Quote Originally Posted by Bruce_in_Oz View Post

Have a close look at the operation of the extractor on a Lee-Enfield: It actually holds the case fairly close to the bolt-face whilst in operation..
The extractor claw is disengaged from the rim when the bolt closes. With the aspect of the claw to its pivot, as it comes away to the side it would also be opening the gap back to the bolt face.
I did some pics with a dial indicator on my skeleton action a while back.... I'll see if they show how much.