Pillar Diameter and Material?

[ericskennard]

My question of the day.....well two really......Is there an optimal diameter for pillars. I have seen 3/8", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8". Any thoughts on what diameter is best? These would be used in a full bedding job with Marine Tex or Devcon.

I have seen pillars made from steel, stainless from take off barrels, and now G-10 composite material. I know S & S Precision had switched to the G-10 a while ago. Stick said they don't expand or contract in heat and cold. What is your preference?

 

[ericskennard]

Wow no replies? A topic on this forum no one has an opinion for?

 

[boltfluter]

Eric,

To date I have used aluminum pillars that are flat on top. I use a stepped pillar in the front and 5/8 in the rear. Talking 700 or clone. Front pillar steps down from .950 down to .625. Results have been great so far. Rifle is bedded with pillars torqued to action and lowered into bedding. Works for me.

Paul

www.boltfluting.com

 

[JasonT]

I've seen aluminum most often. McMillan uses pretty skinny ones, but nobody can argue with their results. I've seen up to 3/4" diameter pillars, and most often 1/2"-5/8" on aftermarket stuff.

I personally like stainless steel most (barrel stubs), but I can't really justify why using science or logic .

 

[JRS]

I've seen aluminum most often. McMillan uses pretty skinny ones, but nobody can argue with their results. I've seen up to 3/4" diameter pillars, and most often 1/2"-5/8" on aftermarket stuff.

I personally like stainless steel most (barrel stubs), but I can't really justify why using science or logic .

McMillan uses them because that's what most people want.

 

[Rustystud]

I prefer .500" aluminum pillars contoured to fit the action. McMillan will inlet your stock with .500" piller holes. Pillars should make a metal to metal to metal fit with the action and bottom metal.
The late Dick Davis of McMillian Fiberglass was of the opinion pillars were not necessary with McMillan stocks. With all respect to Dick Davis we disagreed on this subject.

 

[Hal]

The rear pillar needs to be narrower than the trigger guard.

Hal