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9/4/2014 1:20:45 PM EDT
have a complete rifle with around 500 rounds through it, I want to replace the bolt with a different one that was originally intended for this build. Do I need to check the headspace or do anything special to it, or can it just drop right in.?
9/4/2014 1:35:28 PM EDT
[#1]
Never a bad idea to check headspace, even on new parts. I have gotten new barrels that were out of spec.
9/4/2014 2:30:48 PM EDT
[#2]
If you've already fired 500 rounds through it, the head spacing on the barrel is fine...
9/4/2014 3:07:22 PM EDT
[#3]

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Quoted:


If you've already fired 500 rounds through it, the head spacing on the barrel is fine...
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And that will change most likely with a new bolt.  Each bolt headspacess independently with a barrel.  Which may or may not pass.  Chances are good if using quality parts it will pass.  But that is a chance.

 
If the head space had been previously checked with this bolt it should still be good.
9/4/2014 7:24:55 PM EDT
[#4]
always remember just 6 inches from your eyes you are releasing a controlled explosion.

alot of folks online say they never check headspace, most of them will get lucky.
9/4/2014 8:10:09 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Quoted:
always remember just 6 inches from your eyes you are releasing a controlled explosion.

alot of folks online say they never check headspace, most of them will get lucky.
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Exactly.

$60 or so on a set of go/no-go gauges is a small price to pay for the safety and peace of mind they provide.

To the OP, if you have a good relationship with your LGS, if they do any kind of repair/smithing, they probably have a set on hand and will check it for you at little or no cost if you have your bolt pre disassembled. At least a couple shops around me will do so.

Anytime I change a barrel or bolt on any of my rifles, I always re-check headspace. Overkill....maybe. But I feel better about pulling the trigger the first time.

And I should note on my previous post, a bolt can be out of spec just as easy as a barrel.
9/4/2014 9:45:15 PM EDT
[#6]

Quote History
Quoted:
Exactly.



$60 or so on a set of go/no-go gauges is a small price to pay for the safety and peace of mind they provide.



To the OP, if you have a good relationship with your LGS, if they do any kind of repair/smithing, they probably have a set on hand and will check it for you at little or no cost if you have your bolt pre disassembled. At least a couple shops around me will do so.



Anytime I change a barrel or bolt on any of my rifles, I always re-check headspace. Overkill....maybe. But I feel better about pulling the trigger the first time.



And I should note on my previous post, a bolt can be out of spec just as easy as a barrel.

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View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:



Quoted:

always remember just 6 inches from your eyes you are releasing a controlled explosion.



alot of folks online say they never check headspace, most of them will get lucky.




Exactly.



$60 or so on a set of go/no-go gauges is a small price to pay for the safety and peace of mind they provide.



To the OP, if you have a good relationship with your LGS, if they do any kind of repair/smithing, they probably have a set on hand and will check it for you at little or no cost if you have your bolt pre disassembled. At least a couple shops around me will do so.



Anytime I change a barrel or bolt on any of my rifles, I always re-check headspace. Overkill....maybe. But I feel better about pulling the trigger the first time.



And I should note on my previous post, a bolt can be out of spec just as easy as a barrel.

I smell what you're steppin in...

 






I just wasn't sure if checking headspace applied to a low round count weapon.
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