Action screw TQ ??

[rmist]

I saw this mentioned in another thread but nothing really expanded. The question is... What is the optimum torque for action screws? I realize it makes a huge difference on rimfire and have to try different settings to find the best one for individual rifle. What about our custom centerfire actions? My gunsmith Sid Goodling torques the screws to 55 in lbs. Do we need to find the right value on the action screws as well? Or just leave it as is ??
Thanx again,
Rmist

 

[watercam]

You do not say what stock you have but it sounds as if it is some kind of custom with pillars. 55 in/Ib would be fine. I tune my centerfire action screws a la Stan Pate's article on this site. Use the search function as this has been discussed at length before. Personally, I would find a powder charge you like, then play with seating depth, and lastly play with action screws if you feel accuracy can still be improved upon. Does not seem to work with tube gun stocks for me and works better with three-screw actions than two.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Well, like you said about rimfires, you'll have to try it to see if your rifle responds. I have played a little and found no change. I think if the bedding is correct it wont matter. I go about 40 in.lbs. I think the reason it matters on Savage is do to a design flaw. The rear action screw ends up going through a half pillar because the trigger assembly is so large there isn't room and there is no support behind that last screw and the action is flexing with the torque.

 

[rmist]

Thank you ! I'll do a search on that. Mine is a BAT model B. in a MBR stock. I pretty much have found the powder charge and seating depth. After more shooting it I might play with the torque a little.
Thanx again

 

[Uthink Uknow]

If Sid did the work, I'd leave them right there unless the groups really go to pieces. With a full bed under the action, you shouldn't need to do anything but get a good load and correct YOUR bad habits.