Pros/Cons on one and two piece bases

[N7XW]

I need to decide on one or two piece bases for my new rifles.  I'm no expert but I do want to collect all the information I can before making a decision.  What do ya'll think?  Let's start a discussion on it. 

Seems the benefits to a one piece base is added rigidity of the action and availability of a 20 moa ramp.  However, the downside is the base may not align perfectly to the top of the action and/or mounting holes potentially causing vertical shot stringing.  This can be mitigated by bedding the base.  I'd like to know just how effective bedding the base is and thoughts on doing it.  For two piece bases, you don't need to bed them but also don't get the extra rigidity.  But is it really needed?

How about steel vs. aluminum?  Steel would be the obvious choice for extra strength and (for me) the added weight is not an issue.  But there seems to be a much better selection of aluminum bases and rings on the market.

[Magnum_Willys]

I feel good about aluminum 2 piece when loctited and lapped.  Oh and green loctite under bases.

[N7XW]

Forgot to mention, I do lap my rings and check alignment.

[bobcat]

Good questions. I don't know all the answers, just know that lately I've mostly been using Warne 2 piece steel bases and they seem to work really well. I only went to a one piece base,  a Warne aluminum picattiny rail, on my Rem. 700 338 Win. Mag., only so that I could mount the scope further back for proper eye relief.

[N7XW]

Good questions. I don't know all the answers, just know that lately I've mostly been using Warne 2 piece steel bases and they seem to work really well. I only went to a one piece base,  a Warne aluminum picattiny rail, on my Rem. 700 338 Win. Mag., only so that I could mount the scope further back for proper eye relief.

Have you noticed any scope movement or reticle shift?  I've been hesitant to put aluminum bases and rings on my 338 (no muzzle brake).

[Reidus]

epoxy the bases or base down, lap the rings and use loctite on screws. if you dont glue the base down, the only thing keeping it from moving is friction. Its not as hard to remove as some might think.

[BULLBLASTER]

I have and really like the Hawkins hybrid rings. They are an integral base and ring combo. Other than that I have a couple rifles with aluminum pic rails and some with 2 piece bases.

I’ll ad that imo if you are thinking that an aluminum pic rail or steel for that matter will add rigidity to an action you are worrying about the wrong things. 
It’s still held on by a few small screws.

Choose quality bases and rings and it makes zero difference.

[N7XW]

I’ll ad that imo if you are thinking that an aluminum pic rail or steel for that matter will add rigidity to an action you are worrying about the wrong things. 
It’s still held on by a few small screws.

Good point.

[elkaholic123]

I have always used Talley lightweight 1 piece, no lapping needed and never had a problem on magnum calibers.

[Bob33]

I've always used two piece bases on everything from rimfires to 30 calibers magnums. I torque the bases and ring screws to the recommended settings, don't use loctite or other fastening compounds and have never had a problem.

[yorketransport]

I've always used two piece bases on everything from rimfires to 30 calibers magnums. I torque the bases and ring screws to the recommended settings, don't use loctite or other fastening compounds and have never had a problem.

I've never used Loctite on a set of bases even on guns in the 375 H&H and 458 Win Mag class of recoil. I do clean and properly lubricate the fasteners though when necessary. Dry torquing fasteners in dirty threads can cause poor retention and inaccurate torque readings.

I like to use two piece bases on hunting guns that I'm loading from the top of the action. If its a DBM set up then a one piece base is fine. I used to worry about lapping rings but now I just use Burris Signature rings whenever I can so I don't have to worry about it.

[Wacenturion]

Pretty much use DNZ Game Reaper one piece mounts on all my newer rifles.  Have a few older ones that I have used period correct mounts on, Bueller, Talleys, etc..  DNZ are simple to install, lightweight, and no lapping required.  Look great as well...JMO.

[N7XW]

I went ahead and ordered a Warne one piece 20 moa base. I'll try my luck at bedding it, probably with JB Weld and some "release agent" so that it won't stick to the rifle.  My new 30-06 will be the guinea pig.  We'll see how it goes.  If it works well I'll do the same for the other rifles.