Are the bleed nipples at the highest point on the calipers?
Bleed nipples are quite sensitive to position, and old ones are often blocked with scaly deposits. There may be slight weepage around the threads and I wouldn't worry about that. The important thing is that they tighten properly - but not too much force!!
If you can access brake grease you could smear a bit on the threads. There are two ways of bleeding and each method suits different systems. The standard method is slow methodical strokes, up to five or so, before tightening & checking the master cylinder. But the method which worked best on the MGB and which I used on the Roadster when I changed the fluid is three rapid strokes, then on the fourth, hold it down and get an assistant to tighten the bleed screw. The theory is that rapid fluid movement will dislodge bubbles.If you have bleed tube with a non return valve you should be able to do this on your own.
