After bedding should one start with best developed load prior to bedding. If this best load got worse after bedding should one try past loads that were not as accurate as before bedding?

I would build the load again. Well, at least check - using the load and two steps above and two below - to verify that the load still is the best.

Varying the load is to optimize the vibrations of the barrel such that the muzzle is at a node - a point of minimal movement. When you do anyting to the structure, you will affect the resonance of the system - maybe a lot, maybe not so much.

very well said and in very few words. I'd have used a lot more words and probably said a lot less.

quote:

Originally posted by daniel77:
very well said and in very few words. I'd have used a lot more words and probably said a lot less.

Uh,.... yeah!!!

Understand what you hope to find but, in this game the only certainty is, "Nothing's certain."

quote:

Originally posted by Fbull:
After bedding should one start with best developed load prior to bedding. If this best load got worse after bedding should one try past loads that were not as accurate as before bedding?

Yep! By bedding the action and parts of the barrel you have changed the vibration characteristics of the barrel. Start load development all over. An inch/pound reading torque wrench can help you fine tune a good bedding job and keep the setup repeatable after cleaning and disassembly.

Use your best developed load prior to bedding as a base line. After bedding fire the same load. Go from there. Most times changing bedding will not help accuracy on a hunting rifle,unless there was a problem in the first place. Free floating a barrel will help maintain point of aim.

creating a consistent rifle creates the accurate loads. Bedding someitmes helps, presure points sometimes help, free floating sometimes helps

USUALLY bedding an unbedded rifle greatly improves accuracy.

Thanks for the help so far. The best group prior to pillar bedding was about 1.00 - .75. After pillar bedding this same recipe went to about 2.0''. I gues I will have to start over with load development.

its loose ...
set you bullet -.025 off the lands, and a middle of the chart load ... and a -.030 the same.

but if the groups opened up, its loose

quote:

Originally posted by Fbull:
Thanks for the help so far. The best group prior to pillar bedding was about 1.00 - .75. After pillar bedding this same recipe went to about 2.0''. I gues I will have to start over with load development.

There's bedding and then there's bedding. That much of a group difference begs the question of whether it's properly done or not..................DJ