Using headspace gauges: What to remove?

[slowbalt]

When installing a new barrel and using headspace gauges, I know you should remove the ejector, but what about the extractor claw?

 

[Kings X]

Why??
There is no "feel" here like Shoulder bump or seating depth measuring.
Do you remove them when you shoot?
The bolt must close on the Go gauge and the No-Go doesn't. Simple.

 

[Walt Krafft]

I use the extractor to hold the gage as I place the bolt in the receiver. Saves having to fish the gage in with my fat fingers.

 

[Tucker65]

I recently had an issue when test firing a freshly chambered barrel. I checked the headspace the way I normally do by just removing the ejector and firing pin assembly from the bolt. I torqued the barrel on the action and when test firing with a wimpy load the bolt was stiff to open. The brass had a shiny mark around the outer edge with a slight swipe from opening the stiff bolt. I also noticed some brass around the extractor on the bolt. Looked a little closer and noticed that the extractor was sticking up proud of the bolt face. I grabbed the bolt in the milling machine and ran an indicator across it and it was sticking up .008 I contacted the action mfg. and they informed me that they had a bad batch of extractors and they sent me a few new ones.

I removed the extractor and rechecked the headspace and it was obviously too much now. Chucked the barrel back up in the lathe and had to set everything back the .008 that the extractor was sticking up.

Just a heads up for something else to check while fitting a barrel. You would think that something like this wouldn't make it past the QC inspection at the action mfg. but now I have something else to add to my check list.

 

[boltfluter]

I recently had an issue when test firing a freshly chambered barrel. I checked the headspace the way I normally do by just removing the ejector and firing pin assembly from the bolt. I torqued the barrel on the action and when test firing with a wimpy load the bolt was stiff to open. The brass had a shiny mark around the outer edge with a slight swipe from opening the stiff bolt. I also noticed some brass around the extractor on the bolt. Looked a little closer and noticed that the extractor was sticking up proud of the bolt face. I grabbed the bolt in the milling machine and ran an indicator across it and it was sticking up .008 I contacted the action mfg. and they informed me that they had a bad batch of extractors and they sent me a few new ones.

I removed the extractor and rechecked the headspace and it was obviously too much now. Chucked the barrel back up in the lathe and had to set everything back the .008 that the extractor was sticking up.

Just a heads up for something else to check while fitting a barrel. You would think that something like this wouldn't make it past the QC inspection at the action mfg. but now I have something else to add to my check list.

View attachment 1522656

Had the same issue when chambering up my 6PPC on my Stolle Panda action. Except I noticed it before doing any chamber work. Called Kelblys and they said they got a bad batch of extractors. I ground mine down and chambered the barrel. Still shooting it today with no issues. Mine was .012 proud. QC anyone! Lol.
Paul

 

[Eagle Six]

If I'm re-barreling, I'll pull the ejector and firing pin assembly. After setting the headspace I'll check to assure the bolt isn't touching the barrel. If it's a new bolt I will check the extractor to assure it is not proud before starting. But then again I'm just a Redneck Gunsmith!!