My new M14s Headspace Help!!!!

Smitsauce

Smitsauce

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I was wondering if any of the M14 guru's out there can help me out with what seems to be a big problem to me. I just got my 2007 Norc M14s back from the M14 Doctor who did a great job and found out that my headspace is 1.638". Having just read this section in the sticky posted by lazerus2000:

"MAXIMUM Headspace:
When it comes to "real world" headspace, relying on headspace gages alone can provide only a precise measurement of chamber length. The other part of the equation is ammunition dimensions. So, unless you measure brass before and after firing, even in best case scenarios using a gage to measure headspace is always going to be a "best guesstimate
.308 Win "SAAMI" FIELD REJECT is 1.638". Although I have never personally seen it or read of a documented case, in theory, some commercial .308 Win cartridge cases may fail with a case separation on the first firing at .308 NO GO.
If your headspace is 1.638" - 1.6445", you should use only 7.62x51 NATO mil spec ammo.
If your headspace is 1.6445" or longer, even with mil spec7.62 NATO ammunition,
the chamber may be too long for safe use."

What do you think about using commercial win.308 ammo. It has never been fired and I just spent about $1300.00+ on this build and I don't reload yet. There isn't any Frikin' 7.62 NATO to be found anywhere either!!!!! The chance of a USGI bolt falling into my hands seem impossible...

Your thoughts are much appreciated. I just wanted to put a few through her this long weekend and now it seems as though it will sit in the safe as I don't want to screw her/me up with case separations etc...

Thanks,

Ian
 
Have you read my sticky(ies) ? :eek:

NATO Nogo gauge is 25 thou over 1.630" SAAMI. My USGI M14's all miked over 15 to 20 thou (No joking!). I just neck sized my brass for that chamber! And I left it at that. Many Naysayers from the Moronto Gun Shows told me "My #### would fall off" if I shoot reloaded ammo from a chamber that size!

Now all kinds of naysayers are all over the internet (not so much the Moronto gun shows) and yes, yer #### might fall off :eek:

Seriously, now... My 2007 Norc M14 chamber is 11 thou or to confuse all of you: 1.630" + 0.011" is 1.641". Would I shoot commercial? I would! AND I will still necksize my brass for THIS chamber! Hopefully my #### is still intact! :rolleyes: Sorry, I could not resist!

Hope this demystifies things! Remember, that these are battle rifle chambers!! ;)

:cheers:

Barney
 
Hungry,

Yes, I read everything I could find on the M14 headspace subject. But that section I referenced above really started to freak me out. I will probably try and get a bolt from someone/somewhere as soon as I am able. I would like something in the order of 1.632-1.633 for headspace if I can get it. I will reload as soon as I am able and will keep my brass. Pperhaps I can eventually get the fired brass tested to see precisely how big the chamber is. Does anyone know if a smith has the tools to measure brass this way?

I guess I just wanted to know if anyone else out there had chambers at 1.638 or longer that has/does shoot commercial win.308.

Thanks,
Ian
 
1.640 - Shoots Factory, Reloads and Mil Surp no problem. Best group from factory Federal 150. Full length resized reloads a close second.

Don't sweat it... Shoot it. Shoot it lots.

Montey
 
Ian...... i was very pleasantly surprise to see the 1.638 headspace and excellent lug bearing. also, cycling the oprod she doesn't just ping...... IT SINGS hehehe and then.... dropping the hammer after cocking the bolt..... she sings even louder......
i think you will find she is a keeper my friend and i would not hesitate to put commercial 308 through that rifle. :D

for getting down into the true 308 headspace range of 1.630 to 1.6345, a usgi bolt, lapped in for headspace and even lug bearing will get you there.
BUT..... i'm willing to bet your rifle will shoot well the way she is right now. please post us the results of your first range day ;)
 
Thanks Thomas,

I was really excited when I got her home again after the long, but well worth it, delay. When I started really doing a lot of reading about .308/7.62 headspace, well, I guess it really got into my headspace...

I will try to get out this weekend as the weather in the Kingston, ON. area is supposed to be almost summer-like. For the time being, I will try the original op rod spring guide, as I read that the original chinese op rod springs don't like the match spring guide and it sure feels like it when it is racked. I also have to relieve some of the hand guard as I have also read that it shouldn't touch the forestock at all.

I will also have to try and set up something in my backyard. I think I can get out to 100yds. I have 1 month left before my new neighbour moves in and relagates (out of respect) my shooting back to the occasional .22lr, my high powered .22 cal Walther Falcon Hunter pellet gun and my Colt 1911A1 .177 CO2 pellet pistol (Yeah, I know...When I get my Restricted licence it will be a real one!!!)

I will definately post pics and describe everything that was put on her and what was done to her for all to view.

Thomas, you are definately the MAN!!!!

Thanks again.
 
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