Pattern 14 Headspace

[Catch22]

I finally got some headspace gauges for 303 and put them through my Enfields. My No 1 is close, but the Pattern 14 is too close. It closes on the "No Go" and appears to close fully on the "Field" gauge.

How does one fix such a problem? If I remember right, the bolt is one piece, unlike the SMLE's with the screw-on head. New bolt body? Hate to do that with a matching gun, but a guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do, I guess.

Information

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[vintage hunter]

Are your gages Brit mil spec?
Unless your having problems with case head separations after one or two loadings I wouldn't worry about too much.
The cheapest and easiest way to deal with it would be to fire form a batch of new cases using the 0-ring method and then neck size or partially FL size without setting the shoulder back.
Keep those cases sererate from other 303's and use only in your P14.

[Catch22]

I'll have to check with the guy that makes them to make sure, but I believe they are milspec gauges. Field gauge is 0.074 and No Go is 0.070 if that helps.

I've shot a box of ammo through it. I had a couple of punctured primers I wrote off as it being Herter's ammo and other people reportedly having similar experiences with it. I didn't not any others that had an backing out of the primers and no brass damage. I didn't notice any smoke or anything escaping with the exception of one of the two punctured primers.

[vintage hunter]

I had a couple of punctured primers I wrote off as it being Herter's ammo

Could be, I had the same troubles with mine and S&B ammo. It could also be caused by excessive firing pin protrusion or a damaged firing pin tip. It should be round and smooth.

[Catch22]

It's round a smooth. My protrusion is close, but just within tolerance when I checked it. I don't remember the specs I was given now, but it was really close.

[Wineman]

Catch,

Be sure you have removed the striker and spring from the bolt. These rifles have tremendous turning forces and can close on gauges where other rifles wont. Maybe Chuck in Denver can chime in. Again, if this is really the case, and you reload, just neck size and keep pressures moderate.

Dave

[CINDERS]

When you say it closes on the "No Go" is that with the bolt turned right down as if the "No Go" is .074 and it closes on that then I would be looking at getting it sorted even if it is a P-14 the gauge as it implies a no go I have 3 a .067, .070 and .074 and if it closes on the last one then gunsmith time. You seem to imply in your thread you like running close to tolerances not only in H/S but striker protrusion as well, I would look at getting it sorted the armourers on this web site will no doubt chime in. I would rather have the P-14 close on a .070 than a .074 than be the one legged chicken dodging the axe....................every time I touched one off what happens on a hot day or a hot load it has happened you know..........!

[Brian Dick]

Headspace
.064 GO
.074 NO GO
FP protrusion
.040 GO
.050 NO GO

---------- Post added at 12:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:30 PM ----------

If you're using coin gauges, my advice would be to table them and get a proper set from Clymer or Forster. They will make custom .074 gauges if you ask them. I've learned to distrust coin gauges. I'm not sure if it's the way people install them or what.

[Chuckindenver]

remove the cocking assembly.
even if it closes on the tool, if you can feel it resist the tool, it passes.