i always assumed that in all cases the best way to treat a barrel (on a hunting rifle--model 700, 7, 77 or 70) was to make sure there was plenty of space around the barrel ( so there was no chance of contact b/t the barrel and the stock).  i was recently talking to a friend and he told me that he is a firm believer in bedding all his barrels (placing bedding compound in the barrel channel of the forearm and then putting the barrel in place).

from yalls experience is it best (accuracy wise) to glass bed a barrel or to free float a barrel?  thanks, jim  

My understanding is that the idea is to bed the action (pillar bedding is best) and free float the barrel.

Anywho, that's my plan for my next project.

Float the barrel. Bed the action. On a 10-22 it is the reverse.

It depends...  Free-floated barrels MAY shoot more accurately, but will shoot more consistently(hopefully that makes sense!)  Some bolt actions shoot more accurately with 5-10 pounds of pressure from the fore-end on the barrel.  IMO, free-float the barrel and test the accuracy.  Then loosen the action, and slide one or two small pieces of thin cardboard between the barrel and fore-end about 2-3 inches from the tip of the fore-end.  Tighten up the screws and test it again.  You'll know right away what set-up you rifle likes better.

thanks for the advice...along with yalls responces i've done a quick search on the internet.  things are a little bit clearer now.  

i want to get a .260 model 7 and restock it.  i'd like to throw together a lightweight, compact, accurate rifle...but have yet to find a model 7 at the right price.  since i've seen one of those tigerwood laminate stocks i've been itching to put one together myself.  (i also wouldn't mind rechambering it in 260 remington improved) for now i'm just sort of going through the different things that i need to consider when putting this dream gun together.  

thanks, sloth

Chas is right about the 5-10lbs of pressure.I have seen plenty of rifles that shot better this way.Usually the sporter and light barrel ones,but not always.Matter of fact i've never seen a 22lr bolt gun that didnt except for a couple very heavy barreled ones.