Reading a thread about headspacing got me to remembering.
For those who have bought an old rifle and are wondering about the head space and don't want to buy gauges, this will work.
1.Disassemble bolt and remove extractor (if mauser style), trigger, mag follower and anything else that would cause drag.
2.Take factory cartridge and put a piece of scotch tape or masking tape on back of cartridge.
3.Chamber round an feel for resistance, continue to build layers of tape until resistance is felt.
Most old guns (clean action) the bolt will handle will drop by itself.
4.Gently peel off tape and measure with micrometer or dial calipers.
3-5 thousandths is about a go.
6-9 thousandths is a no go
9-11 thousandths is a field
more than that it needs help
this is not as exact as gauges but will let you know where you stand.
For those who have bought an old rifle and are wondering about the head space and don't want to buy gauges, this will work.
1.Disassemble bolt and remove extractor (if mauser style), trigger, mag follower and anything else that would cause drag.
2.Take factory cartridge and put a piece of scotch tape or masking tape on back of cartridge.
3.Chamber round an feel for resistance, continue to build layers of tape until resistance is felt.
Most old guns (clean action) the bolt will handle will drop by itself.
4.Gently peel off tape and measure with micrometer or dial calipers.
3-5 thousandths is about a go.
6-9 thousandths is a no go
9-11 thousandths is a field
more than that it needs help
this is not as exact as gauges but will let you know where you stand.