McMillian vs. glass bedded/freefloated wood stock?

[Dave3006]

I want to eliminate the change in the point of impact as my barrel heats up on my Remington 700 ADL in 30-06. After about 5 rounds, the group POI shifts about 4-6" high. I would like to minimize this as much as possible with my small sporter barrel.

Which would have the best effect? A McMillian sporter style synthetic stock? Or simply having a good gunsmith bed and free float the stock in it's existing wood stock?

Or, am I wasting my time an money?

Thanks.

 

[Steve Smith]

IMHO, I don't think that your stock is causing this at all. Stocks usually change POI when the weather changes. ie, you test fire your load on a hot, dry, summer day, but you hunt that weekend and it's cool and rainy. (This may not be possible where you live, but here in Colorado, it is!) If the stock is wood, you could expect some movement in POI.

What you're experiencing is a phenomenon that has plagued shooters for a long time. Some barrels are affected more than others. This is why snipers take great pains to plot their "cold barrel shot." I believe that the amount the barrel moves is directly related to the quality and type of steel that's used in the blank, and the method and quality of the stress relief treatment. Some barrels act like the bi metal strip in a thermostat, while others are quite stable.

In closing, I believe you have two options. #1, live with it, or #2, change to a better quality barrel.

I do not believe that changing your stock will alleviate your problem at all. Then again, I could be wrong...it wouldn't be the first time.

 

[Cris]

Don't know about the barrel but,

IMHO it would no way hurt the accuracy of your gun to glass bed the action, if done properly. If you are at all handy abd have a few of handtools around the house (file, Dremal tool, etc.) you can glass bed the rifle yourself. I have no idea the charge from a smith and am not trying to take away from their valuable work, but with a guidebook or video and a glass kit from www.brownells.com, this could be a nice project. Just my two pennies!