Legionnaire
Contributing Member
So I've ordered a new Remage barrel from McGowen: a 24-inch 8-twist medium sporter in 22-250 Ackley Improved. Before it arrives, I've been exploring options for setting the headspace. I could buy go/no-go gauges from PTG or rent a set from Reamer Rentals.
According to PTG's web site, their gauges are cut to maximum SAAMI specs for the cartridge, whereas Reamer Rentals' gauges are cut to minimum SAAMI specs. According to SAAMI, the difference between minimum and maximum chamber length for a standard 22-250 is 0.010. My research indicates that for most centerfire rifle cartridges, the difference between a go and no-go gauge is 0.004. As should be obvious, if one set headspace to maximum SAAMI specs (1.5849), the bolt would close easily on a minimum cut no-go gauge (1.5749+.004).
So my question is, what are the pros and cons of setting the headspace to:
1. SAAMI minimum (Reamer Rentals)
2. SAAMI maximum (PTG)
3. Somewhere in the middle?
Mods: putting this in the Rifle forum for broadest input. Feel free to move to Gunsmithing if more appropriate there.
According to PTG's web site, their gauges are cut to maximum SAAMI specs for the cartridge, whereas Reamer Rentals' gauges are cut to minimum SAAMI specs. According to SAAMI, the difference between minimum and maximum chamber length for a standard 22-250 is 0.010. My research indicates that for most centerfire rifle cartridges, the difference between a go and no-go gauge is 0.004. As should be obvious, if one set headspace to maximum SAAMI specs (1.5849), the bolt would close easily on a minimum cut no-go gauge (1.5749+.004).
So my question is, what are the pros and cons of setting the headspace to:
1. SAAMI minimum (Reamer Rentals)
2. SAAMI maximum (PTG)
3. Somewhere in the middle?
Mods: putting this in the Rifle forum for broadest input. Feel free to move to Gunsmithing if more appropriate there.