Simple as that. I’m opening up the barrel channel and have .073 all the way around. This should be a zero flex stock. That’s figured with a .125 action wall to the mini-chassis. I’m taking measurements all the way assuming 1” cut off from my blank although it’s generally less, that will give me the most clearance. I’m taking measurements all the way down and am erroring on the generous side. Am I down the right path?

Gratuitous Pic

On a stiff stock, I make certain a bill (I don't used $100 like big baller Buzz does ) will fit between everything to the lug.

On a sloppy stock...I make certain it doesn't touch under flex...like load the bipod and have someone else put Buzz's $100 bill between the barrel and the stock.

After all the meticulous measurements, I still do the ole slide a dollar bill all around it after tightening things down.

As do I, but the rifle isn’t chambered yet and I’m trying to get ahead of the ball.

I'm liking the precision, can't over do that. If for nothing else pride.

I've only done three. Two wood, and one on a B&C Medalist. I opened it up to what I thought would work since I knew it wouldn't have any relevant flex. I put my barreled action back on, with front screw loose. I used a sheet of copy paper between my barrel and the sand paper so the sand paper was not in contact with the barrel but would abrade the stock. Sanded, tightened, sanded, tightened.......until I got it right.

I normally use two sided tape to stick sandpaper to the barrel and use the barrel itself as a mandrel. The thickness of the sand paper is all the float that I have ever needed. This works really well on a 700 because you can leave a stripped reciver attached to the barrel to help position the fore and aft location of the barreled action while sanding.

i'll donate a hundo

PM sent with mailing address Thanks Buzz...you're alright, I don't care what wp says about ya

WP...don't do this until it's chambered...you'll never get the tapered part right...unless you give the chamber guy the stock so he can get it to align. But typically you chamber then fit it so the stock.

He’s right down the road from me, send it here….

Chris, for the best sanding job wait till you have the barreled action and sand it ala J.G……loosen action screws, mount bipod and steady the gun with your feet on the bipod legs while ‘sandwiching’ sand paper (with backing to keep from scratching barrel) between the stock and barrel. Use a see-saw action and tighten the action screws when the sandpaper slides easily, continue until the action screws are tight. This will sand the barrel channel to match your barrel.