Headspace...How often to check?

[berger]

I was just wondering how often to check headspace on a milsurp rifle? I don't shoot as much as I would like, granted it is winter.., and I do not reload yet, but I was wondering if it is worth getting some gauges to check on my own?

 

[Hitzy]

What kind of gun are we talking about?

 

[SeamusMac]

Perhaps he's talking about Lee Enfield's they're pretty well known for headspacing problems. If I understand correctly the problem on Lee's is the result of a lot of rifles being assembled with random pieces from bins haha. So would I be correct in saying that once you check the headspace on the Lee it doesn't have to be checked again?
If it's off you can buy another bolt head and swap it. Oddly enough the source of this problem is what makes it so easy to fix!

 

[louthepou]

I do believe indeed once it's checked and ok, you shouldn't worry about it for a few thousand rounds...

Lou

 

[BadgerDog]

If you're referring to .303 Enfields, in the Milsurp Knowledge Base there's the "Technical Articles for Milsurp Collectors and Re-loaders"http://www.milsurps.com/forumdisplay.php?f=25 forum.

It contains a very good article with animations from Parashooter........

Headspace 101 for .303's (click here)http://www.milsurps.com/showthread.php?t=10

Regards,
Badger

 

[John Sukey]

And if checking it, USE MILITARY headspace gages, NOT SAMMI ones.
As other folks have said, you won't live long enough to see a change if it checks good the first time.

 

[berger]

Sorry guys...I could not get back online to respond. Yes, I was referring to .303s mainly.