Stripped Bolt

[MStrong69]

I am new to reloading and keep reading the term “stripped bolt” when testing a piece of brass to see if it fits in the action. What are they referring too? I did a quick search but everything comes up with the traditional meaning.

 

[Supersubes]

It means taking the striker assembly out of the bolt and removing the plunger ejector (if equipped). It allows you to feel nothing but case fit in the chamber. No preloaded firing pin, and no ejector scrubbing on the case head while closing on the case and thrusting the bolt fore and aft.

 

[BurnOut]

That said, it's absolutely feasible to set headspace, etc... without stripping the bolt. It's a "that feels about right" kind of thing.

 

[PatMiles]

Here is a good video on the why's and wherefores of stripping a bolt to find certain reloading dimensions. In this video the cartridge base to bullet ogive is found. This tells us exactly where the bullets ogive meets the lands in the barrel. This measurement is helpful in allowing a reloader discover the optimum distance that a certain bullet design and weight is set back from the lands for accuracy.