Just realised that you are working with either an original Sporter or something approaching one. I can be REALLY dumb at times!
My FACTORY .303 M-10 Sporter has a barrel-band which holds the barrel down to the stock, forward tip of this just ONE inch abaft the fore-end tip. This is what the sling-swivel attaches onto.
The barrel has DEFINITELY been bearing against the wood forward of this band; it shows every evidence of barrel vibrations working against it.
I used a straight-edge and measured this all up. The wood between this BAND and the FORWARD TIP of the Stock stands about .010" HIGHER than the barrel-channel between the Chamber and this Band.
So I would say that the Ross Sporters definitely had a forward bearing-point, just a little over 1 inch long, at the front of the Forestock.
Hope this (at last) answers your question.
As to a front Band, get your hands on an Inner Band from an SMLE. They are just about the same size and it should be possible to mod one to work on the Ross. Just remember that the SMLE band has Enfield threads, so you will need the right Screw; the Ross has all US threads. You will need to lower the profile of the finished Band; the Ross ones were quite low to the Barrel and tapered down nicely, very thin at both ends. If the SMLE Band needs to be stretched, you can do this with a series of tapered inserts, same way a Jeweller does to a ring. Heat the thing and leave it dead-soft, do your work and then reharden.
Good luck with the New Girl!
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