Gunsmithing Accuracy change

Re: Accuracy change

Did you tighten the action screws exactly to the same specs? Not sure of the spec for your particular rifle, but I chose a spec for mine and use a torque driver to ensure they are tightened to the same spec every time.
 
Re: Accuracy change

Well if you tightened them in the same order (front first) and there was no POI shift. There may be something else going on. Also was this a major increase in spread? There are so many variables to consider.

Barrel heat, cleanliness, environmental, bipod loading, trigger pull, and so on.

Lastly, I have read that pillar bedded rifles and blocked rifles can be torqued to 60-65 " lbs, I never have. I only go to about 35 " lbs on my SPS-V in B&C stock.

Just run some more tommorrow and bring your wrench. Just dont get too spun around the axle as you can end up spending a lot of ammo chasing ghosts.
 
Re: Accuracy change

Check for debris under action and barrel. This goes double for the recoil lug recess in the stock if the rifle has been bedded.

Also check for clearance between the trigger/stock, bolt handle when closed/stock.

It doesn't hurt to check for excess lube on the bottom of the action.

With the barreled action reinstalled check the stock fit for anything that looks different than before such as barrel favoring one side of the channel or more/less gap under the barrel at the end of the forend.

Keep us posted.