Hello, I have a 700VLS, a 700PSS, and a 700VSSF
What is the maximum torque, for the bedding screws on these.  I understand that it will vary from rifle to rifle and should be done in increments until I find a sweet spot, but what do I need to stay below?

BOB:
65 inch pounds is what is recommended.  How ever I have a friend that is a high power shotter that goes up to 80" #s, he does have a McMillen fiberglass stock.  I would not go over 65"#s on a wood stock.
Bill
SIMPER FI

55 to 65 inch pounds of torque.  The pillar bedding in the PSS and similar stocks will be fine.  Never put that much pressure on regular stocks (like wood or Steyr SSGs) or that have light weight screws (like the Model 7).  I cracked a floor plate on a SSG by stupidly over doing the torque on one.  Best.  Watch-Six

It seems there may be a bit of an argument over this.  

In an article titled “Testing Remington’s New Police Lightweight Tactical Rifle” in the 4/99 issue of Tactical Shooter magazine, writer Jacob Gottfredson states that Remington suggests the screws only be tightened to 43 inch pounds since the aluminum triggerguard may crack.  

65 inch pounds is apparently recommended by Remington for the military M-24, which has a steel triggerguard.

Gottfredson also quotes Norm Chandler (a pretty unimpeachable source) as saying that “… the biggest end result problem of this” [apparently tightening the screws to 65 inch pounds] “is that the recoil of the rifle causes the receiver screws to impact the aluminum triggerguard housing causing a “galling” effect enlarging the screw holes. “

I admit, I really don’t understand the cause and effect that Chandler is talking about.

Interestingly, Gottfredson says that by going from 43 to 65 inch pounds in two different rifles, he was able to tighten the groups by ¼ MOA.

I have no personal views on any of this – for all I know it could be totally wrong!  I just thought I’d run it up the flagpole.