Tikka Bottom Metal Bent

[FaaSamoa]

Hey guys,
So I have a t3x 223 that after reading here, I retorqued (to 65) with paint pen my action screws. I had some bad groups and went thru the diagnosis progress and saw my bottom “metal” (factory) was a little bent and my rest action screw had pushed the bottom metal into the rifle vs sitting flush.

I then retorqued it to 55 but still had some bend .

Would this cause accuracy issues? It is fully free floated and scope has been mounted properly (SWFA 3-15) .

Side note: I shot pmc 55g before doin the retorque and free float at 100 for 10 round 1.2-1.4 moa and have been shooting some 62 g at 4 moa at 100. Seems like too big of a difference. Def need to get some of the pmc to check if there’s a difference since free floating and retorquing but just wanted to see if the bottom metal binding can be much of an accuracy issue or if it’s just that type of ammo .

Here are some pics , it’s a little tough to see in pics but it’s kinda bananaed out in middle of metal

 

[morgaj1]

I can't tell anything from your pics. However, I have always used the factory spec of 44 in-lb with Tikka factory stock and bottom metal. I only go to 55-65 in-lb in stocks that have been pillar bedded.

 

[Macintosh]

If its bending noticeably differently between various levels of torque, that means either the bottom-metal inlet isnt level/flat and you are bending it to match the bottom surface of the inlet as you tighten the action screws; or something is actually compressing, ie the stock. You could try to put a marker material on the floor of the inlet (inletting black or even your favorite lipstick in a ultra-thin layer) and see if it transfers evenly at low versus higher torque. If the stock is stable and only the bottom metal is bending it shouldnt cause any issue. But if thats not it, the torque is compressing the stock, which can affect consistency.

 

[BLJ]

I have always used the factory spec of 44 in-lb with Tikka factory stock and bottom metal.

Same.