Goodmorning all.Would like some advice on the need and gains in floating/bedding or both inOmegas.Have one in synthetic and one in laminate.Neither pass the dollar test.Both actual are quite accurate w/sub 2" [email protected] thinking if they do that w/barrel pressure could I improve with floating them and or bedding.Shooting both w/pellets,90 to 110gr.and 250/300gr.projectiles.Read some of the earlier posts and became intrigued on doing the shimming thing to my guns.Went to Advance Auto,picked up some1/16..1/32...and 1/64 shims.Cut,sized,and drilled all three to fit.Worked on the synthetic only to this point.Started with the 16th.first,they really allowed for a high float but my lug screws were then too short.Should I use the 16th.and get longer screws?If so,where?Is using the 16th.not allowing enough pocket support for the lugs?Don't want recoil to crack pockets,as I've read being possible.Then tried the 32nd.this allowed my screws to catch,although not sure if enough threads were engaged,but they did grab.The dollar test gives me passage to first lug but is not completely free of stock contact,as the 1/16th.allowedif that makes any sense.Should I sand the stock for more clearance?Somebody PLEASE set me straight,really not sure what I'm doing and am real concerned that I'm about to screw up something beyond remedy.Forgot to say that I have a friend that is terrific at gun work,he has bedded three center fires for me and improved accuracy tremendouslyand has offered to bed if I want.Should I just go this route and stop fretting?Thanks a ton for any help.

I have a Black Diamond XR that as you know is a free floated barrel. The dollar bill test is easy with that rifle and without a doubt it is a great shooter. Whether you would gain a lot of accuracy by floating the barrel is unknown. The design of the Omega is not mean to be a floater. Now bedding the rifle could not hurt it, and should actually make the rifle even more stable. If you have a friend that is skilled in bedding a rifle, I would probably go that route since you seem unhappy with a 2" group at 100 yards (that some people only dream of).

Change to loose powder your groups will shrink. Bedding the action like cayuqad suggested will also help.

HUNT4ME

Floating -> No! Not unless you have to for accuracy.

Bedding -> is always the best method again if you need to. if you are an occassional shooter and your gun isperforming satisfactorily keep doing your maintenanace and cleaningand it will continue to work for you. If you shoot a lot and I mean a lot or you are a competive target shooter bed it...

One other thing - if it is a laminate stockand it is working for you SEAL it - seal it well on the inside and wax it on the outside if you do not want to go through the hassel of sealing and rubbing the outside.

If it a synthetic stock -> shimming the recoil lug pockets will raise the barrel - see if that helps you accuracy if it doesn't set the gun back in the pockets. The pockets are not very deepso do not lift the action to much.I am looking into a method of re-enforcing my synthetic pockets easily.

Not sure you realize how good a consistent sub 2" groups are with a hunting rifle - let alone a muzzleloader. At that range your powder charge could make that difference, not even to mention all of the other varibles, such as wind, abilities, breathing and even the bullet you are using...

BUT - i know exactly how you feel - i would really be happy with a 1 hole group of 3 @ a 100 yards and I continue to try...

HUNT4ME, You are using pellets so you need to try using loose and finding the best load; chances are good that you can get 1 inch groups with a good scope and by working out the load.
Do not crank down the screws when reassembling stock and barrel mine shoots very good with 28 inch pounds and has shown no signs of stress with 150 gr loads.
You can do some very expensive damage in several ways trying to bed a gun if you dont know how and your does not sound like it would be an improvement. Lee