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Gunsmithing Pre-Fit Headspace Issue

HogsLife

HogsLife

War Machine Leather Works
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Full Member
Minuteman
    • Nov 28, 2018
    1,681
    2,289
    N. Idaho
    #1
    So I received my 2 Prefit Barrels today for my daughters Bighorn Origin Action. 1 Proof 6.5 CM and a 224 Valkyrie. Installed them both using correct boltheads, toques them to 50 ftlbs or so and the bolt would not close on either of my PTG Go Gauges. I inserted a virgin piece of Lapua 6.5 CM Brass and wouldn’t close.

    The gunsmith, who I won’t mention, is VERY reputable and I understand mistakes can happen. Before I call him and send them back I just want to make sure I’m not missing something. What do you guys think?

    Also, with these pre-fits, do gunsmith / dealers have these actions on hand that they can check fit up / chambering prior to sending off or are they just going off of some manufacturer dimensions and shipping them?

    Appreciate the input guys ??
     
    #3
    It's not uncommon for prefit to not fit . I had one that had to have .022 off the face and the tenon shoulder to get it right . Chamber was way too deep . Send them back with the actions and they will fix it . Strip the actions of everything except the basic bolt and action , that way nothing small gets lost .
     
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    #4
    Country said:
    It's not uncommon for prefit to not fit . I had one that had to have .022 off the face and the tenon shoulder to get it right . Chamber was way too deep . Send them back with the actions and they will fix it . Strip the actions of everything except the basic bolt and action , that way nothing small gets lost .
    Click to expand...

    Thank you man.

    One more questions for you. I had this same Smith do me up a Prefit for my Impact. I installed it and torqued it to 50 ft lbs. used a PTG go gauge and it closed, then checked it with a PTG No Go Gauge and it closed with a small bit of resistance.

    I did read on PTG’s site that just because the bolt closes on a No-Go doesn’t mean that it’s out of spec, so PTG made the Field Gauge. If the bolt closes on the field gauge it’s out of spec. They didn’t have any field gauges in stock so I just purchased the no go.

    What are your thoughts on that? Should I send that one back too?
     
    #5
    The chamber is on max headspace but probably still ok . Try a bit more torque on the barrel threads try 65 ftlbs . If you can seat the bullets out to engage the lands on the first firing so it pushes the case back then after that it don't matter .
     
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    #13
    Got her rifle all finished up. Her 1st one. Built it for hunting / and SS barrel for match shooting. Ready for her to fill her 1st Elk tag in October.

    McMillan LH Compact Stock
    Bighorn Origin LH
    16.5” Proof Sendero 6.5CM 1:8
    Area 419 Hellfire MB
    Trigger Tech Special
    NF 3.5-15x50

    I also have a 224 Valk Barrel for training for her, along with all the boltheads from 223 - Mag for when she gets a little bigger.

    D213C044-B59B-4836-BACA-B58DF18A31ED.jpeg
     
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    #20
    Glad it worked out.

    Just a heads-up, never force a go or no-go closed. When the bolt stops its done else you run the risk of imprinting the gauge. Probably not an issue unless this time unless your ejector is stupid stiff, so more something to keep in mind for next time.
     
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    #21
    Hogslife,

    That sounds like one of my orders.......I remember the shorty 6.5creed and 224 valkyrie on the same order. I am glad the bighorn prefits worked out after removing the bolt head hardware......this is a mistake that actually happens A LOT. No worries.

    On the Impact.......I recommend torqueing it to 80 ft pounds. I keep headspace on those between a +.001 and +.002 to allow for any inconsistencies......although Impacts are dead-on since they finish the bolt face after nitride with a skim pass. Unfortunately, I have seen inconsistency in headspace gages too. The differences we are talking about are small......but add up.

    Don't EVER hesitate to call with questions or concerns.

    Ern
     
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    #23
    fng23 said:
    Hogslife,

    That sounds like one of my orders.......I remember the shorty 6.5creed and 224 valkyrie on the same order. I am glad the bighorn prefits worked out after removing the bolt head hardware......this is a mistake that actually happens A LOT. No worries.

    On the Impact.......I recommend torqueing it to 80 ft pounds. I keep headspace on those between a +.001 and +.002 to allow for any inconsistencies......although Impacts are dead-on since they finish the bolt face after nitride with a skim pass. Unfortunately, I have seen inconsistency in headspace gages too. The differences we are talking about are small......but add up.

    Don't EVER hesitate to call with questions or concerns.

    Ern
    Click to expand...

    Thank you Ern! I was gonna give you guys a call tomorrow if I wasn’t able to get it worked out. Been out on vacation and had your package when I got home last night. Started putting it all together today. Didn’t want to hassle you guys on Labor Day.

    I’m Super pumped about the service I’ve received from you guys over at Altus. As I said to Colby, you guys have a customer for life outa me.

    Thanks for the heads up on the Impact. I’ll give it some more umph tomorrow.

    Can’t thank you guys enough man! The kiddo loves her new rifle and in plenty of time to fill her 1st big game tag in October!

    S/F,

    Seth
     
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    #28
    So, got a chance to get the kiddo to the range with her new rifle and after I got it dialed in, she proceeds to show me how it’s done! ??, 1st 3 rounds she’s ever fired out of this rifle and lays down a .283” group. Factory Hornady 120gn ELDM’s...... Proud dad to say the least. I’ve spent some time training her on a 22 but this is the 1st centerfire she’s got her hands on. Hell of job by @fng23 on the barrel work!

    8037F811-A368-4262-8EED-7ED397C597F4.jpeg
     
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    #29
    That's awesome, hope to see my kids smiling that happy doing the same someday--kid's a natural!
    I too have a new lefty barreled action from Altus. An Impact and Bartlein .308, and it's been shooting great, they even timed the impact brake to the muzzle shoulder just right. When I finally switch to 6.5 Creed someday, Altus will get my prefit order.
     
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