Headspace tolerances for a 300 Dakota??

[Sabertooth]

Need some help here, guys! I am rebarreling a 300 Win Mag to 300 Dakota. I have acquired a PTG reamer, and a Go- and No-Go-Gauges. My gunsmith was noticing that there was 0.040" difference between the Go and No-Go-Gauges. He was concerned by this and wanted to verify the tolerances on headspace for this cartridge, but there seems to be no published data. I'm no gunsmith, but .040" seems unreasonably excessive for variation in headspace, to me... for any cartridge. Does anyone know at least what the MINIMUM headspace should be for a 300 Dakota? My smith normally doesn't use a No-Go-Gauge anyway. He sets the chamber for minimum headspace plus .002", and re-adjusts if necessary. However, given the large variation between the two here, he wants to make sure of what the minimum headspace really is before cutting into the barrel blank. Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[hogan]

If your gunsmith don't know that a minimum oal chamber will outperform one cut more generous; you need a new gunsmith!

Figuring on finding factory loads for your Dakota somewhere in the outback? Don't...

You do know that the Dakota will also necessitate opening boltface don't ya?

Might look at a necked up 7mm rum instead, since it will retain your .533 boltface and give you better
brass availability.

Might really consider just going to a .300win AI and calling it a day. Set the chamber for headspace on the shoulder rather than belt and you are set!

Maybe owning a Dakota is a pride thing, but don't see much reason to rechamber to it.

 

[dragman]

I have an old one, I can give you my loaded round #'s if you think it would help. Mine shoots really well but a little short throated for my liking.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

Call PTG with your measurements. Dave will be able to tell you anything you need to know.

 

[Joe Salt]

And yes you will be hard pressed to find brass! The 300 WSM will shoot just as well.

Joe Salt