head spacing a Savage rifle

[Dogsoldier]

Curiosity question,

How does one headspace a Savage rifle that uses the barrel nut? I understand how this is done on Remingtons or Mausers. I would assume (wrongly of course) that the jam nut throw things off in relationship between the breech and bolt face.

Loosing sleep over this question...inquiring minds want to know!

 

[Jim Watson]

The factory (and the barrel change kit you can get from Midway) just chamber the barrel and then screw it into the receiver with the bolt in place and a headspace gauge in the chamber. When it stops against the gauge, headspace is right and they tighten down the nut.

 

[Pistolsmith]

Remove striker. Place a piece of .003" shim stock on a cartridge head. Snug up to said combination. Bolt should close on .003" shim and should not close on .007" shim.
This is hell on feeler gages and tin snips, but it saves you the cost of a set of headspace gages you may never use again.

 

[Dogsoldier]

Cool, thanks guys!