I saw a discussion elsewhere concerning action truing, Rem 700 actions to be specific. The discussion revolved around the different methods for action truing. IE - piloted reamers and taps as opposed to lathes, lathe fixturing and single point cutting. The discussion went on at length about which methods were more accurate and how to measure improvements.
So. The gist of the discussion wound up being, what the gunsmith is attempting is to have the receiver ring, lugs and bolt hole as perpendicular and concentric as possible. Likewise, the bolt face, lugs and bolt body perpendicular and concentric as possible to itself and the receiver. No problem, that's all well and good and I 'get' that.
Where I became confused was when the discussion turned to 'bowed' receivers. I can certainly see how a receiver could be manufactured with a 'banana' shape to it in a high volume manufacturing facility. Likewise, it seems custom actions are not immune from this condition, either. And the proposed solution was to make the corrections that were possible to true the action to the center line as much as possible, as the bolt body will find center.
OK. Had to think about that for a bit, but I follow.
SO. I posed the question, what happens to the finely trued receiver when you hang an 8 lb or more heavy/varmit floated barrel off one end of the action? The answer was, proper bedding will prevent action deflection. So. I asked, just how far from the recoil lug toward the muzzle end does the bedding need to extend to compensate for the barrel weight and prevent deflection?
As yet, I have received no answer.
I freely admit I do not know the answer to this question. I suspect complete elimination of deflection is simply not possible, but I'm just guessing.
So. If anyone here knows the answer to my question, I would appreciate any method and explanation you would be generous enough to share.
Thanks for lookin' at my post.