Thanks again for the rest of the replies, apparently a little dab will do ya, a tiny bit of clover valve compound on the bit and it grabbed enough for me to get the screw out. I already had a set of slotted screws for it and have stoned the ends down to where they don't interefere with the bolt or locking lugs. The guns has been pillar bedded already and is being shipped out to be refinished from polished blue to matte black tef-coat, scope and all. I wanted to have it all ready with these new screws before it went. I want to get rid of the shiny finish and protect it from the elements a bit.

Scouring powder works just as well, for those of us who don't grind our own valves.

Who thought of these I don't know. Now I cant get the front screw out, dahm thing is starting to round out. How do I remove it without screwing it up royally? I have new proper slotted bedding screws for it.

If you find the screw is too rounded to get out at all, drill out the phillips head to the size of the shank of the screw and drill off the top of the screw. When the screw head has separated from the shank ( like drilling a pop rivet) , pull your gun apart and remove the rest of the bolt with a pair of lock grips or pliers.
I have used this method many times on motorcycles and cars , ect and it has never failed on me yet.
BTW, make sure the drill you use is the SAME size as the shank of the screw, NOT the size of the head of the screw.

Dip the tip of the screw-driver in some coarse valve grinding compound. Then lean down hard on it as you turn.
This has always worked for me on rounded srew heads.

KevinNY:

If the screw head gets too rounded over and before you drill the head of the screw out, get a dental burr for your dremel and just cut a slot for a regular screwdriver.

Thanks for the suggestions. I've got some 320 grit valve compound, I'll try that first.

Sears makes a damaged screw remover. It is called the Craftsman "screw out". They work well on screws of that size.

Kev,

Once you get that screw out, I suggest that you order a set of screws from B-Square that are hex head. You can buy the correct hex shaft in a socket at Sears. Then it will fit on your inch pound touque wrench.

I replace Winchester and Ruger screws when the gun is brand new and never use their stock factory screws. Brownell's has these screws for most makes of rifles.

Good luck.

Sam
eclemmons@hotmail.com