PSA- Action Screw Torque

I have given some inaccurate information in the past regarding action screw torque on bolt action rifles.
Thanks to C Ward and SA Friday for showing the error of my statements.


After doing a good bit of research and spending over an hour on the phone with various entities I have drawn 2 conclusions:

1- There is no absolute optimum action screw torque.
2- The absolute that is critical is that whatever the torque is, it needs to be equal for both screws.

65 in/lbs is "military standard" for the M40.
65 in/lbs is what HS Precision calls out regardless of what bottom metal is on the rifle.
McMillian calls 25-50 in/lbs regardless of bottom metal.
Bell and Carlson calls 50 in/lbs for bedding block stocks and 40 in/lbs for Carbolite stocks.
GreyBull Precision calls for "equally snug never to exceed 60 in/lbs".
Remington is all over the board- Synthetic and wood stocks "Hand tight" usually30-35 in/lbs- Sendero and "P" models up to 45 in/lbs. 40XS models 65-70 in/lbs. 40X rimfires 40 in/lbs.

Probably the best answer was from Greg at GreTan Rifles: "just tight enough to keep the action from moving in the stock, some work just fine with 25 in/lbs while other identical rifles need 45 in/lbs". He suggested to start at 25 and after a few shots pull the action and check for signs of movement. Increase in 5 in/lb increments until there is no indicator of movement and STOP. If the rifle NEEDS 65 in/lbs to hold it snug then there is a problem with the bedding-something is moving and that needs to be addressed before anything else can happen.

The stock itself is the biggest variable. Pillar bedded and Aluminum blocked stocks can stand a little higher torque than a tupperware or wood stock.
@ 65 in/lbs the risk of damaging the stock bottom metal exists. Not to mention the stock Remington screws will stretch and then they will never stay tight regardless of torque setting. Aftermarket screws are typically better quality and will withstand higher torque values.

Another thing that is critical is the screws need to both be at equal values. What we are trying to achieve is a stress free mating of action to stock. If the screws are unequally tightened that stress free mating is virtually impossible to achieve.

Thanks again to C Ward and SA Friday.
We are never above learning.
I sincerely apologize for any erroneous information I may have passed on.
[Beer]