Savage bolt head question

[cfrazier77]

I have a problem with a Savage bolt head from my 12 FTR in 308. The issue came from a bad round, the primer pocket was apparently to large and blew the primer out. It filled the bolt head with junk. The extractor was stuck and the ejector was stuck in a depressed state (It has a light spring in there, I cut it down, so it did not through brass of the table).

I fixed the extractor, but could not get the ejector to budge after 3 weeks of soaking in solvent. Savage would not provide, or sell, the bolt head as they wanted to make sure the rifle fired safely when done, I can understand their position. So I ordered one from Brownells, factory part 104876, and put the bolt back together.

Big problem, the new bolt head is longer than the original. I cannot chamber a round, even factory ammo. The length of the original bold head is .436 and .321 from the back to the bolt face, measured at the extractor slot. The new bolt head is .440 and .331 respectively.

Can someone help? Is the replacement the correct size? If someone has a 12 FTR, can you measure the bolt head? If it is a different head, where can I get one? Thanks!

Mabye I have just had a long day, but I just realized that I need to head space the barrel to the new bolt head. If I am missing anything else, please let me know.

 

[Kenny474]

Adjust the barrel and barrel nut to correct the issue. Just google setting headspace on a Savage and you are sure to find instructions.

 

[RonAKA]

Brownells has instructions on rebarreling a Savage which include setting the headspace.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/lid=12578/GunTechdetail/Re_barreling_Your_Savage_Rifle

 

[hammerjack]

You could have the bolt face cleaned up a little bit in a lathe until you have the headspace right. This will keep the factory stamping in line on both sides of barrel.

 

[rchouser]

I love this site. Nice link to the brownell site. Getting ready to do my first barrel change. thanks rc

 

[pdog06]

Yep, definately changed the headspace. If you dont have the tools to reset it Id look into taking it to a machine shop and having them match it to the old one. Take your measurement from the center of the pin hole(hole that pin goes thru to lock bolthead onto the bolt body) to the boltface.

Also be sure to recheck your firing pin protrusion, as the new bolthead could change it.

 

[cfrazier77]

Thanks guys, I was having one of those days which were very long and upstairs was not working very well. Will headspace and be ok.

One question though, the firing pin protrusion should be .01 less now right? Will that be an issue or will I need to adjust it too?

Thanks!