Headspace Gauges?

[S3th]

I'm about to order my first shouldered prefit for an LPA Fuzion. Should I also order a set of go and no-go gauges to confirm headspace on shouldered prefits?

I used the search bar and couldn't find any topic related to this so sorry in advance if this has been asked numerous times.

 

[clcustom1911]

Yes

 

[JMGlasgow]

Yes. It's always a good idea to check and make sure it's right.

 

[alfmoonspace]

Good idea at worst. I would recommend Manson or Forster from NSS if you don't already have a place to get them. James will square you away.

 

[S3th]

Good idea at worst. I would recommend Manson or Forster from NSS if you don't already have a place to get them. James will square you away.

Thanks!

 

[Sheldon N]

I don't think it is necessary.

I've bought a ton of prefit barrels from multiple sources and never used a go-gauge. Choose a gunsmith you can trust, then trust them.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

I used this and a piece of brass for setting heads space on a new barrel. Adding a piece of tape on the case as a No-Go. The Guage actually has the go/no-go size marked on it.

Case Gauge - Whidden Gunworks

Use the chart below to reference the other compatible calibers for each gauge. If you don’t see the Case Gauge you need, we can custom build you one with your supplied Go Gauge. Select the "Custom" option in the drop down menu and follow the instructions. Attention: The Belted Magnum Family...

www.whiddengunworks.com

 

[Walt K]

I don't think it is necessary.

I've bought a ton of prefit barrels from multiple sources and never used a go-gauge. Choose a gunsmith you can trust, then trust them.

Trust but verify.

 

[Deleted member 10043]

Of course

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

I like this. It seems to be much more useful that having a set of GO or NO-GO gauges. That said, to have a case to measure, you have to fire a round first. So if you were building a rifle, you would still need a set of gauges to check the headspace before firing that 1st round.

I've found all factory ammo and new cases that I have measured to be right at saami min spec "0", same with a Hornady modified case for measuring OACL. Which I pick up before reloading anyway. if I didn't have one I could pull a bullet on one or use a new case.

Edit: electrical tape is about .006 and putting it on the back of a case and installing a barrel snug onto it leaves the barrel about +.003 over sami min. My fired cases are about +.002 over 0 on the Guage. So a small bump and I'm back to factory.

 

[S3th]

I used this and a piece of brass for setting heads space on a new barrel. Adding a piece of tape on the case as a No-Go. The Guage actually has the go/no-go size marked on it.

Case Gauge - Whidden Gunworks

Use the chart below to reference the other compatible calibers for each gauge. If you don’t see the Case Gauge you need, we can custom build you one with your supplied Go Gauge. Select the "Custom" option in the drop down menu and follow the instructions. Attention: The Belted Magnum Family...

www.whiddengunworks.com

I went ahead and ordered this after contemplating various options. The only con I see is having to shoot a round first to check if headspace was set correctly.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

I went ahead and ordered this after contemplating various options. The only con I see is having to shoot a round first to check if headspace was set correctly.

Its a valuable tool, like a comparator only it doesn't change.

If you have a new case or a round, you can put tape on the bottom to check headspace and use this to measure it like you would a Hornady comparator.

Packing tape is like. 0025
Electrical tape is like .006

Here's a tip put tape on the back and use a fine file to cut the tape.

 

[nn8734]

I'm about to order my first shouldered prefit for an LPA Fuzion. Should I also order a set of go and no-go gauges to confirm headspace on shouldered prefits?

I used the search bar and couldn't find any topic related to this so sorry in advance if this has been asked numerous times.

What chambering is your rifle? If .308 or 5.56, Forster makes headspace gauge sets for those (maybe for others as well but Im not aware of any). I have one in .308. Comes with gauges ranging from 1.630 to 1.640 in .001 increments (vs just a Go and No-Go) so I know exactly how long my chamber is and what I need to do to set up my sizing die...Somewhat expensive and perhaps overkill if you only one rifle in .308 but if you will be cycling through barrels relatively often for your rifle, it may be worth it.

 

[S3th]

What chambering is your rifle? If .308 or 5.56, Forster makes headspace gauge sets for those (maybe for others as well but Im not aware of any). I have one in .308. Comes with gauges ranging from 1.630 to 1.640 in .001 increments (vs just a Go and No-Go) so I know exactly how long my chamber is and what I need to do to set up my sizing die...Somewhat expensive and perhaps overkill if you only one rifle in .308 but if you will be cycling through barrels relatively often for your rifle, it may be worth it.

6.5 Creedmoor and it is my only rifle with that chamber and when I rebarrel, I might not rechamber in 6.5 Creedmoor.

 

[Steel+Killer]

This as a whole is not an inexpensive hobby to be in, but it amazes me the small things guys will fret over buying especially when it comes to your safety. Dude is a set of Go/NoGo gauges going to break you? Buy them, use them, sleep at night, if you feel like you won't use them again sell them on this site or ebay what are you going to be out of $50 bucks total if you resell them?

 

[S3th]

This as a whole is not an inexpensive hobby to be in, but it amazes me the small things guys will fret over buying especially when it comes to your safety. Dude is a set of Go/NoGo gauges going to break you? Buy them, use them, sleep at night, if you feel like you won't use them again sell them on this site or ebay what are you going to be out of $50 bucks total if you resell them?

It is more of a lack of knowledge than being cheap. It's obvious a go and no-go are needed for remage or other barrel nut prefits. However, I wasn't sure if prefit shouldered barrels had confirmed headspaces from "factory" since it is shouldered and timed.

 

[JMGlasgow]

In the end it's your responsibility to make sure the rifle is safe. Especially if you are the person installing the shouldered prefit barrel.

 

[Steel+Killer]

It is more of a lack of knowledge than being cheap. It's obvious a go and no-go are needed for remage or other barrel nut prefits. However, I wasn't sure if prefit shouldered barrels had confirmed headspaces from "factory" since it is shouldered and timed.

I get what you are saying, but no matter how good a manufacture's quality is or is suppose to be I still verify. I have a AI AX arguably one of the best factory rifles made, but I still checked head space with a set of GO/NO GO gauges. Guess what the 308 barrel failed the No GO gauge so I bought a "Field Gauge" It did pass the Field Gauge and it shoots lights out so I am comfortable shooting it, but if it had failed the "Field Gauge" I would not shoot it. This brings up another point you really should have a set of all three just because a rifle fails a "No GO" gauge doesn't necessarily mean it is unsafe to shoot, but I definitely wouldn't shoot a rifle that fails a "Field Gauge" Also when you burn a barrel out and get a new one you already have the gauges to check it.

 

[Steel head]

You’d be amazed at how accurate you could measure a case and chamber with a piece of brass, package tape, calipers and a fired pistol case.

 

[Ksracer]

Mistakes happen. To everybody. Even if it was machined perfect, maybe the new guy who was given the simple task of engraving it got it mixed up and then it was shipped out as something it wasn't. There are a hundred different ways for things to go wrong.
Bottom line is that even a rudimentary check of headspace when you screw a new barrel on is the last line of defense to prevent a mistake from slipping through and causing a kaboom.

 

[smoothy8500]

I've found all factory ammo and new cases that I have measured to be right at saami min spec "0", same with a Hornady modified case for measuring OACL.

Interesting that your new factory ammo measures at "0", is that compared to a SAAMI "go" gage? My Whidden is "0" on a "go" gauge and factory Federal and Hornady generally come in at 2 to 3 thou minus or "below" the "go" gauge.

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

Interesting that your new factory ammo measures at "0", is that compared to a SAAMI "go" gage? My Whidden is "0" on a "go" gauge and factory Federal and Hornady generally come in at 2 to 3 thou minus or "below" the "go" gauge.

It was on the whidden guage. Hornady new case and ammo for 300PRC.

Same with the 6.5cm. I have an RCBS version of the case Guage also.

I haven't measured a ton of different ammo or cases but everything I've measured came in at around 0 or yes slightly below.

 

[smoothy8500]

Yeah, I just measured a couple of FC GM and HDY Match 308 and assumed that the 2-3 thou under was to ensure proper fit "match" chambers that are at minimum spec.

 

[dspjaggar]

recently was in a similar situation. going to rent the gauges for 7 dollars from reamer rentals. https://www.reamerrentals.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=26

doesnt make sense to spend the money to only use them once as this is going to be a hunting rifle for me so low round count.


worth it to know its right

 

[S3th]

recently was in a similar situation. going to rent the gauges for 7 dollars from reamer rentals. https://www.reamerrentals.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=26

doesnt make sense to spend the money to only use them once as this is going to be a hunting rifle for me so low round count.


worth it to know its right

I was going to do the same thing but shipping was like $24 lol

 

[smoothy8500]

Yeah, they do charge the "round-trip" shipping ($20) upfront when renting.

 

[smoothy8500]

Or you could borrow a set from some friendly member, only been dropped once (bench wasn't too high) and the last guy who borrowed them complained that the NO-GO still closed with firm pressure on the bolt.

 

[celltech]

Go-Gauge and some shim stock. What shim stock you say? Get a cheap spark plug feeler set and cut out what you need for a perfect fit...