Extra steps bedding heavier/longer barrel?

[daved20319]

So I've got a new Criterion barrel coming for my Savage 12 FV. It's a 28" bull barrel, and I'm wondering if I need to add or alter the regular process of bedding the action to address the extra weight/length. The rifle currently has a stock 26" Savage Varmint contour barrel, straight taper and about .800" at the muzzle. The new barrel is 1" at the muzzle, so pretty close to a cylinder. It's currently in a Boyd's Pro Varmint stock that I've already pillared and bedded, but I'll need to redo at least some of the bedding to account for the NSS recoil lug, and I expect I'll also need to open up the barrel channel. I guess my real question is, do I keep the barrel free floated, and just extend the bedding forward a bit to help take some of the stress off the action? Or do I bed the barrel most/all of the length of the forearm? I've never worked with a barrel this heavy or long before, so any suggestions will be much appreciate, thanks!

Dave

[JW]

The standard on savage rifles is to free float barrel to the lug.
I have seen some remington style ( no barrel nut) with bedding an inch or so in front of the lug and I have one like that.
I also have a few of the after market heavy barrel savages free floated all the way to the recoil lug.
I have one 1 1/4" straight contour 30" long on a remington action that is free floated to the lug

I would suggest if you think you need the extra support, then bed it in front of the lug.
If it doesn't shoot to you liking remove that bedding and see how it does
Jack

[big honkin jeep]

Just my .02,
Since you're mounting a truck axle to your action, And since the Boyds laminates in my opinion are a little soft especially around the action bolt escutcheons for heavy duty applications like that, especially without some really sturdy pillars installed and even when they are the differing epoxy VS laminate difference in material strengths supporting the weight around those 2 points might be one of those things that creeps into an unoccupied mind.

I would elect to go with a synthetic that already has a full length aluminum bedding block for a solid connection without fears of collapsing or over tightening the bolts into the escutcheons or splitting the wood with action screw torque.
An economical option would be a Choate tactical varmint or a B&C medalist varmint tactical (I guess they still make em). It wont be as pretty as a laminate without a paint job, but you'll never have to worry about it's strength rigidity or durability.

[Nor Cal Mikie]

I use nothing but "straight pipes". Action mounted on a V Block or pillar bedded. I bed about 1" at or just beyond the nut. If the nut has slots, I'll wait till the bedding is hard then trim the high spots off. Free floated all the way to the end.
All of my stocks are laminated BR style. (think fence posts) Nothing special, just heavy around 15 lbs. + and never any issues with the actions or heavy barrels.

[daved20319]

Thanks for the replies, guys. BHJ, I've decided to follow your advice, I just bought one of those B&C stocks from fellow forum member Breeze. Hopefully, that'll address some of the short comings of the Boyd's stock, while still being a very similar profile, one that I happen to like a lot. And I can always add bedding if I think it's needed. Will keep you posted, and thanks again.

Dave

[big honkin jeep]

Thanks for the replies, guys. BHJ, I've decided to follow your advice, I just bought one of those B&C stocks from fellow forum member Breeze. Hopefully, that'll address some of the short comings of the Boyd's stock, while still being a very similar profile, one that I happen to like a lot. And I can always add bedding if I think it's needed. Will keep you posted, and thanks again.

Dave

Love my B&C medalist for heavy rigs.
As long as you don't run over it with a tank you'll be good to go for years.
I guess if You had a chance to look it over first you might have a better idea but do you plan to paint it or leave it as is?

[hamiltonkiler]

Did I miss caliber or cartridge?


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[daved20319]

Did I miss caliber or cartridge?


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Nope, looks like I never actually mentioned it, it's a 6.5 Creedmoor, although it started as a .223. Gotta love the barrel nut ! Later.

Dave