Bedding a Savage Action...Trouble

Highball

Working on a Savage Long Action. Dropped it into a Choate 'Sniper'...and didn't like the groups.

Using Steel-Bed, I surgical tubed action down, let set up and removed.

Now...setting the front action screw up to torque, then snugging the rear screw up, I then loosened the front screw...and watched the barrel raise 1/4 inches. I rebedded the rear...and still have the problem.
What in'ell am I missing ? I have bedded more then a few rifles..this beast has me puzzled.

What is the procedure you guys use to ensure full contact fore and aft ?

dcloco

I don't use surgical tubing. Use the action screws, but don't torque full in place. I stop at 30-35 inch pounds.

If the tubing was holding the front of the barrel, this will happen. If you must use the tubing, only place it where the action screws would fasten.

Kind of interesting...I just received my Choate Varmint for a Model 12 single shot, short action in 223.

But, I have not bedded it yet.

Please post how you make out.

D.S.COLE

The problem is in the Choate stock and not in what you have done.
Ive ran into similar problems with Choate.
These stocks tend to bend away from the pressure of the bedding material as it sets up and then return to the original shape when you let off the pressure.
I talked with a Choate factory rep about it and was told this,he said that the type of material they use has a " memory " and wants to go back to its original linear form.
The one I bedded turned out awful and they did send me a free replacement out of sympathy.
Use a choate stock as is or buy another brand.
this seems odd but its what the man said.