I was taught to test bedding the same manner as DAA depicted. I run my dial indicator parallel to the bore though, and against the tip of the forend. Same difference, if the barrel raises or lowers relative to the stock, the dial gives it away.
Varminter .223 - the most accurate rifles built into wood stocks are pillared and bedded. Those in the know tend to leave a bit of clearance on top of the pillars, in fact, such that there is not metal to metal contact (this prevents the pillars from creating a high point when the bedding compound shrinks). Shims on top of the pillars while bedding can produce this, or a piloted facing reamer can be used - or simple bedding tape.
I install my pillars with stock makers screws which only hold the pillars to the action, with the action and pillars held into the stock only with a few wraps of electrical tape (used to use surgical tubing, either works).
