Headspace gauges

[Workaholic]

I've read through a bunch of posts, trying to figure this out and am a bit lost here. To be honest, I'm not just lost, I'm out of my depth. I have a P14 and a SMLE No1 Mk3*, and I need to headspace both of them. I haven't fired either of them since I got them, but, to be honest, when I first got the SMLE, I adjusted the bolt head without thinking, not knowing any better. Since both of these are in 303 British, can I use the same headspace gauges for both? Is there a recommended brand, or will any of them work? I've seen posts about using the British ones, and to avoid Forester. Also have seen not to use (or was it to use) SAAMI ones. I'd appreciate it if someone could straighten this out for me. Thanks.

Richard

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Daan Kemp]

Question, why and how did you adjust the No 1 bolt head?

[browningautorifle]

can I use the same headspace gauges for both?

Yes, they're the same cartridge.

[CoatiMundi]

FYI, Apex Gun Parts in Colorado and BRP in Georgia have original British military .064” (minimum) headspace gauges available. .070” (base) and .074” (maximum) are out of stock at the moment, unfortunately.

[Workaholic]

The bolt head on a SMLE is meant to be removed, and is threaded. as I recall there are 3 or 4 sizes, that you can take out and replace to get proper headspace. The why is I didn't know I was adjusting the headspace, at the time I did it. I noticed it was threaded, and turned it, at the time not knowing why it was threaded.

[browningautorifle]

as I recall there are 3 or 4 sizes

With the SMLE you need a pail full and measure to find a longer one. They aren't as simple as the #4/#5.

[72 usmc]

Enfield gauges see SRF post:
Where in America can I buy - Surplus Rifle Forum - www.surplusrifleforum.org
This may help the old sticky:
Enfield Headspace, Measurement and Bolt head Replacement - Surplus Rifle Forum - www.surplusrifleforum.org

also maybe this :
What's the quickest easiest way How do I fix head space problems in an Enfied No4Mk1? - Surplus Rifle Forum - www.surplusrifleforum.org

And check out this forums sticky references:
https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=16948


I would suggest a FIELD gauge and if the bolt does not close you are ready to go. Do not worry about a NO GO test. Checking is easy. Now if the bolt does close down there are solutions: fire form the brass to a particular rifle and neck size reloads. Know or determine how far out of headspace it is, 14 thousands or 40 thousands??? If the headspace is close, just neck size the brass and use those specific cartridges in that one rifle-- mark the box with the rifles serial number. Some cartridges have thicker rims-it depends on the maker of the brass. Choose thicker rimmed cartridges.
If you want to change bolt heads it is not so simple as screwing one in. You need a correct size, one where the threads match up & screw in easy, and one that times in. So do you have a spare cigar box of bolt heads? The days of $5 bolt heads are long gone. How many bolt heads of the correct size do you need before one times in and screws in correctly. see the above links as concise reference Alan & Mr Laidler know the Enfield.

Also see this recent post and warning on this forum:
https://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=75020

[72 usmc]

You may find this info on general headspace informative another SRF post:
Headspace Gauge Info Link - Surplus Rifle Forum - www.surplusrifleforum.org

[72 usmc]

Be sure to review this sticky:

Enfields

http://photos.imageevent.com/badgerd...0boltheads.pdf

[CINDERS]

I had a friend turn me up a .064, .070 & .074 sent him an empty cartridge so he could get the taper right and he made them about half the length of a case with the required rim thickness.
In all honesty you could probably get away with the .074 "No Go".