glass bedding info

[elkhunterCO]

I'm ready to attempt my first glass bedding job- a new M70 with wood stock in 300 Win Mag.

Some questions for the experts -- Please don't reply if you have never bedded a rifle.

Can you guys recommend some good bedding material... I can buy an acraglass kit for about 25 bucks or a jar of Devcon titanium putty for a lot more, then I still need to buy a jar of wax or release agent. What kind do you guys use in your own rifles that has worked well?

When you tighten down the action screws in freshly bedded stock-- Do you tighten them down to factory torque? --- OR ---
Do you tighten them good and snug and then back off just a touch while the bedding sets?

I have read conflicting reports of how tight the action screws should be while the bedding is curing.

Anyhow, thanks in advance

 

[hoghunting]

For bedding I use Acragel instead of Acraglas as it is thicker and won't run as much. Have never had a problem using either one, just make sure you follow the instructions - especially about using the release agent. When bedding I just snug the screws as I don't want to squeeze all the bedding out. Just take your time, read the instructions, follow the directions and you'll have a very nice bedding job. Good luck.

 

[critter]

Good advise listed above. READ the directions until you have them memorized and follow them EXACTLY. Not a difficult process and provides very satisfying result.

 

[Skyshot]

+1 for Acraglass gel for wood stocks. Devcon is what I would use for a synthetic stock. Follow instructions to the T. There are lots of videos on Youtube you can watch to help you get the process down before you start.

 

[natman]

I use Johnson's Paste Wax because:

1) it works great.
2) I had a can on hand when I bedded my first rifle.

I have not personally used Kiwi Neutral Shoe Polish, but people whose opinions I respect have and report good results. A can would be cheaper than a can of JPW.

Use Acraglas GEL in the green box for bedding. Regular Acraglas is very thin and requires adding material to make it work for bedding.

 

[elkhunterCO]

Thanks for the replies.
Looks like I will try acragel.

 

[Liberty1776]

You will be glad. It's easy to use, provides great results. Just snug the screws. I use Acra-eez (about 20 coats) and have never had a problem - however, make sure you keep your threads clean! Spray the threads too, both the screws and sockets...

 

[Kp321]

I too use Acragel and paste wax. Rather than using the action screws, I use long inletting screws (no head) to align the action then use ratchet clamps to push the barreled action into the bedding compound. The original Acraglas is extremely strong when the glass flock is added but it being so runny is a real PITA.

 

[amflyer]

My last bedding job was this model and cal of rifle. I used the acraglas kit with the release. I put a single layer if electricians tape on the front of the recoil lug for ease or removal, as the bedding lug on the m70's aren't real tapered if at all.

Regarding the action screws: You want to have the least amount of stress on the action when the screws are finally tightened, after the bedding job. There are those that don't want the screws in place at all, and use surgical tubing of something to hold the action in place. Honestly, I want the screw holes lined up for me, so I usually put the screws in place and just slightly tighten. No real torque at all.

I word of advice when you remove the action the first time: it will be really tight. Go over some carpet and sit down, hold the stock and tap the barrel with a rubber mallet. It will finally come loose with a sound that you are sure is the stock cracking. It's really just the grip on the action giving way.

Also, don't forget to remove the little bit of factory bedding the m70's come with; if this introduces some "slop" in the stock to action fit, especially in the barrel channel, wrap just enough tape around the barrel to match the I letting diameter of the stock, and this will keep your barrel centered.