I had a B model, that did not exhibit signs of wander when heated up.
It was not free floated either, was an older model (used when I got it in '78).
Fantastic shooter...........for years, until the throat eroded.
The rib mass, design and attachment system, that all then touching the bbl, and also the front of the receiver............think those issues probably overshadow any
TCE difference.....since both made of steel.
My #1.....put warm shots with the cold start. Hot was in the same area, but group size opened.
This rig if you let it cool between shots was sub .5 MOA. Not cooling, it was at or under an inch. If I flubbed a shot, the 2nd usually got the chuck.
3 shots from a #1........rare thing. Think I did blast 3 chucks in rapid succession one day, 150 yards. Herd was running after the first shot (total was 8 in that general area- didn't see but 3 of them).
My dad's even older (1st style) in .22-250 is decent in that regard as well, also a B model, but it never shot as good as my .243 did. My old rig impressed quite a few locals. Being a lefty, he was thrilled to get a #1..........but his never did impress me. Still has it, .75" to 1" rig.
Sad mine wore out. I didn't have the $ at the time, still going to college, to have it rebarrelled. In hindsight I should have thrown it in the closet and kept it until I did.
Nice wood and a lot of dead chucks with it.
I have however seen several last of the redpad #1's that were nightmares for their owners. Some found the magic load, some did the stock work to help........some gave up and ditched 'em.
Pretty much a coin toss on what you're gonna get.
So pretty it might be tolerable to lose a couple before a win.
I just got an RSI...........haven't even shot it yet. Might be my kid's deer rifle, will be happy if it does 1.5" @ 100.
If not, yup........rebarrel.
Have heard that the newer models seem to be less temperamental.
Also heard that the action can be timed to help with accuracy. Bud has an A in .243 that he says is a one hole rig.
IIRC the rifle builder charged 300 for that job.