I bedded my rifle such that there is about a 1 mm layer of Devcon between the pillar and action to set it at the depth I wanted in the stock. Devcon is pretty non-compressible, so other than chipping out I don't see how this would cause a problem. That said, aluminum has a higher compressive strength. I've decided the problem is probably more theoretical than real, but I'm not a machinist, nor a mechanical engineer, nor a gunsmith so this is just a gestalt. I used the Devcon Ti.
Compressive strengths
Aluminum 6061-T6, 35,000 psi
Devcon Ti (10760), 15,200 psi
Devcon Al (10610), 8,420 psi
Devcon steel (10110), 8,260 psi
Walnut, 7,580 psi
Fiberglass, 15,000-25,000 psi
I figure the compression at the screw head is where the most pressure is put on materials and the aluminum pillars are important to avoid collapse. The compression from the action is spread over a much larger area as the enter action contacts my bedding job.
For a 1/4x28 tpi fastener at the normal torque values for a rifle (45-65 in.lbs) the clamp load should be around 1,500 pounds. On the action side, as I have over a square inch of contact (not sure how the rounded engagement area effects this) I should be under 1,500 psi. At the bolt head, as the area the load is spread out over is smaller, the psi is probably significantly higher. I figured worse case scenarios is I end up sanding out the bedding job and doing it again. Of course, my stock is a lot cheaper than the Manners PRS2, so I'm a little more cavalier.
If there is anyone with experience, or a better understanding of the mechanics, please disabuse me of any foolishness.
