scope base mounting question

[Texas Solo]

I removed the scope & base (Weaver 20MOA) off one of my 308's to move to another rifle. While doing so, I noticed that the base screws were not really that tight, just decently snug. I had used blue Loctite when I installed that base too. So before putting things together on the second rifle, I'm wondering where I went wrong.
I had put a drop on each screw as it was being installed. I tightened them down and never thought about it again.
Should I have put the Loctite on the screws earlier and let it set up before installing screws?
Should I have torqued them more from the beginning? Torque spec????
I don't want to make the same mistake twice, as there's no way to go back and retighten the base screws without removing the scope.

[shoalwater]

I use Ken Farrell bases and they suggest 25in/lbs on the front screw and 30in/lbs on the rest.

[jonbearman]

Are you shooting high yardage,just wondering why a 20 moa mount.

[shoalwater]

He shoots F-TR, our local matches are only 500 Meters, but Houston is a short 2:30 away and they have 1000yd there. Texas Solo is definitely good enough to go compete there as well.

[pinsnscrews]

I noticed enough heat off the front of the receiver after a fast string one day to wonder if the blue loctite in the scope base screws might melt out from over the barrel threads.

[Texas Solo]

He shoots F-TR, our local matches are only 500 Meters, but Houston is a short 2:30 away and they have 1000yd there. Texas Solo is definitely good enough to go compete there as well.

Thanks for the vote of confidence Shoalwater. Those 1000 matches at Bayou are the reason for buying this new rifle.
Just got it today, lots of work to do. Hope to make Houston in a few months.

pinsnscrews...F Class is like slow motion. I never heat up a barrel that bad. But it is an interesting thought. thanks.

[thermaler]

I'm of the opinion that cleaning solvents have a way of "creeping" in under the mounts and probably act as a lubricant/ loosener--just my suspicion.

[Geo_Erudite]

Yeah, I would find the torque specs for your base. While your putting your base on a new rifle, have you given thought to bedding the base?

[Texas Solo]

Yeah, I would find the torque specs for your base. While your putting your base on a new rifle, have you given thought to bedding the base?

Bedding the base? Never heard of that. I think it's safe to put faith in the machine work of the base though.

Torque specs very a lot, depending on who you listen too. I did my usual 2 clicks of the wrist, with the Loctite, but then checked it with a torque wrench. It was at 15 inch pounds. I took it up to 17. Too afraid of snapping off the 6-48 screws to go tighter. I'll remove the scope and check it after 100 rounds or so.

[BillPa]

have you given thought to bedding the base?

BINGO! We have a winner.

Bill

[AZ_GUN_NUT]

Personally I always use Red loctite on my base screws. It isn't that difficult to remove them later on if need be. A few seconds of heat from a small propane/butane torch right on the screw heads will loosen up the Loctite. Make sure the holes in the receiver are clean, if there's some solvent in the threads the Loctite won't set up, seen that happen a few times.

[DanSavage]

Another vote for bedding the base, the base is usually nice and straight, its the action that could be off plenty more than a few thousandths.

[CharlieNC]

Ditto Az. That's what it took for mine to stay tight. I suspect those Weaver screws too?

[sharpshooter]

Use good screws and you don't need any loctite.

[Geo_Erudite]

Bedding the base? Never heard of that. I think it's safe to put faith in the machine work of the base though.

Here is one way to bed a base (http://www.murphyprecision.com/Page/Scope_Base_Bedding), though this method permanently attaches the base to the action. You could simply apply some Kiwi neutral shoe wax to the action so that it isn't permanent. Here is a video on bedding a base. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6RopWI0-GE)

[BillPa]

Here is one way to bed a scope (http://www.murphyprecision.com/Page/Scope_Base_Bedding), though this method permanently attaches the base to the action. You could simply apply some Kiwi neutral shoe wax to the action so that it isn't permanent. Here is a video on bedding a base. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6RopWI0-GE)

Ya beat me to it! :p

Instead of using the mount screws I made a bunch of these....
http://i47.tinypic.com/2eyhuu9.jpg

Apply the wax(Kiwi or Johnson's) on the shanks and threads then turn them in the holes. I rarely glue the mount(s) to a receiver, I have but in most instances it not needed.

Bill

[DanSavage]

Very good idea Bill,, I'l have to see if I can create a few studs like that for the next time I bed a base.

Regards,
Dan