Author Topic: How much torque? (Read 606 times)

Spot Shooter · « **on:** October 08, 2004, 02:56:07 AM »

Hey fellas,

My 300 WSM Abolt seems to like to loosen up the front action bolt.

I'm wondering how much I should be torquing it down, or maybe I should just put some locktight on it.

Any recommendations?

Thanks,
Spot

gunnut69 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 08, 2004, 04:51:03 AM »

I would be tempted to ask why the bolt is loosening? Is the stock between the action and the bottom metal collapsing? It's not normal for an action bolt to loosen all by itself. Wood stock or synthetic?

Dave in WV · « **Reply #2 on:** October 08, 2004, 01:53:42 PM »

For some reason my M70 30-06 tends to loosen the action screw in front too. I use blue Loctite and never have had a problem since.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 08, 2004, 07:13:53 PM »

I still wonder why? If an action bolt is properly tightened unless the support it is bearing against is moving, should not loosen.. I would consider pillar bedding to stabilize the stock between the action and the bottom metal..

Spot Shooter · « **Reply #4 on:** October 09, 2004, 04:39:49 AM »

It was in some fairly non-dense wood, but I had it changed out to the McMillan stock so I don't think I'll have problems this time.

However, what's the torque that SHOULD be used when tightening action bolts? Still a wonder for me.

Thanks,
Spot

gunnut69 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 09, 2004, 06:15:13 AM »

I've never used a torque wrench on a rifle action screw. If the bedding is right it should not make any difference, as the action should not move as the scrfew is released. I tighten the action screws after seating the action into the rear of it's mortise. Start with the front screw and just tight..then the rear tang screw also until just tight, then the middle screw(if one is present) just 'til it's stable..about 2 finger tight. Then go back and tighten the front screw very tight.. A well fitting screw driver is a must and care must be taken to avoid slipping.

Spot Shooter · « **Reply #6 on:** October 10, 2004, 11:25:57 AM »

gunnut,

That's pretty much the sequence I follow to tighten down the rig.

I've heard some smith's say 50 ft lbs! WOW... I tighten down as securly as I think it can stand.

Anywho, the abolt HAS to be tight with the Wissers or she doesn't feed right. Have'n a screw loose (which isn't really ever good), can be really bad with a Wisser.

I dabb'd a bit of blue stuff for added piece of mind so all should be well.

Thanks,
Spot

Bug · « **Reply #7 on:** October 17, 2004, 02:07:46 AM »

FWIW.........Um, that's 50 INCH pounds, not Foot lbs! Generally speaking 40-50 inch pounds should be sufficient. Most folks use an inch-pound torque wrench so the screws are tightened consistently whenever one is taken apart.