The Best Bedding Technique

Rigid epoxy bedding to perfectly mate with the bottom of the receiver and back of the recoil lug secures minimises accuracy-destroying flex in the receiver area. — Rigid epoxy bedding to perfectly mate with the bottom of the receiver and back of the recoil lug allows minimal accuracy-destroying flex in the receiver area.

Q: I just acquired a very nice Winchester Model 70 rifle with a walnut stock, but the action isn’t snugly bedded in the stock and is really a rather loose fit. Hence accuracy is pretty poor and I am going to get a gunsmith to rebed this rifle for me. What kind of bedding system would you recommend?
Bruce Carter

A: I find the most reliable bedding system is one where pillar bedding is used in conjunction with epoxy under the action which is extended for about 50mm or so ahead of the receiver ring under the barrel and then free-floated the rest of the way. This makes tolerances much tighter and leaves nothing to chance.

relieving the barrel channel, so it floats free of the barrel from the receiver, or a few inches forward of it, is a proven accuracy gainer in a majority of cases with normal barrel weights. — Relieving the barrel channel, so it floats free of the barrel from the receiver is a proven accuracy gainer in a majority of cases with normal barrel weights.

Nick Harvey

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The late Nick Harvey (1931-2024) was one of the world's most experienced and knowledgeable gun writers, a true legend of the business. He wrote about firearms and hunting for about 70 years, published many books and uncounted articles, and travelled the world to hunt and shoot. His reloading manuals are highly sought after, and his knowledge of the subject was unmatched. He was Sporting Shooter's Technical Editor for almost 50 years. His work lives on here as part of his legacy to us all.