Well, just to update the thread I had some better weather and took it to the range. Using target loads that I developed for a former heavy barrel in the same caliber, a 5 shot group at 100 yards was (I'm gonna go off of memory here) about 1.5".

So, I will call this a success!! I'm certain that if\when I would decide to fine tune a bullet\powder for this rifle I could get sub-MOA groupings. But, now that it's "done" the rifle is much easier to handle\shoulder than before.

And I would not be afraid to do this again. BTW, my "crowning" was done with a brass round head "bolt" that was screwed down on a short piece of all-thread. I used this brass bolt instead of a screw as I was concerned about a screw's "screwdriver cut" having an effect on the crown. I have no evidence that it would have a negative effect....it's just what I did and it worked out well.

If you try this...your on your own. (Liability disclaimer thing!)