No4 Bolt head and headspace

Cdn303

Cdn303

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Bruce County, On
Hi,

I just received a new to me No4Mk2. I've been going over it prior to shooting. While checking the headspace, I had it close on a 0.064, and a 0.069 gauge. On the 0.074 gauge the bolt closed to this point.



I know by using the hair elastics or O-rings to hold the case to the bolt face I can eliminate whatever issue I may come upon. However, there my come time when I have to shoot it when I don't have any.

The rifle currently wears a '2' bolt head that measures 0.635". I know there was some variation in the length of each size of bolt head. So should I be finding a longer bolt head?

PS. Why on a '53 build rifle would they not take the time to build a rifle that used a shorter bolt head? Like a '0'.
 
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You should also be aware that there is a slight difference between present day headspace guages and original Military ones. As DAVEMCCARTHY707 notes, and I would agree, that it is within specifications and all right to shoot. There seems to be too much "hype" about headspace, especially with the .303 cartridge.

Where it does make a difference is when you reload the .303 cartridge and FULL LENGTH SIZE the case EVERY time. A wise .303 reloader will segregate their cases and neck size only to get much better and longer cartridge life. Also, commercial .303 cartridge cases tend to have a bit thinner rim thickness than Military ones, and Canadian cases are sought after by reloaders. Annealing the cartridge case neck area helps case longetivity and trim them regularly. A LEE case trimer is fast but make sure you chamfer your cases slightly to aid bullet seating.
 
CDN I agree with all points stated by Dav and Buff. As to your '53 FAZ with a No2 bolt head,...my 1/54 Faz has a No2 bolt head from new as well. Seems very common with these rifles. They are as good a shooter as you will find out of the wrap for an enfield of any mark. Don't fret on the headspace your rifle is fine.

Are you famailar with the use of those gauges? My rifle will show a similar bolt position on the .074 gauge, but it will start to resist closing ever so slightly down close about 1/8" from wrist on the .069" gauge. Ever so gentle when using those gauges, I guessing yours has a little resistance on the .069 as well if you are very careful closing. Just try your rifle again noting the fell as it reaches the wrist with nothing in chamber, then note the slight resistance about 1/8" from wrist difference, it's probably just like mine.
Does yours fall in the Irish Contract numbers?

Is you bore and throat pristine like very few rounds if any fired?

It will impress you if you do your part. Mine is a very nice shooter with S&B 180FMJ, and with a handload concoction and Hornady FMJ's clocking briskly along at 2510fps @ 15 feet from muzzle, it would make literally one hole at 50 yards with three rounds. Only limitation I find with the No4Mk2 is my ability to see the irons out to 200 and beyond.
A local gunsmith swore by the N04Mk2 to build target shooters for DCRA matches when .303 was plentiful 60's and '70s. We discussed it's merits at length one day.

Enjoy your new rifle, some more pictures would be nice to compare the stock color against mine.
 
Ok thanks guys.

RTS, yes it does fall within the Irish Contract numbers. It has seen some use somewhere since 53 though. There is a small gouge on the left hand side of the forestock, about where you hand goes, to go along with all the small nicks and dings. The butt has quite a lot of dings in it too. There is a couple of areas where the butt plate is a little proud of the wood too.

From all this, plus the wear on the finish near the front sight, I'd say the rifle saw a lot of rifle drill or even guard duty somewhere. I'll get some pictures tomorrow and post in the Feb purchases.
 
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