Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing Skim bedding an aluminum bedding block?

I would like to skim bed an HS stock with the aluminum bedding block. It is for a single shot Savage 12.

I have seen quite a few guys simply skim bedding without really 'prepping' the surface. I was thinking to at least drill a few anchor points in the bedding block to ensure a more solid surface.

For the guys that have skim bedded aluminum blocks, how do you recommend I go about prepping the surface?

Just as a last thought, will a 223 benefit from skim bedding in such a heavy rifle?

Thanks

Pieter