Gunsmithing Bolt Lugs Galling... Effects on accuracy

[Mr. F]

Its just something ive wondered for awhile. How bad does the galling of bolt lugs have to get to adversely exert an effect on the accuracy or safety of a bolt gun?

Im talking short actions, 700 styles... Thanks!

 

[Ledzep]

Mostly affects how hard the bolt lifts. It's mostly a surface interaction thing; I don't think it would get to the point that it would affect safety. It might shorten the head space in an extreme case. I have doubts it really affects accuracy perceptibly.

 

[BurnOut]

I would think that over time, as the lugs wear, that headspace would increase... but as always, I reserve the right to be wrong.

 

[GH41]

I would think that over time, as the lugs wear, that headspace would increase... but as always, I reserve the right to be wrong.

It would tighten it just before it loosened it.

 

[skeetlee]

No accuracy effects. My best 6ppc has a galled lug. I love BAT actions but their untreated bolts are very prone to galling. i can feel it when i close the bolt, and i have lapped a little of the galling out. This rifle of mine still shoots teen aggs like it always has. Lee

 

[Jigstick]

Tell me you are using quality bolt grease on your BAT lugs. Mil Comm TW25B ideally. Lugs should always be greased regardless of the action, but especially on a BAT. They are machined so tight. Which is why they are the smoothest actions on the planet. I shoot my BATs suppressed, and If I forget to lube those lugs I can tell instantly. If I galled the lugs on any of my BATs I would puke.

 

[skeetlee]

If you would see my shop or any of my rifles you wouldn't even question my use of good bolt grease. I keep my stuff tip tops always!!! Bolt grease doesn't keep dirt or pieces of carbon or whatever the he'll got in there from getting on your lugs. I felt it, when the lug called. I was blowing brass out and my cases where tight. Something made its way between the lugs and that was it. Bats are my favorite, but I won't own another in threaded action. Melonite is a bit ugly I think but it is a must.

 

[skeetlee]

Sorry for my phones auto correct. I didn't roof read.