my new, broken 1903a3

[ssgross]

Headspace ended up perfect. I cut by hand until my go gauge shows just the tiniest bit left...then I switch and check with a live round FL sized in my press (all fire control removed of course). I aimed, and achieved, a perfect close with the tiniest bit of "stick" at the very end of the turn...so little no one else would even know it was there.

Sometimes with a NOS barrel there can be burrs from the original rough cutting of the chamber, or ugly spots from surface rust. Always check with a camera befor cutting, and polish if needed before and after cutting. I spin a sliver of 800 grit paper on the end of a stick in the chamber, or if it's really bad I polish with an 800 grit bore-hone. I have found cutting the final chamber like this not only gives great accuracy, but also increases brass life.

It's also good practice to check your t-handle will turn freely in the receiver without the reamer - sometimes the set-screw holding the reamer in place can stick out, and catch the side of the receiver. Don't ask how I know

[ssgross]

There was quite a bit of copper in the last third of the barrel after its first trip to the range with only 40 rounds. Took it again last night after cleaning it all out...very little copper fouling. Here's as string of 10 consecutive rounds, 100 yards, no sight changes...
Attachment 121529
The 3 outliers are the first 3 shots trying to get a good sight picture. I could just barely make out the contrast of the red dot in the middle. The forth shot I was holding the post so I just barely saw a sliver of red, and drilled the dot out. The neon splatter-burst made it easier to see...and I drilled the next 3 right on top of it.. The seventh shot hit at 2 o'clock of the center, making that area more visible and as you can see, the consequence was walked out the last 3 shots in that direction from the added visibility of that area

I need more practice with this post reticle...but I think the rifle is certainly doing it's part, and ready for the big leagues!

I am sending the scope back to hi-lux for a replacement. With the reticle squared to the bore, the knobs are canted ~10 degrees.