Best? pillars. Judgement call. I use straight aluminum ones. The important part, make sure they are clean, degreased, and scratched up a little for epoxy adherence.

Yes, I use tape everywhere I do not epoxy to touch with at least waxed twice. Makes for a nice crisp line.

I make sure the wood is not touching anywhere I want a good coat of epoxy, but I don't go for a 1/2", just enough to make sure no wood is hitting anything critical, like under the barrel at the recoil lug. I always make sure the pillars are attached to the action and will sit into the stock without hitting the wood, than I am SURE the pillars are straight and completely supported by epoxy and not crooked, etc, etc.

If you want to do it 1st class, remove trigger, mag well, and everything and fil crevices with wax and just put epoxy everywhere. Be sure to put tape and polish well where you do not want it adhering. You will have to do a lot of dremel work afterwards, but the support will be 100%.

Good luck, post pics. Watch the video several times. Wax 2X, everywhere.
Larry
Tinkerer