Generally speaking a standard, or heavy weight barrel will probably shoot better free floated. Some very thin mountain rifle type barrels shoot better with a little forend pressure, others do better floated. They are a little harder to predict.
Some believe that full length bedding to get even and consistent pressure on a barrel improves accuracy. As long as the work is done right both methods will work I think. But it is s lot easier, cheaper and simpler to just free float rather than try to get consistent full length contact with the barrel.
I think full length bedding is best used with synthetic stocks. It is impossible to completely weatherproof wood. Free floating gives the wood a little room to move as environmental conditions change. If you try for full length contact the wood will put uneven pressure on the barrrel as weather conditions change.
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