Gunsmithing Heavy Barreled build Question

[jsthntn247]

I've got a 30" heavy varmint modified #9 contour Bartlein on the way for an F/TR gun build. The barrel weighs about 7.5lbs and will be going on a trued 700 action. The contour on the barrel is straight for 5" then tapers down to .935. Do you guys recommend beding part are all of the first 5" of the barrel channel on a heavy barrel like this? I normally don't bed in front of the lug but the heaviest barrel I have is a Rem Varmint contour.

 

[jasonZ]

I suspect it would be best, but I'm no professional. I've read about it and it seems several do, but then a lot of people don't want any bedding in front of action at all. I'd think that heavy sucker would droop though! I'd be interested in hearing what some more experienced fellas have to say, as I'm building a fairly heavy barreled rifle too. Thanks and sorry I couldn't be more help, Jason

 

[rideHPD]

might want to check in with some smiths who routinely build F-T/R rifles, or as in the F-T/R section, those guys know what they're talking about, or will at least be able to point you in the right way.

 

[wadebrown]

I hang 30" 1.25" straight contour barrels on 700 clones with no problem and use no bedding beyond the lug.

 

[KYS]

You can bed about 1" past the lug. Often called a Barrel Pad. Most top smiths do this.

 

[Mstrophyhunter]

On ftr rifles I build I will bed out beyond the lug 2 inches but will put a peice of duck tape on the barrel this gives me .020 clearance between stock and barrel I only bed out that for to add additional support to the stock. Will also cut two 1/4 inch grooves in stock in this section and those are also filled with the bedding material stiffening the stock at this point I have found this way takes the stock vibrations and bounce out . Never had any problems doing it this way.

 

[Rhys]

I typically bed about an inch forward of the lug. As mentioned above the primary benefit I see in this it at it stiffens up the forend substantially.

 

[Switchbarrel]

I've got several long range BR rifles with bedding in front of the recoil lug. One is a current NBRSA 1000 yard light-gun score record holder. Does it help? I don't know but, I don't believe it's hurt me.

-Rick

 

[turbo54]

You can bed about 1" past the lug. Often called a Barrel Pad. Most top smiths do this.

And many don't.

 

[Phezzik]

I generally run heavier contoured barrels on most of my builds (primarily Krieger #10 MTU), and I just bed the action. Even at 26" long I don't have an slop, slouch or give in McMillan's.