How much does free floating a barrel improve accuracy!

General discussion and information about the 204 Ruger.
ultralightshooter
Junior Member
Posts: 68
Joined: Sun Apr 27, 2008 1:22 pm
.204 Ruger Guns: ruger m77 markII ultralight

How much does free floating a barrel improve accuracy!

Post by ultralightshooter »

Hey guys, i have a ruger m77 mark II ultra light in 204 with a synthetic stock! I was wondering how much my accuracy would improve if i had the barrel free floated! Any info helps, thanks! :)
tuck2
Junior Member
Posts: 86
Joined: Sat Feb 19, 2005 4:55 pm
Location: Western Nebr.

Re: How much does free floating a barrel improve accuracy!

Post by tuck2 »

Every rifle is different. Check to find out where the barrel is contacting the stock. I have free floated a light weight rifle barrel and found that it shot bigger groups and then put in a glass bedding barrel pressure pad in the forearm with the rest of the barrel free floated. Over the years I have found that free floating a heavy barrel will in most cases improve the accuracy ,but with light barrels its a toss up.
stevecrea
Senior Member
Posts: 168
Joined: Sat Dec 16, 2006 5:47 pm
Location: Eagle, Idaho

Re: How much does free floating a barrel improve accuracy!

Post by stevecrea »

I have had a similar experience many years ago freefloating a light 240 Weatherby barrel in a Weatherby Mark V Deluxe. I was attempting to improve its accuracy, which was in the 1.0 to 1.25 MOA category, which was well within Weatherby's 1.5 inch guaranty. I removed the front pressure point, and the accuracy deteriorated somewhat.

I eventually put a little heavier Shilen barrel on it, and then, it shot well.

However, putting glass bedding underneath the chamber area for three or so inches may help as well.
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