Need some advice on bedding synthetic stock...

09 June 2008, 22:21

Of course, I couldn't leave well enough alone...I tied to free float my Bell + Carlson Medalist stock on my .338-06 and have managed to screw things up.

I took out the pressure point at the forend to completely free float the barrel and now my group size with know good bullet/powder combo went right down the toilet...went from 1 inch or better to about 4.

So...what to do?

A) replace pressure point with a couple of shims to see if accuracy returns...then rebuild with glass?

B) Completely remove pressure point and bed action around recoil lug and forward for full free float?

C) Any other suggestions?

Any help/thoughts would be appreciated.

Cheers

09 June 2008, 22:49

Westpac

quote:
Originally posted by kreyten:
Of course, I couldn't leave well enough alone...I tied to free float my Bell + Carlson Medalist stock on my .338-06 and have managed to screw things up.

I took out the pressure point at the forend to completely free float the barrel and now my group size with know good bullet/powder combo went right down the toilet...went from 1 inch or better to about 4.

So...what to do?

A) replace pressure point with a couple of shims to see if accuracy returns...then rebuild with glass?

B) Completely remove pressure point and bed action around recoil lug and forward for full free float?

C) Any other suggestions?

Any help/thoughts would be appreciated.

Cheers

Outside of the bedding I thought you already did "B". You're there now. Leave it floated and work up a new load and see what happens. You can always go back if that doesn't work out.

_______________________________________________________________________________
This is my rifle, there are many like it but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend, it is my life.

09 June 2008, 22:52

kreyten

As the rifle/stock sit now...I can work a piece of paper under the forend and down the stock...takes a little tugging...but it will go. Is that "free floated" enough? Hence my comment about taking the pressure point down even further.

New loads are a possibility. Thanks.

10 June 2008, 01:23

Westpac

If you have to tug on the paper to get it to go then you are probably experiencing barrel slap. That can explain the 4" groups. You need enough clearance so that the barrel doesn't slap or make contact with the forend as it whips about. To check for this, I whack the bottom of the forend with my palm and listen for contact with the barrel.

_______________________________________________________________________________
This is my rifle, there are many like it but this one is mine. My rifle is my best friend, it is my life.