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Headspace

sfettysfetty Member Posts: 349 ✭✭✭
edited February 2008 in Ask the Experts
Please explain headspace. Safety concerns. There are so many reasonably priced 8mm Mausers on the market right now I would like to buy one or more. The problem is the one's I've looked at bolts and recievers numbers don't match. I know one should have rifle checked by a gunsmith before purchasing but this is not possible. Is this something I could check with a gauge. Also are the gauges for one caliber or adjustible for more than one caliber. Thanks in advance.
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Comments

  • sfettysfetty Member Posts: 349 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have an Ar-15 that i would like to switch the barrel on. When i remove the other barrel and put the other on will i have to have any headspace gauges seeing how they are the same brand barrels. Thanks
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  • sfettysfetty Member Posts: 349 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    In a different topic, I was told to get headspace checked. What is headspace and timing? Thanks, Bill
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  • sfettysfetty Member Posts: 349 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I HAVE AN ALL METAL DUMMY ROUND THAT APPEARS TO BE 30-06 CAL. THE HEADSTAMP READS IN PART "SHAKESPEARE" AND USA IN THE CENTER. CANT READ THE REST. ITS HARD SO DOES NOT SEEM SUITABLE AS A SNAP CAP. COULD IT BE A "GO" "NO GO" HEADSPACE GAGE? ANY INFO APPRECIATED.
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  • sfettysfetty Member Posts: 349 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Can someone explain the simple definition of headspace and how it is measured? Are there different measurement points taken for different types of guns? My wife says it is the empty space between my ears.[:D] I understand the concept, but I would like to have it explained so I will have a better understanding. Thanks!
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  • lovethemcoltslovethemcolts Member Posts: 536 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Headspace is the measurement between two points in a rifle's chamber. These points are the boundaries of cartridge movement when a cartridge is chambered.

    In strict SAAMI terms headspace is the distance from the face of the closed breech of a firearm to the surface in the chamber on which the cartridge case seats.
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  • mrbrucemrbruce Member Posts: 3,374
    edited November -1
    Headspace is the dimensions between the base of the cartridge and the datum line at the center of the shoulder.
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  • nononsensenononsense Member Posts: 10,928 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    sfetty,

    You'll get lots of differing 'definitions' of headspace and the measurement of headspace. Some are O.K. and some are just plain wrong.

    Here is the simple definition of headspace in general:

    Headspace is the measurement of the the distance between the boltface and the headspace feature that stops the forward movement of the cartridge case.

    With rimless bottleneck cartridges it is a specific point on the shoulder defined by a diameter.

    With rimless straight wall cases like the .45 ACP it's the case mouth.

    With rimmed cartridges it's the front of the rim.

    With belted cases it's the front of the belt.

    Here is an article with illustrations to explain the entire concept:

    http://www.cruffler.com/trivia-October99.html

    Best.
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  • only winchestersonly winchesters Member Posts: 1,580 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Good morning sfetty: Good question! However everyone so far seems to think it only applies to rifles and pistols. Nobody has talked the "Shotgun Headspace" issue!!

    Anyone????

    Regards Dave
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  • mcasomcaso Member Posts: 1,119 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Or cannon. Where is Wally when you need him
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  • Tailgunner1954Tailgunner1954 Member Posts: 7,734 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by only winchesters
    Good morning sfetty: Good question! However everyone so far seems to think it only applies to rifles and pistols. Nobody has talked the "Shotgun Headspace" issue!!

    Anyone????

    Regards Dave


    OW
    See Nononsense's reply, ref rimmed cartridges (ditto for rimfire cartridges). Remember that headspace and chamber length are 2 completly different issues.
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  • sfettysfetty Member Posts: 349 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Thanks everyone for the replies, especially you, nononsense. Your explanation really helped me to better understand headspace as it relates to different calibers as well as pistols and rifles.[:)] Thanks again!!
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  • only winchestersonly winchesters Member Posts: 1,580 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Tailgunner: Shotguns can have "head space" problems too! It has nothing to do with chamber length or the forcing cone.

    Regards Dave
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  • Tailgunner1954Tailgunner1954 Member Posts: 7,734 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Dave
    Understand they can have a HS issue, was pointing out that it's controled/measured the same as the rest of the rimmed cartridges (more for the information of the other readers, I KNOW your well aware of it[:D])
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  • only winchestersonly winchesters Member Posts: 1,580 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Tailgunner: I don't think so. Example if one puts a 12 ga. 2 3/4in. shell into a 12 ga. with a 3 1/2in. chamber, based on what's been said, you would have a large problem![:D]

    Regards Dave
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