Aftermarket action screws material?

[Nub Hippie]

I already know what size/style I need so not looking for suggestions there. I can have either 18-8 stainless or Class 12.9 black oxide steel alloy, Worried about galling using stainless as I've seen it in other applications. I like black oxide, Is there any reason not to use Class 12.9(Grade 8+)?

[Robinhood]

You don't have to worry about galling with 18-8 like you would with 300 series. I like the button heads but some of them need to be machined down to .375 +or-.010" to fit in most stock counter bores.(a collet/lathe setup works really good for this.) McMaster gives dimensions on their screws so you can check if the head diameter needs to be reduced. Some guys go with a allen head cap to eliminate that problem.

[Nub Hippie]

Yea socket cap is my plan since clearance isn't an issue. Thoughts on grade 8+ tho? any reason not to use it? not that worried about rust/corrosion resistance as I take good care of my rifles.

[Robinhood]

There is no reason not to use high grade fasteners. Even the lowest grade 1/4 -28 can handle the maximum inch lb rating you would use on your action, where grade 8 can handle up to 120 inch lbs. Will the action threads handle that ...? I won't try. While I was looking it up 18-8 is alledged to handle 93 inch lb's. All of those ratings were "slightly lubricated".

[Nub Hippie]

Alright that's what I figured, thanks for the input, a second opinion never hurts :)