Thread: Stock Bedding a .22LR

I have wondered over the times whether this would be of any benefit. First thoughts was that the .22 is such a low stress cartridge that it really wouldnt make any difference.

As a round about way of testing this I removed my Norinco JW15 (decently accurate rifle) from its stock, put it back in changing the action screw timing/strength each time and shot a five round group each time. All three groups were identical and identically to the same point of impact. Which is circumstancial evidence that for this rifle it doesnt matter. But this is not the same as doing it for real.

I have tried free floating barrels on .22's before and it hasnt made any difference either, which hints at the same thing.

So does bedding the average .22 make a difference?

My thoughts are - no .

For average field usage you wont acheive a noticeable differance for the effort require. Just my opinion.

For a target rifle - maybe . But it will only be one of the ingredients to make better accuracy or consistancey

Others experience may differ

For hunting/plinking, most probably no. Except in cases where the metal to stock fitment is horrendous.

For competition: It sure does.

I'm playing with a "classic" 22 with a fully bedded barrel just now and it sure does make a difference, groups go from 30+mm to 10mm (at 50M) if I free float it with aluminum tape/ play with action screw tension. This rifle will be getting a proper bedding job.

But is it worth it for a jw15 for rabbits? Cost vs results - I suspect not.

Unless you are seeing a zero shift probably then it's likely not worth it.