I generally free float a barrel right from the start - even if it opens up the groups a little. With fore end pressure, guns will often print higher when shooting from a firmer rest than a sandbag. They sometimes kinda bounce off springy rest, like a Harris bipod. I also will glass bed the action right away, unless it is a sythetic stock - in which case I usually install the aluminum pillars. Best scenario of all, IMO, is the H-S Precision stocks with a generous free float. They have proven to be the most reliable, in terms of holding zero, of any stock out there. Particularly when combined with a cryo frozen barrel.