Might suggest not going so hard on sanding before doing any stain.
Very smooth all over after 240 or maybe 320 should still allow surface to soak up some stain colour.
The finer grits can just end up polishing the timber to the point where it repels most of the stain.
You get plenty of opportunity to achieve the ultra smooth finish through doing periodic wet sandings as you apply top coats.
Cheers, Waz

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