headspace?

[rifleman7mm]

recently noticed primers backing out slightly after firing my 1918 obendorf small ring spanish mauser how much to remove barrel and cut one thread and reinstall if this a suitable fix i might rebarrel if not to a 250 savage what do yall think

Information

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[sdh1911]

The barrel should be cut to allow 0.003" space between the base of the bullet and the face of the bolt. If you are going to have the barrel re-cut, it would be best to have the bolt lapped into the receiver to allow lug to contact the receiver 90 to 100 percent and have the bolt face squared. At this point everything is ready to have the barrel cut to spec. This may seem like a lot of work but it can be done in a couple of hours and the results will make you smile, HTH-SDH

[Claven2]

Is the bolt matching? Most Spanish mausers are not. If it's mismatched, maybe get another bolt body instead?

[Andy]

Your primers are backing out a bit - so what?

Neck size and carry on.

[Texas Trophy Hunter]

I agree with Claven. Try another bolt, but see how your current bolt and the new one headspace with a no-go gauge first.

[klaws]

Are you using reloads? If so it could be caused from to light of powder charge.

[tiriaq]

Assuming that headspace is on the generous side, if you handload, you can taylor your cartridges for a precise fit in your rifle and eliminate any excess headspace condition that might exist with factory ammunition.

[ganderite]

Here is a way to see how much excess headspace, if any, your have. A backed out primer does not mean there is excess headspace, Usually means low pressure load.

Paritaly seat a primer in a full length sized case and then chamber it. When you close the bolt it will push the primer in more.

Open the bolt. The amount of primer still protruding is the excess headspace. Military chambers are generous, so the headspace may very well be withn tolerance.

Just use neck sized brass.

[Mathias]

I had to take my M44 to a gunsmith when I got it because the bolt wouldn't close on any rounds. He took something like .001 off of the bolt face and it chambered rounds fine after that. I've never taken it out to shoot it yet but I wonder if I should have the headspace checked.