In order to reduce cobalt within the primary circuit of pressurised water reactors (PWR’s), wear-resistant steels are being researched and developed. In particular interest is the understanding of galling mechanisms, an adhesive wear mechanism which is particularly prevalent in PWR valves. Here we show that large shear stresses and adhesive transfer occur during galling by exploiting the 2 wt.% manganese difference between 304L and 316L stainless steels, even at relatively low compressive stresses of 50MPa. Through these findings, the galling mechanisms of stainless steels can be better understood, which may help with the development of galling resistant stainless steels.