Importance of Bedding

[K22]

I see a lot of threads on POI shifts and accuracy issues wherein numerous solutions are proposed such as cleaning, load development, ES & SD, action and scope screws, faulty scopes, environmental effects, and shooter error. While some or all of these can certainly be the culprit, don't ignored bedding.

Many years ago, when I got serious about varmint level accuracy meaning pursuing 1/2 moa, I learned the hard way that unless both the bedding was sound and the barrel free was floated, I was "peeing in the wind". So, I would encourage all new shooters to first address this issue before you begin your journey, it can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration.

PS: I have no idea why my Tikka's shoot so well out of the box with their factory bedding and unconventional recoil lug design, but the barrels are free floated. In addition, my factory bedded Brownings which are also free floated, shoot extremely well out of the box despite the less that optimum triggers.

 

[Bill Norris]

Agree. Bedding and free floating the barrel will increase accuracy in most cases. Sometimes there are other variables at play and those issues must be removed as well.

 

[David Milisock]

I see a lot of threads on POI shifts and accuracy issues wherein numerous solutions are proposed such as cleaning, load development, ES & SD, action and scope screws, faulty scopes, environmental effects, and shooter error. While some or all of these can certainly be the culprit, don't ignored bedding.

Many years ago, when I got serious about varmint level accuracy meaning pursuing 1/2 moa, I learned the hard way that unless both the bedding was sound and the barrel free was floated, I was "peeing in the wind". So, I would encourage all new shooters to first address this issue before you begin your journey, it can save you a lot of time, money, and frustration.

PS: I have no idea why my Tikka's shoot so well out of the box with their factory bedding and unconventional recoil lug design, but the barrels are free floated. In addition, my factory bedded Brownings which are also free floated, shoot extremely well out of the box despite the less that optimum triggers.

You don't have to care just enjoy!

 

[Liven The Dream]

I say a well Pillar Bedded Action is step one .

 

[Kevin1990]

What’s to be said for aluminum bedding blocks? I have a 6br in a KRG bravo chassis. Been wanting to have it bedded to see if it improves accuracy. Or are we just speaking of a rifle that has an issue?

 

[K22]

What’s to be said for aluminum bedding blocks? I have a 6br in a KRG bravo chassis. Been wanting to have it bedded to see if it improves accuracy. Or are we just speaking of a rifle that has an issue?

I am not gunsmith so I cannot technically answer your question other than stating my own experience with aluminum bedding blocks.

Two of my most accurate rifles (sub 1/2 moa), both Rem Model 700's with heavy varmint barrels have B&C and McMillian stocks respectively with nothing more than aluminum bedding blocks.

I also have two Rem Model 7's with aftermarket Douglas barrels that have B&C stocks with these bedding blocks and nothing more. They all seem to work well. It wasn't until I replaced the non-bedded stocks that these rifles began shooting up to my requirements.

I have a Rem 7 in 243 Win with a 20" heavy Hart barrel in a wooded stock that has been pillar bedded and it shoots great. Before it was pillar bedded, the best I could do was about 1 moa. After bedding, the groups tightened to about 1/2 to 5/8 moa.