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From: cscc1f@menudo.uh.edu (Gregory W. Hayes)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Target/Benchrest questions - Bedding/Floating barrel, etc.
Message-ID: <35425@mimsy.umd.edu>
Date: 10 Jun 91 22:10:03 GMT
Sender: magnum@mimsy.umd.edu
Organization: University of Houston
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Approved: gun-control@cs.umd.edu

With all the discussion of target/benchrest shooting and my ongoing
project of building a target quality shooter, questions arise.  First 
of all, a little background.  I am using an original Springfield stock 
which had been modified some time in the past so doing some fitting
cutting doesn't bother me in the least.  I probably should go the
McMillan stock route, but this 80 year old piece of walnut is what
really started it all.  I'm using a Springfield action and most probably
a stainless Douglas Target or Benchrest barrel.

Glass bedding the stock versus making a floating barrel rifle.  This
is still really in the planning stages so I'm trying to work out
everything before I spend money unecessarily or do some irrepairable
cutting on the stock.  My primary concern is accuracy, but since I'm
doing this myself, ease also plays a big part.  From my limited
knowledge of rifles with floating barrels, I know that the barrels do
not touch the stock at any point.  Does the mounting point of the action
need any special attention to take the added forces of the floating
barrel?  Does the action need to be bedded too?

I would also like some input what the most prevalent caliber is and any
advice on what the best twist is for that caliber.  Right now I'm
looking at .22-250, .25-06, .264 Win mag, 7mm Rem mag, .308, .30-06,
.300 Win mag, and .220 Swift.  I should also put that the range I shoot
at has a 500 yard section and that is my ultimate goal.

I guess what I could really use is a good book on this subject. :-)  If
anyone knows of some good titles, please pass them on to me; I'd
appreciate it.

Thanks again for bearing with this meandering post and any advice would
be greatly appreciated.

Greg Hayes