Aluminum bedding

[Centermass]

Anyone got a favorite bedding aluminum compound

…and anyone got a different technique than taping up the receiver and screwing back in to set?

[Bigslug]

Devcon Stainless Steel Putty lies within the stock of a lot of sniper / target rifles. Not cheap, but if you're trying to build the longest lasting pyramid. . .

[Zee]

Devcon Stainless Steel Putty lies within the stock of a lot of sniper / target rifles. Not cheap, but if you're trying to build the longest lasting pyramid. . .

IMG_6497.gif (4.3 MiB) Viewed 713 times

[mitdr774]

I have used a Devcon two part mix in the past and have used two part tube epoxy as well. It just depends on what it is and what I have on hand. For the metal I use Johnson paste wax and a quick spray of one shot sizing lube to get in any spots I may have missed. I use T-Handle screws for holding the action in the stock while the compound cures. It has not let me down yet.

[Wambli Ska]

Anyone got a favorite bedding aluminum compound

…and anyone got a different technique than taping up the receiver and screwing back in to set?

I’ve been using two part plumbers putty to bed rifles for years. Devcon is one of the manufacturers that makes one.

Some of them were bedded decades ago and zero failures. It’s easy, no mess and I use spam or any other oil as a releasing agent. Coat action liberally and screw down. Sets in 5-10 mins and fully cures in 24 hours. Then torque to 55-65 in/lbs.

[CPJ 2.0]

If by taping up the action, you mean actually putting tape on the action....no. No bueno. You wont be left with a mirror image in the bedding. You will have a larger cavity than the action. Shoe polish, cooking spray, oil, etc will make the action not stick. Holes can be plugged with modeling clay.
The Devcon is good stuff, and expensive. The stainless is silly, as all of the metal particles are.....encapsulated in epoxy.
Whats important is to find a product that doesnt shrink. Most any will be strong enough.

I dont like the expoxy putty. Yes, its easy. Ive used it on a few things. But not bedding a whole action. You have to smash the poop out of it to get it to flow to where it needs to be. That leads to it being thicker than I care for, or, not having the action square to the stock.

[Justsomedude]

I use carnuba wax on the action and clay in the places I don't want bedding material like the wise one above mentioned. A trick I learned from an old guy that's been smiting longer than I've been alive is to use fiberglass reinforced body filler as the bedding material. It doesn't shrink at all and leaves a fantastic fit and finish but your work time is minimal.