Quote Originally Posted by Surpmil View Post
How would a new bolt head improve over what you have now?

As for the question of the threads "taking a beating" I'd suggest that the distribution of load over a dozen or more threads is far greater and the loading therefore much less than over the shoulders at the mating faces of the bolthead and bolt body.
Well the design is what it is.

I'm looking at a new bolt head not because of the thread pounding.

I'm looking at it because I might find myself shooting some 80+ year old ammo and I'd rather not etch the original bolt face if a primer leaks. Just a precaution.

Rifles have collectible value, so enjoy them, but take precautions.

I suppose they allow a little over-rotation in the fitting of the bolt head on the assumption that the bolt head and bolt face will take the pounding once the threads loosen up a bit and get out of the way