Bedding and Accuracy.

[muffett.2008]

The forend stud and spring become redundant once the nosecap is removed, the spring bears on the bottom of the nosecap, applying upward pressure to keep the barrel centred in the nosecap.
If correct tension has been maintained on the last inch of the forewood, there would be minimal change in POI, it will rise slightly.
Removal of the inner band, should have little effect on a correctly centred barrel, however, if the barrel was previously bearing against the band, then that's another ball game.
Contact from the inner band will dampen and change vibration, as will any contact along the barrel from the knox to the last inch of muzzle, between these points the barrel should be clear of any contact if correctly setup.

As to the split groups, you probably have insufficient down pressure at the nosecap. The load should be between 4 to 7 lbs, the nosecap should. slide on without the need to force it, if it requires force than the inch bearing surface needs to be adjusted.
This is where the target fraternity would place cork packing in the top handguard to maintain downward pressure as the barrel flexed as it heated up.

[David TS]

Many years ago, I wrote an article on effects of timber and contact points and the effects on Accuracy.
That article predated these new fangle Computer things.....and is long since lost, those Target Magazines have long since ceased to exist.......pity.

Was it Target Gun? I have a lot of copies going back 37 years.

If it was, if you can let me know the issue, or the article title and the author, I will do a bit of searching.............

[30Three]

Thanks for the extra info Muffet.
I will check the barrel load on the front fore end contact area. I had set it at about 7 lbs. But I suppose it may have settled in a bit since being used so worth controlling it.
To check this I had used a thin strip of paper between the barrel and the front contact area; then used a spring balance scale (fishing type) with a cord around the front of the barrel with the nose cap off; pulling the barrel upwards away from the wood and the paper is released at around 7 lb's. Is this a suitable method? After setting that; I adjusted the underside of the fore end so the nose cap can be fitted by hand but contacting the upper portion of the barrel at around 11 and 1 O'clock. Here are some of the targets; before adjusting the fore end and then after, both using PPU manufactured ammo. Then a test of SMK 174 grain and SB 180 grain ogives. 50 metre range.
Attachment 85214Attachment 85215Attachment 85216

[attaturk]

moffet, in # 6 above you say bedding and dampening are the same thing?

[muffett.2008]

No, bedding is relating to the fixed mounting points, which should be correctly mated .........dampening is an attempt to reduce barrel vibration by packing at known nodes, any barrel contact, deliberate or not, will create a change in vibration, i.e dampen or reduce the vibration at the point of contact.

[muffett.2008]

Pic's replaced.