The thing is, with the Howa or the Sako action, the front screw not only goes into the lug but there is no portion of the receiver ahead of the lug. On any receiver which has at least some bedding surface ahead of the lug, one can float the barrel all the way back and clear the bottom of the lug with some success. Actions like this would be the Ruger 77, the Mauser 98, the p14 Enfield. Those which do not have any bedding surface ahead of the lug must either be bedded on the bottom of the lug or at the rear of the barrel.
My preference has always been to float the barrel entirely whenever possible but I will bed the barrel shank when there is no other option.
Howa, Sako, Winchester 54, are all receivers which can be bedded on the bottom of the lug and work out ok but generally work a little better with the barrel shank bedded for an inch or so and the lug cleared on the bottom. GD
