Good handloads can't fix lousy bedding.

[smlemon]

My Mk4#2 was driving me nuts as no load jacked or cast shot decently. (50 yards)

Privi handload:





Known good cast bullet:




Just because encasing rifles in wood is a bad idea, I took off the upper handguards and both bands.

Privi load no handguards:



cast load no hand guards:



Just ordered two books on accurizing the SMLE. Only "bone stock" military rifles I have ever owned that would shoot 1 moa or better were pre WWII 03s, Persian Mausers and M 38/96 Swedes.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

That was always a question I'd raise when someone would tell me their rifle had been "Bedded"..."Who done it?"

[smlemon]

I have bedded lots of rifles of the bottom stock only variety. IME, only 03s, Persians and Swedes shoot 1 moa or better as issued. This SMLE is "as built" and I can see a lots of places for potential problems but I'm not getting out the tools until the books arrive. Having dealt with many Ruger No 1s (with no aftermarket add ons) I know what a pain a 2 piece stock is because of its design. At least I know the SMLE has potential.

[ArtioZen]

How does it do with good condition Mk7/Mk8 milsurp? I always have these on hand for baseline when developing loads (I use HXP from one lot).

I see the difference in hand guards on / off (cant think why!?) and a variations of powder types and charges - I wouldn't be upset with any but the first group considering the powder loads indicated and would test them out to 100 and 200yds to see how they settle down (I recently found my groups are slightly larger than I want at 100, but are similar and better than expected at 200).

I recommend following PL's stocking up procedure / checks available here (before other books / sources)- esp for draws, knox bed area and front bearing pressure with a correctly adjusted front trigger guard screw bushing with spring washer present. The std No4 bedding set up is tough to beat and is easy to verify / maintain.

On brass and things - other components can have an effect - I reduced my reload variation by almost half by setting my once fired HXP to trim-to length, turning necks for consistency and weight grading to a 0.4grain window for each 10 -20 round group = the most impactful thing I did to the whole rifle / ammo combination (never touched the bedding after verifying good - but tried lots of other sling, powder and projectile options). - This has proven good on my P14 and 1945 BSA No4.

I hope this helps!