How much does free floating a barrel improve accuracy!

[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]

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]

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.