I'm using a temp gun from pro exotics to measure ground temp, and I have a Zilla thermometer/hygrometer combo about 2/3 of the way down the center of the tank. There's about 1/4 - 1/2 inch of bedding over the hot side, and I've pressed my hand onto it and it's just warm. I don't think the temp gun is wrong.
If you move the substrate and measure the temp on the floor of the tank what is it?
It is okay to use pine bedding for snakes.
It is okay to feed live food to snakes.