headspacing

[my82cam]

just wondering how you set head spacing or how you determine it on a 357 mag lever action rifle? it is a win model 94.

[Photoguy67]

I am not a gun smith, but I think cartridges such as the .357 don't "headspace", but just sit on the rim so there is not "headspacing" to take care of.

[krunchnik]

I am not a gun smith, but I think cartridges such as the .357 don't "headspace", but just sit on the rim so there is not "headspacing" to take care of.

This is 100% correct,they do sit on the rim,as long as your overall cartridge length is correct your good to go,any reloading manual will give this dimension.

[my82cam]

so, as long as the bolt closes with a round in it it is good? i called winchester and they wouldn't even sell me a bolt, they told me i had to send the gun in so they could set the head spacing with a bolt. i did find a bolt from another company that will sell it to me.

[Westwindmike]

so, as long as the bolt closes with a round in it it is good? .

NO. You need a "Go" gauge and a "No Go" gauge. If it closes on a round, it can still have excess headspace and a dangerous situation.

Here is a good article on headspacing.

http://www.surplusrifle.com/shooting/headspace/index.asp

Edited October 11, 2009 by Westwindmike
Added Link

[Dropkick Murphy]

My best man in my wedding blew the %$#@ out of his hand and neck because of headspacing (Left handed using a right handed rifle). He thought he could "eye ball it".

Scared the hell out of me. Be careful man.

[Good_Steward]

NO. You need a "Go" gauge and a "No Go" gauge. If it closes on a round, it can still have excess headspace and a dangerous situation.

Here is a good article on headspacing.

Surplusrifle.com - Measuring Headspace

+1. Make sure you stick to your specified OAL. I think between 1.57 or 1.575 to 1.59 for .357 depending on the style and weight bullet you use.

[my82cam]

good stuff to know! thanks, it may be going to a gun smith. or....does anybody on here have a go no go gauge i could use?