only use military surplus and therefore know my limitations.

When I lay down prone, I relax as much as I can and breathe in
hold then slowly exhale, sighting the cross hairs on the bull and
Squeeze.

The thing is in those few seconds I can feel my heart and the
cross hairs skip left to right with my heart beat.
Timing the shot is a matter of timing my heart rate and I'm
wondering if I'm holding the gun too tightly.

I try to have a loose grip but the scope will not move back any
further (possibly the stock is too long) but I have to have the butt
stock close into my shoulder so I can see through the scope.

Could I be holding on too tight possible?

ozone

.

[Duey]

I
Would say try taking the shot after taking a couple of steadying breaths and then hold for no more than 2-3 seconds, actually taking the shot on the held breath stage
Any longer than 2-3 seconds and you will get slight shakes as the body hunts for oxygen

[ozone]

.

Yes I try not to hold my breath for to long and I have
to admit I have chuckled to my self under my breath
as I have had to remind myself to breath at times.

:-)

Thanks for the advice

ozone

.

[Daryll]

Stop drinking coffee..

[@nd]

Wind the scope magnification down a bit see if it looks steadier.

[Mattnall]

Do you bring your right leg up (or left if left handed)? This will make you roll over to the left slightly and take the weight off your chest.

[breacher]

I
Would say try taking the shot after taking a couple of steadying breaths and then hold for no more than 2-3 seconds, actually taking the shot on the held breath stage
Any longer than 2-3 seconds and you will get slight shakes as the body hunts for oxygen

Surely better to breathe twice, then shoot during the 2 second natural pause between breathing out and breathing in again.

Thats the way I was taught.

[Sim G]

Surely better to breathe twice, then shoot during the 2 second natural pause between breathing out and breathing in again.

Thats the way I was taught.

Ditto

[ozone]

.

Thanks for the advise.
I do sometimes bring my leg up but not always
and I will try try the different breathing techniques.

Cheers
ozone

.

[bradaz11]

I was taught not to hold my breath or not have it settle on a pause, to just breathe it on.