Proper torque for "tactical" bases?

[mlebler]

Anyone out there know the proper torque for "tactical" style bases on a Remington 700? I have a Nightforce 2-piece base that I have always torqued down to 35 lb/in, just wondering what it should be???

 

[BC_Guy]

From badger ord.:

Now tighten all 4 screws, pushing the mount forward as you tighten. If you have an
adjustable torque wrench, the mounting screws should be 15 INCH-POUNDS.
If no torque wrench is available, holding the short end of the T-15 wrench tighten about as
tight as you can get it holding the short end of the T-15 wrench!

(+loctite)

 

[Mystic Precision]

Firm hand tight, blue loctite. If you really want to be sure, epoxy the bases to the action.

Problem solved.

Jerry

 

[Frozen Snake]

I got some blue loctite here. Give me shout if you need it.

 

[alberta tactical rifle]

Anyone out there know the proper torque for "tactical" style bases on a Remington 700? I have a Nightforce 2-piece base that I have always torqued down to 35 lb/in, just wondering what it should be???

20 INCH pounds on all 6x48 base and ring screws
65 INCH pounds on the 1/4" cross bolts of the ring

 

[Longshot]

How about tight?

 

[thunderflash]

20 INCH pounds on all 6x48 base and ring screws
65 INCH pounds on the 1/4" cross bolts of the ring

----------------------------------------------------------------
Any difference to this number if applied to 8-40 screws ?

 

[RePete]

----------------------------------------------------------------
Any difference to this number if applied to 8-40 screws ?

Richard Near recommends 20 - 24 inch/lbs for 8-40.

 

[frzburn]

I agree with alberta tactical rifle.
35 in-lb is too much. Bases are usually tightened to 20 in-lb. Use blue Loctite, NOT red (red is permanent stuff. Green is even worse)

Use 68 in-lb for the rings side nuts;
And tighten the ring caps to 15 in-lb, NO Loctite.


If you were willing to pay for Nightforce bases, you should also consider bedding them.
Too bad you didn't buy a one-piece base...

 

[alberta tactical rifle]

----------------------------------------------------------------
Any difference to this number if applied to 8-40 screws ?

8x40 will take 25 INCH pounds

 

[acrashb]

I assume that these torque figures are for steel into steel? What happens to the numbers if you're putting steel into aluminum?

Also, torques are different for dry tightening vs lightly oiled vs anti-seize/moly grease - the numbers should get lower for each application.

 

[alberta tactical rifle]

I assume that these torque figures are for steel into steel? What happens to the numbers if you're putting steel into aluminum?

Also, torques are different for dry tightening vs lightly oiled vs anti-seize/moly grease - the numbers should get lower for each application.

All very true.
Depending on the aluminum composition will determine the proper torque. Most higher quality rings are made of 7075 T6 aluminum, so a simple 10% reduction of torque is recommended. On cheap rings, who knows.
I can not see any advatnage to greasing screws, I run VERY lightly oiled screws to the posted specs, and have never had an issue.
I do use anti seize on steel screws into aluminum rings more to stop the dissimilar metal ugly things from happening.