Arisaka Type 38 Head Space Problem

[Stuman]

I am trying to restore the Type 38 Arisaka that my Uncle brought back from the war. I have cleaned the barrel and receiver thoroughly. However when I fire the rifle I have difficulty open the bolt. I also noticed the back of the cartridge where the primer is located is bulging out. Can this problem be corrected by getting a new bolt?

[riceone]

Are you talking of the bulge on the side of the case? Is the primer backed out? Most T38's will bulge the case. The bulge will always be on the top side of the case as it lays in the chamber. The ammo you are firing (if its new) has a base diameter of .447" and the chamber can be as large as .458".

riceone

[Stuman]

The primer keeps bulging out when I fire. I have to wait about a couple of minutes before I can get the bolt to open. I am using Norma ammo recently purchased. Is there another brand of ammo I should be using?

[STU1]

your headspace is a bit flakey if the primer is backing out. take your rifle to a competent gunsmith and have him drop in a headspace gage to see what is going on. you may be able to find another bolt to make it headspace maybe. best of luck and regards

Stu

[blu 97]

How do you reload for this cartridge?

My norma brass comes out of the chamber with a crazy bulge.

I tried to neck size but case would not fit into the sizing die.

I found an old lyman sizer that I was going to cut down and use just to size

the neck, but haven't tried it yet.

I have a great type 38 all matching with mum, dies, bullets, brass, etc.

I'm glad to find out that this is common with the type 38, thought my was

just banged up.