Headspace question

[gun papa]

GP,

Hatchers Notebook talks about how when a Garand cycles, the force will shorten the case (increasing headspace). It sounds like you have a minimum chamber. The danger would come from the bolt not closing all the way (with standard ammo hard to believe). The CMP recommends the use of Clymer gauges. If the bolt will close on the Clymer Go and not on the Clymer No-Go, they would pass the rifle. Maybe besides the Match ammo, you feed it a diet of factory "Garand" approved ammo, like sold by Hornaday, or Creedmoore. These will have cases that will fit a minimum chamber. My experience is that Factory ammo will fit the minimum dimension chambers. When firing, avoid rapid fire until you are sure the bolt is closing completely on every round. If you have ammo that does not chamber easily, if in doubt, stop. My M1903's detest any ammo that is not SAAMI minimum. So a case that is fired in my M1 will not chamber in a M1903 without a F/L resize. Cases fired in the M1903 will chamber in the M1 (CMP Rack Grade) without resizing. With Clymer gauges the M1 passes the Go and not the No-Go.

Dave

Thanks,Dave
I got about 400+ match 1963 rds. My intension is a slow fire shooter for my twilight years. I figured I would reload and replicate the match loads dimensions. This is my first Garand and I just want to understand what I am doing and safely. I have had it since about June and I am in no hurry. I hope to strip her down today and try the Clymer gauges. I don't think there will be any problem locking on match or standard M1 ammo. Thanks for the help.