Free floating a barrel

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mistahmojoryan

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When you get a rifle do you automatically float the barrel? Or if it has a pressure point do you test it first?

Even if a pressure point helps with accuracy, won't the point of impact change when conditions are different (ie, hot/cold, humid/dry)? This inconsistency is why I'm thinking it may be better to just float it and see how it shoots.

I'd like to hear some opinions on this. Thanks! :)
 
Always shoot it first. Some rifles don't like to be floated, some do. You're right, the only way to find out if your's does, it to do it. If it shoots better, fine. If not, putting a pressure point back in isn't a big deal. A bit of bedding material about an inch square, usually epoxy with fibreglass powder in it, an inch or so aft of the end of the forestock will do it. If you need to go that way, you might as well glass bed the action as well. Mind you, glass bedding doesn't always turn a mediocre rifle into a tack driver, but it'll usually be more consistent. Don't forget the release agent. An Acraglas kit is the easiest way of doing it. About $30 in any good gun shop. Just follow the directions on the box.
On a wood stock, the inside needs to be sealed to keep moisture out. This is mostly what causes POI changes due to climatic conditions. The wood expanding and contracting due to moisture in the air. Sealing the wood will minimize it. Wood is wood. Use any wood finishing products.
Mind you, the ammo can be effected by the climate too. Even a sealed, bedded rifle, the POI can change from one season to another due to the ammo being effected. So a load developed in July can preform differently in January or even November. This is why it's so important to sight in just before a hunt.
 
bcsteve said:
....unless you have a properly bedded synthetic stock.;)
Click to expand...

All that does is limit the amount POI will change. Synth or no, high temperatures cause materials to expand (including the barrel), and cold cause it to contract. Further, temperature affects the internal ballistics of the cartridge, and pressure affects the external ballistics.
 
The biggest changes you'll see is usually the humidity warping a wooden stock. I've never heard of temperature affecting synthetic stocks but I'll agree with you that temperature could have an effect on ammo if it was loaded with a temperature sensitive powder.
 
Thanks for the info. I'm curious about it because I just got a Ruger #1 and the forend has a pressure point at the end. My other rifles have floated barrels so I wasn't sure what to think of it.

So the plan of attack based on what I've read is: 1) shoot it "as is" to see if it's consistent/accurate 2) if it's not acceptably consistent/accurate, float the barrel 3) if floating doesn't improve it, bed it.

I can float this barrel with a spacer under the forend screw. Would be simple and temporary. Bedding sounds like a pain but it's good to know about it. :)

Anyway, I'll see how it shoots in a couple days when I get out to the range. Good info; thanks again! :)
 
You might want to chat with catnthehatt as he has a selection of very accurate number 1s,and he knows how to make them shoot accurately
 
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As catnthehatt will likely tell you, the comments above regarding bedding the action really refer to bolt rifles. The 2 piece stock of a #1 presents a different picture all together...
 
Well, I took the #1 out to the range today. Pretty hot out (25-30 degrees but no wind). It shoots well but it's definitely a "stringer". I think some of that effect can be attributed to the heat and me not being able to get the barrel cool enough between shots/groups. Even with the obvious stringing of shots, I'm happy with the results. It's got potential and even "as is" it's potent deer medicine! ;)

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