To bed or not to bed?

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powder monkey

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I have a .204 in CZ 527 American that I have been trying to sight in @ 200 yrds.Shooting 3 shot groups I will usually have two shots touching and one that is off by 1-2".It is usually the 3rd shot that is out of the group,but not always.I have had this happen with different loads,and sometimes they do all stick together for a nice little group,but usually one flyer.These are all carefully constructed reloads.Barrel is floated.Could this still be a bedding issue?
 
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How's the trigger? All the screws tight?
How well does it shoot at 100? A very slight bit of wind can push those itty-bitty bullets around.
However, flyers are usually caused by the shooter. Especially since it happens with all ammo. A slight jerking of the trigger, inconsistent breathing, a sudden noise behind or near you that throws off your concentration, etc, etc. It doesn't take much to throw a shot off.
"...usually the 3rd shot..." How fast are you shooting? You allowing time for a bit of cooling between shots?
Bedding will help make the rifle consistent, but I don't think that's the issue. If you do opt to bed, try a wee pressure point just aft of the end of the forestock. Not all rifles like to be free floated. No other bedding material in the barrel channel though. Just a wee dab an inch or so in from the end. Mind you, you could just do that first. A twice folded business card will do for a test.
 
A 1 inch group at 200 yards is 1/2 MOA. A 2 inch group is 1 MOA. What more can you ask of a factory rifle? I agree with sunray about the wind and light bullets.
 
powder monkey said:
I have a .204 in CZ 527 American that I have been trying to sight in @ 200 yrds.Shooting 3 shot groups I will usually have two shots touching and one that is off by 1-2".It is usually the 3rd shot that is out of the group,but not always.I have had this happen with different loads,and sometimes they do all stick together for a nice little group,but usually one flyer.These are all carefully constructed reloads.Barrel is floated.Could this still be a bedding issue?
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It could be a bedding issue, it could be a scope issue, trigger creep or crown ding issue. Point is, make sure that all the easy fixes are done first before doing the bedding, because if they are the problem, bedding will not fix a thing and you will think you have wasted your time. The other comments are equally valid with regards to the wind and tiny bullets. Are you shooting with flags and are the groups stringing vertical or horizontal?

Make sure everything is tight like scope mounts, action screws etc. Try letting the barrel cool between shots to see if that matters. Hold the stock with one hand and thump the forearm with the other to see if you can hear the barrel hit the forearm. Humidity may cause it to move enough to contact the barrel when it is hot, but be "free floated" when cold.

Keep us posted on your results. Bedding is always worth it in the quest for an accurate rifle, but it must be done correctly and in conjunction with the other tweaks mentioned above to be successful. Most people would be happy with your results, but you sound like a tinkerer that would be happy only with the best. :welcome:
 
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