[pikergolf]

Originally Posted by qwert

Thanks for posting the link to the article.

IMHE when accuracy suddenly deteriorates significantly, it is usually a mechanical issue, but careful bore cleaning is never wasted effort.

At least some Savage Accustocks use a plain milled slot in the bedding block, and not the ‘wedge system’ reported in the article, and were manufactured with standard top right bolt release/cocking indicator, and smooth barrel nut.
The 6061 under the lug slot is only 1/8” thick, but is longitudinally stiffened by the outside walls of the bedding block that also form the mounting surface providing lateral alignment to the tube type receiver. As the action screws are tightened, these side walls are intended to flex outward and maintain tension while the receiver bottom is secured in solid contact with the raised blocks that act as ‘pillars’. Witness/wear marks on the top of the side walls and ‘pillar’ section can confirm solid engagement and positioning.
HS Precision stocks use a solid bedding block with a shape and function similar to a properly bedded action. Some add a thin ‘skim bedding’ of epoxy for improved ‘fit’.

I suggest very careful inspection of the aluminum bedding block. 6061 is not as hard or strong as 7075, and I suspect an over-tightened wedge system could easily combine with recoil, to generate enough force to crack or distort the 6061 bedding block or side walls in the area of the receiver front ring and the barrel lug. I suspect any crack would be visible (to well trained young eyes), but dye penetrant or other NDT would be better. Distortion of the side walls may be assessed by measuring with the ID jaws of a common caliper.

Improperly aligned mounts or rings will place stress on scope tubes, which can cause poor performance.
I prefer carefully leveled & epoxy bedded 20moa P-rails, with screws properly torqued and secured with purple (NOT blue) Loctite, AFTER the bedding epoxy has fully hardened and cured..

I have other problems with Savage parts and especially service, but all my Savage rifles shoot VERY well.

Good Luck, YMMV.

Thanks for that, will look into it.