ChronoCube
Member
When checking headspace of milsurp bolt action rifles, is using a "field" gauge sufficient? i.e. without using a "go" or a "no-go" gauge as well.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Yep, the gauge doesn't care what the pressure standards for the cartridge are.In that case, would a .308 field gauge work for rifles chambered in 7.62x51
Hmm, with the brass being the same size I figured it would be the same, but I didn't take into account the somewhat loose tolerances of some 7.62NATO "battle rifles". Thanks for the clarification.According to some notes I took from someplace on the web years ago, a 7.62X51 rifle could swallow a 308 Winchester field gauge and still be good to go
7.62x51mm NATO Go 1.6355"
7.62x51mm NATO Field Reject 1.6455"
308 Winchester Go 1.630"
.308 Winchester No Go 1.634"
.308 Winchester Field Reject 1.638"
I don't own a single one...they are unnecessary for all modern rifles that have not been tampered with or shot the heck out of. OTOH they are useful for surplus rifles because these typically exhibit a high degree of wear and the state of repair is generally unknown. The few times I have been concerned with headspace I just took it to a smith to have it checked out.Does everyone own headspace gauges for every caliber they own?
For a semi-auto, yes. You could have a slam-fire, with the firing pin continuing forward with enough force to fire the round while the bolt fails to lock.If swapping bolts you need to make sure the bolt will close on a Go Gauge, if it doesnt you have a dangerous situation as there is not enough headspace.