10/22 bolt head space?

[terry_g]

I have read quit a bit about how head space can affect the accuracy of a 10/22 Ruger. I took my 10/22 apart last night and measured the depth of the recess in the end of the bolt at .050".
I very carefully lapped it on a fine diamond sharpening pad until it was .043" deep. From what I have read the it should be .0425" to .043" deep.
I am now waiting for the rain to stop so I can try it out.

I measured quite a few samples of the variety of the .22 ammo I have on hand and none of them come close to .043" all were between .034" and .039". I used a depth mike, feeler gauges and a factory 10/22 barrel to take the measurements.

I can understand why it's important not to have too much head space but if the rim of the cartridge is a couple thousands thicker than the recess in the bolt and the bolt holds the rim tightly against the barrel with a slight space between the bolt and barrel would this not be desirable?


Terry


Ballistics is a form of witchcraft!

 

[Wham-O]

Remember...the firing pin lunges forward through inertia and causes the detonation.
You don't want the head of your bolt to cause detonation with improper head space.

 

[notsorichguy]

Remember...the firing pin lunges forward through inertia and causes the detonation.
You don't want the head of your bolt to cause detonation with improper head space.

That actually sounds like a really good time.........

 

[terry_g]

I took my 10/22 out to the range today to test out how it shoots with the tighter head space. I put about 300 rounds through it.

The only difference I noticed is that I get a lot less fliers.

Terry