Savage Bolt

[M-61]

Hypothetical: Two Savage rifles,,,same model,,,,same bolt face. If you swapped bolts ( for whatever reason) the head space could very well be off? The head space is from the closed face of the bolt to the datum line. The bolt face is where it is because of the lugs on the bolt. Should the lugs differ is size the head space would be different? I basically am asking can you swap bolts and shoot or is there indeed a possible head space difference?

 

[savageshooter86]

I was told NOT to do this due to possible headspace issues. I personally would not due it

More knowledgeable folks will be here with a much better answer

 

[M-61]

Thanks...I agree with you....and it is hypothetical. I would like to know if I have this straight in my mind= the head space would HAVE to change unless both lugs on both bolts happened to be identical and engaged the lug recesses identically also.

 

[chuckbuster243]

If you have the gauges try it... I have a couple of rifles that will interchange bolts and be in spec. Another will not... Sometimes you just get lucky. I tried it so when I go to a match a long way off I have a spare bolt. And lucky for me the spare I take is a little "looser" so neck sized brass will still fit. But if I do change for a emergency I have to f/l the next run to get it short enough to fit the original bolt. The main thing is check it with the gauges first!!! Allot of things have to work together to make headspace correct. Matt

 

[M-61]

Thanks guys. I happen to have two Savage's....target actions.....I just tried the bolt swap and both bolts worked properly with the go/no-go gauges. I guess I was lucky on this but they both will be shot with their original bolts but at least I know I have a spare so to speak.

 

[rwk]

Do'nt look for trouble

 

[savagedasher]

Mine work perfect but I have the kiff bolt heads. All 3 have different firing spring weight for testing.

 

[placek59]

Another thing to think about is that even though they may chamber everything ok and be safe and within spec... You have probably set your coal to a specific length and that most likely will not be the same anymore, even though it is within spec, it may not be as accurate to the load you have been shooting in the gun/barrel. Does that make any sense? I think most of the gages are about .005-.008 between the go and no-go...? The way I see it is you are changing the seating depth of the bullet because there is a very good chance that the bolt faces aren't the same depth.

 

[Larryh128]

I use 2 different bolts and 4 different barrels on the same action. The bolt lugs need to be square & the barrel headspaced to that bolt. If the lugs aren't square you won't have the same contact as you switch bolts/barrels. Not as big an issue with a Savage bolt that the head floats but still a consideration.

 

[rayjay]

You should be able to measure the height of the locking lugs and the depth of the bolt face recess and compare the 2 [ or more ] bolts. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that they are all nearly identical as long as they are similar age and even that may not be an issue. Of course since humans are involved they could be all over the place !!!

 

[M-61]

I use 2 different bolts and 4 different barrels on the same action. The bolt lugs need to be square & the barrel headspaced to that bolt. If the lugs aren't square you won't have the same contact as you switch bolts/barrels. Not as big an issue with a Savage bolt that the head floats but still a consideration.

Just wondering.....why do you use the two different bolts? (.223 size and also standard?) Thanks

 

[savagedasher]

I just finished my testing with 3 different bolts with 3 different firing springs weight all were done with Kiff bolt heads. I found.0005 difference. Good Shooting Larry

 

[Rustystud]

There are multiple surfaces that can effect headspace.

1.Bolt lug
2. Lug abutment
3. Bolt face
5. Chamber shoulder surface
6. Chamber web/ .200 line
7. Chamber neck diameter
8. Case head
9. Case shoulder
10. Case webb

Ian at PT&G does a great job with his bolt heads. They come with a small card saying that they may require gunsmith fitting. The PT&G Savage parts are aftermarket parts made to exceed OEM parts quality and spec. They are not the same as OEM parts. Every bolt/bolt head should be checked with a Steel Go and No Go gauge of the same manufacture. This is requires by SAAMI and if a Gunsmith has liability insurance, the insurer requires the chamber be checked and pass a Go and No Go gauge test.

If a person does his or her own work and sells a rifle with a barrel marked with a SAAMI cartridge and it is out of spec they are liable in case of catastrophic failure. SAAMI standards are consider "bullet proof" no puns intended.

Just to clarify a previous post SAAMI spec between a go and No go gauge is .0035". That is three thousands and five ten thousands.
Nat Lambeth

 

[M-61]

There are multiple surfaces that can effect headspace.

1.Bolt lug
2. Lug abutment
3. Bolt face
5. Chamber shoulder surface
6. Chamber web/ .200 line
7. Chamber neck diameter
8. Case head
9. Case shoulder
10. Case webb

Ian at PT&G does a great job with his bolt heads. They come with a small card saying that they may require gunsmith fitting. The PT&G Savage parts are aftermarket parts made to exceed OEM parts quality and spec. They are not the same as OEM parts. Every bolt/bolt head should be checked with a Steel Go and No Go gauge of the same manufacture. This is requires by SAAMI and if a Gunsmith has liability insurance, the insurer requires the chamber be checked and pass a Go and No Go gauge test.

If a person does his or her own work and sells a rifle with a barrel marked with a SAAMI cartridge and it is out of spec they are liable in case of catastrophic failure. SAAMI standards are consider "bullet proof" no puns intended.

Just to clarify a previous post SAAMI spec between a go and No go gauge is .0035". That is three thousands and five ten thousands.
Nat Lambeth

Thanks for that info. One question just to be sure. A no-go gauge is .0035" (3 and one half thousanths) longer than a go gauge?

 

[Rustystud]

The last time I checked 5 tenths is a 1/2 thousants.
Nat

 

[Larryh128]

M-61 , yes 2 different bolt faces. 1 -223 & 1-PPC/7.62x39.

 

[M-61]

The last time I checked 5 tenths is a 1/2 thousants.
Nat

You lost me on that one.

 

[STS]

You should be able to measure the height of the locking lugs and the depth of the bolt face recess and compare the 2 [ or more ] bolts. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that they are all nearly identical as long as they are similar age and even that may not be an issue. Of course since humans are involved they could be all over the place !!!

You beat me to it. No gauges necessary, just a good mic and a depth mic.