Before I retired from Gunsmithing (about 25 years ago) I worked on a lot of 700's. The best results I achieved especially with Magnums (7's and 300's) was full length bedding including recoil lugs. My theory was right or wrong it dampened barrel vibration which increased accuracy. It seemed to work pretty good for me ands my clients. Post 64 Winchesters when they came out were free floated so we normally full bedded them to get good groups especially the 264's which shot all over the place.
