Gunsmithing Bedding: What's allowable

[jsthntn247]

I recently bedded a rifle that was my first pillar bedding job. I've done a bunch of skim beds and always have been able to keep deflection under .002. I checked this one with a magnetic base and micrometer and am seeing .005-.006 deflection when loosening and tightening screws. This is not the worst but understand .002 is the most others have said is allowable. What should I be seeing when shooting the gun to tell me if I need to re-bed it.

 

[goodgorilla]

How do you set up the magnetic base with the dial to test the stress?

 

[jsthntn247]

Stick the gun upside down in a vise and level with action screws torqued. Put the magnetic base on the barrel or preferrably right next to the stock on a metal surface and clamp down. Put the indicator on the stock close to the tip. Loosen the front action screw and watch for movement on the indicator. Retighten the screw and watch for movement. Repeat on the rear screw.