Proper torque for Win M70 action screws?

[Steave]

I've got a number of Winchester M70's, these are not competition guns, just varmint rifles with synthetic stocks. I have generally torqued the front and rear action screws to 45-50 in/lbs and the middle screw just a hair past finger finger tight. Today, however, I was thumbing through "The Benchrest Shooting Primer" and saw a reference by Bob White that if an action has three screws, he tightens the front screw to 40 in/lbs and the middle and rear to 35 in/lbs. This kinda goes against everything I've ever heard, but Bob knows a helluva lot more about rifle accuracy that I'd ever hope to know.

I'm sure there are a number of folks here shooting M70 for various shooting sports, I'm curious how y'all torque your screws? I'm gonna give Bob's technique a try, but would like to hear from others on this subject.

Thanks much!

 

[KMart]

I just got through this process this past weekend. Mod 70 short action 6XC. H-S Precision stock with bedding block and bedded with Devcon. I started out at 25 Inch Pounds and shooting 3 shot groups. All groups had big vertical stringing until I got to 55"#. Then 4 shots went into a .208 group.
On the other hand the 25-06 with the same stock is just the opposite. It likes barely snug screws with the front screw backed off 1/4 turn.

 

[Steave]

Thanks for the info. Did you have all screws at 55 lbs or just the front and rear?

 

[bozo699]

Steave,
This is a good question you have here, I have a #70 22-250 coyote and a # 70 .300wm and I as well would like to know the proper way to torque the screws. I guess I will have to follow your thread to find out
Wayne.

 

[KMart]

Steave, On the short action, the middle screw is just pulled up to the trigger guard...no tension on it. I left both the front and rear screws set at 55#.
Ken