Quote Originally Posted by NC_Xplorer View Post
Hello everyone,
I shot my No.4 in a CMPicon vintage rifle match on Saturday and I was using new reloads that I had worked up using new brass. I experienced multiple cases with visible splits about .125 to .250 above the rim and at least 3 complete head separations. My Enfield is fitted with a #3 bolt head. From my research on this forum I have concluded that I have excessive headspace issues. Will this require a gunsmith to fix or is there another solution? I know from reading a copy of a manual that was posted here that I have the largest bolt head already. I don't think switching to a lower numbered bolt head will fix this. Has anyone else had a similar problem like this?
This is not a headspace problem. Your cases are too small for your chamber. The case is lying in the bottom of your chamber held firm by the bolt on fireing the case expands more to the unsupported side causeing head separation at worst. Solution 1 use a fireforming light load or add a O ring to the case to centre it in the chamber before fireing. Get better fitting cases or better quality ones. Do not mess with the bolt untill you are 100% sure it is not the ammo