Bit of a read so bare with me.
So I went to the range the other day. Took some modern scoped rifles and some old milsurps out for a relaxed shoot and some load development.
Got some promising results on some adjusted proven loads and some brand new recipes.
Pull out my Howa .308 sporter, Boyds Prairie hunter stock , Nikko Sterling scope. Cheap and cheerful, it usually does a great job.
Over a few uses it just started shooting my handloads like ******. Wandering zero, stringing and general inconsistencies.
It had been in a Hogue stock previously and shot very well.
I took it home and checked the usual suspects.
Check and reseat action screws
Check and remount scope and rings
Check and remount pic rail
Clean out any fluff, tool marks , burrs etc from stock.
Remount barrelled action and ensure free float.
All screws tightened by hand to a snug tension.
To eliminate the possibility that I rolled a bad batch of ammo I take some factory PPU 150gr SP that I know the rifle usually shoots well.
Rifle still shoots like ******. Put 40 rounds through it and while it had its good moments it averaged somewhere around 5 inches at 100m.
Far from ready to admit defeat, I cleaned and pulled it apart tonight in anticipation of an overhaul and some new parts.
First thing I did before pulling it apart was check that all screws were tight. I nipped up the action screws and one scope mount screw needed a quarter turn, nothing substantial. After tightening, I cycled the bolt and it now one of the locking lugs gently clips the receiver as you cycle it.
So we have found the culprit. The stock must not be 100% square as the action is slightly twisting when the action is tightened. I have had a few Boyd's stocks and this is the first time I have run into any really problems.
So I look over at the acraglass bedding kit I bought a while ago and decide it's time to bed this thing. And while I'm at it I will put some pillars into it.
Never felt the need to bed a rifle before.
Most modern rifles I have owned have already had some degree of pillar bedding. And I've never really had a lemon that couldnt be fixed with some mild tinkering or proper finishing.
I have read plenty of literature and watched lots of videos on the subject of pillar and glass bedding. Everyone has a slightly different take on the subject , and there are several variations of the same theme. They all do essentially the same thing though.
So I am going to document my journey , bedding a rifle for the first time. I will post my results wether they be flawless or fcked up.
First of all though, I would open the floor to any tips or tricks you guys may have learnt. Pitfalls to be wary of. Products you have used and recommend. Products you would not use again etc.