Remington 40-X Action Screws...

[glp]

can someone point me in the right direction regarding torque on these screws. Is proper tightening sequence front then rear screw?

Also, the two tension screws on end of stock that put barrel under tension...what is correct "initial" setting if there is such? Mine is an original stock heavy barrel model. Thanks --Greg

 

[Douglas]

I don't know if I do it "right", but here's what I do. Loosen both, front 15inlbs, rear 15inlbs, front 25inlbs, rear 25inlbs, front 30inlbs, little middle screw just snug up. That's with a stock that's glass/pillar bedded and I never use the two tuning screws. Thanks, Douglas

 

[Doug]

Lets Tune that 40X

First thing is that you can only help your 40X by bedding it.
With a good bedding job anything over 25 in/lb of torque on any action screw can possibly do more harm than good.

Now back to your question. You can tune your rifle using the action screws.
First pull the action out of the stock and clean out any oil or other junk. Look to see that there are not any real noticeable high places in your stock. Shiny wood will tell you that.
Make sure that the barrel is free floated & your recoil lug is only touching the stock on its rear side. (Most Remington shooters consider this very important)

Now - Go to the range on a nice calm day and play with it. In general a lot of 40X shooters will put more torque on the front screw. Is that the best – not necessarily because every rifle is different.
Back out the two fore end screws so they are not touching!
Maybe start with something like 25 in/lb front and rear and shoot 10 warm up shots then shoot a group of 5.
Then try 28 lb on the front and shoot 5 warm –up and a group of 5.
Repeat this going in 3 in/lb increments upto a max of 40 in/lb.
You should now see a pattern in what the torque is doing to your tune.

If you want to play with the fore end screws then get a cheap volt/ohm meter. Slowly tighten them in till they just touch the barrel using the volt/ohm meter. Shoot 5 warm up shots and back the screws out and then in till just touching now shoot a group of 5.
Now carefully turn each screw in1/2 turn and shoot a group. After about 6 or 7 ½ turns you should see a trend.

Just remember your Action Screw settings & fore end ‘Tune’ will change with temp & humidity conditions along with barrel temp.

 

[Rich In Kansas]

I had one years ago, one of my big mistakes was trading it. Anyhow the front screws I would back out till they don't touch and test. Then if your not happy try using them. You can rig a battery bulb, wires, clips and and battery. Hook one lead to action and other to screw driver. When the screw touches thebarrel the light comes on. Do the same with the other screw. Then if I remember right the screws have clicks. Turn them both in the same amount. Try different setting and test. They do work, however with the wooden stock the setting will probably change with temperature and humidity. Not reliable. The action screws should probably go no more than 15 - 20 inches without pillars. You don't want to crush the wood.