Can excessive headspace be defeated by handloading?

[223Rem]

Excessive may be a bit extreme to describe the extent of the headspace issues, but the bolt does close on a no-go gauge. Tear off a piece of copy paper and put it on the bolt face and now the bolt does not close.

I will be handloading for this rifle and its role is strictly for fun. Not worried about best MV, but rather moa accuracy. I was told there is a way to set up my dies so I just bump the shoulder back, as if form firing. It is a semi-auto so neck sizing is not an option.

Need some thoughts

 

[fdshuster]

223rem: You betcha! I've always used the Hornady Lock-N-Load Headspace Gauge Tool.Very clear description w/ picture in the 2008 Sinclair catalog, page 36, lower left. When I have a new barrel chambered, I take a fired case, knock-out the primer with a hand punch/small hammer, clean the case of any dirt, and take the dimension from the case head to the datum line on the shoulder. This dimension is then recorded, in that rifles log book, kept for future reference, and the FL die body will be adjusted to maintain that length, for my bolt-actions) or .002" shorter for my AR-15s. When firing a factory round for the first time, it too will have "excess" headspace, but the case is blown-out to fill the chamber,, with approx. .001" of springback ), and it has then be "fireformed" to your chamber. All of my 6 223 chambers have this headspace dimension of 1.451" plus or minus .001", so tolerances are very close in that area. Very handy tool. With the purchase of the Sinclair inserts, page 30, top right photos & description, it is also used for bullet seating/throat depth measurements. One of the most valuable, most often used tools I have.

 

[alf]

Another, maybe better option, would be to neck them up to 6mm, then size them back down with the full length die for a crush fit in your chamber. No case stretching to worry about.

Al

 

[wnroscoe]

Excessive may be a bit extreme to describe the extent of the headspace issues, but the bolt does close on a no-go gauge. Tear off a piece of copy paper and put it on the bolt face and now the bolt does not close.

I will be handloading for this rifle and its role is strictly for fun. Not worried about best MV, but rather moa accuracy. I was told there is a way to set up my dies so I just bump the shoulder back, as if form firing. It is a semi-auto so neck sizing is not an option.

Need some thoughts

223, do you have a go gauge? If so, use small pieces of feeler gauge held in place with grease on the back of said go gauge. Try to determine how much over a go you are. Since your sizing for a semi-auto you'll need to use a small base FL die for proper feed/function. Also, you could check headspace with a field gauge. I doubt you'll be able to size for proper headspace using a small base die as you would with a bolt gun.

 

[alf]

Sorry, I missed the semi-auto part. No camming action on those, so a crush fit probably ain't the way.

Al

 

[TRECustom]

A field test gage is available for 5.56 x 45 cal. The military sends the rifles back for repair if headspace exceeds the field test. If I had a choice I wouldn't shoot one that would close on a no-go gage, let alone a field test gage.

Just my opinion, Tom

 

[wnroscoe]

If I had a choice I wouldn't shoot one that would close on a no-go gage, let alone a field test gage.

Just my opinion, Tom

That'd be the safe thing to do.

 

[SooStan]

If you are talking about an AR put a new bolt in it. Bolts are cheap.

 

[Cheechako]

Quote : Excessive may be a bit extreme to describe the extent of the headspace issues, but the bolt does close on a no-go gauge.

I would not say that it's a bit extreme to describe it as excessive. That's exactly what it is.

You can accomodate excessive headspace by fitting brass to the chamber. But, don't forget, when the sun goes down that rifle will still have excessive headspace. Remember that when the time comes to sell it to someone who may not be as experienced as you.

JMHO

Ray

 

[jo191145]

Correct me if I'm wrong folks.

If your excessive headspace is caused by an error between bolt face and barrel the web of the case will be taking more abuse than it was designed for. Basically it will be unsupported or more correctly less supported.

If your headspace issue is caused by a deep chamber it would be less dangerous. Not desirable but less dangerous.

I always set my bolt action headspace to the brass I intend to use. This is always less than saami specs. I would not want to go over.