BARREL TORQUE

[billlarson]

How tite do you put barrels on.I took one part the other day nearly bare handed.... it was a 6.5 creedmoor.what about a 300 win.magnum...???
I use approx. 125 ft/lbs.Could a guy go by the Machinery Handbook..charts.???
Let the flames begin...
Bill

 

[rsmithsr50]

most of my target rifles are at 125 to 150
my 6ppc is a typical snap tight short range.
some low unknown number

 

[rjs1230]

50 ft lbs for me .

 

[Rat Rifle]

I would like to know the MINIMUM acceptable? There are some systems out there now that are shooting bug holes with hand tight. Some BR shooters do hand tight with a T wrench.

Or course a lot depends on how well machined the action face, recoil lug, and barrel shoulder are matched up.

 

[Terry]

For fun I used an open hand wack on my breaker bar. It took 60lb. with my torque wrench to break it free.
They never came loose.

 

[Walt Krafft]

If the action face and barrel shoulder are square, once they come together, anymore rotation of the barrel HAS to be deforming something. Wack of the hand on the action wrench for me. A drop of blue locktite as insurance.

 

[kvd]

Approximately 75 Ft/Lbs with a copper based anti-seize on the threads.

 

[ToddKS]

I have been running 80, but I am considering lowering that to 70 or 65. There does not seem to be any movement in the barrel when I torque from 65 to 80. I also use anti-seize grease.

 

[Ron Gorski]

For fun I used an open hand wack on my breaker bar. It took 60lb. with my torque wrench to break it free.
They never came loose.

Using a torque wrench to loosen thinks is never advised.

 

[gunsandgunsmithing]

Approximately 75 Ft/Lbs with a copper based anti-seize on the threads.

I also use about 75 ft/lbs but I use a white anti seize rather than the copper or silver stuff. Those are intended for very high temp applications where the carrier lube burns away but leaves a copper or aluminum coating on the parts, preventing seizure. Not that there's anything wrong with using them. A good grease is all we need, though.

 

[Ranger188]

I use shouldered barrels and my smith says, 75.
I put some hi temp lithium grease on the threads, they go on great.
Never had a problem getting one off.
Use a barrel vise and appropriate action wrench.

 

[Terry]

Using a torque wrench to loosen thinks is never advised.

It was a TEST.

 

[Rat Rifle]

I have torque wrenches that work in both directions.

 

[Uthink Uknow]

We sell tee handle and we sell 1/2 inch recess handle wrenches that accommodate a torque wrench and the sales are about seven to one in favor of tee handles.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Whatever your gunsmith had it set to when it was headspaced is the correct answer

 

[rwj]

Whatever your gunsmith had it set to when it was headspaced is the correct answer

Alternately, if you’re planning to reinstall a barrel, place match marks on the action/barrel so they can be realigned thereby restoring headspace.

 

[Mikemontminy]

At one of my F-class matches the shooter I was scoring was dialing adjustments into the scope chasing shots around the 7 to 10 ring. When the match was over we found the problem. The barrel had come loose and the scope mounts were loose as well. I’m surprised the shots even stayed on paper at 600 yards.

 

[BenPerfected]

Alternately, if you’re planning to reinstall a barrel, place match marks on the action/barrel so they can be realigned thereby restoring headspace.

Or use a torque wrench.
Ben

 

[group therapy]

half of y'all are NUTS!!!! ill let you figure out which half your in!!!!!!

 

[linebaugh]

Alternately, if you’re planning to reinstall a barrel, place match marks on the action/barrel so they can be realigned thereby restoring headspace.

If you reinstall and go past your mark you are likely streaching threads and not changing headspace, unless you are using a bbl nut system. I would doubt you can crush the barrel shoulder, recoil lug or action face enough to change headspace unless you have out of square parts or a poorly stamped lug.