Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing Question : Wrong bolt in gun

I have a question. I have 3 saum rifles. What if I was cleaning all 3 and put the wrong bolt in a gun. I know that head space would be wrong but what's the worst that would happen if I fired the gun with the wrong bolt in it?
Thanks

If the headspace is too tight a round may not chamber, if too loose the brass may be overworked worst case perhaps a case head separation. Realistically the variation in headspace tolerance amoungst the three rifles is probably so small so as to be insignificant. If the manufacturer has not marked the bolts with the rifle's serial number like Winchester and other manufacturers do it would be a good idea to vibro-etch the serial number on the underside of the bolt. That way you can be sure that the correct bolt has been installed in a particular rifle.

Check it out and see if there is any difference. Use sheet metal cut into small pieces and glue them to the back of cases with some grease. See how much the various bolt/chamber combos will swallow.

When I want to be really precise, I buy a set of leaf style feeler gauges and cut them up to get thou increments. It's only like $10-15 for a set at the auto parts store.

If I had 3 the same and a local smith I would ask to have the headspace in each with the other to bolts. If not I would buy rent a set of gauges and check myself. Be very nice to know your not going to wear a bolt if you screw up.

If your shooting factory ammo or fl size every time it wouldn't matter but if your neck sizing your gonna have to figure out how to mark the bolts. Maybe paint bolt shroud to match stock or something.

Wish I had your problem 😅

W

Given your handle they're Remingtons, right?

If so, look on the underside of the bolt body just forward of where the cocking piece, firing part fits. You'll find a number matching the last few serial number digits.

I looked at the bolt from one of my 40X's and it has much of the rifles serial # etched on it.

Look on your bolt and tell us what yours has?

Some jewelers can laser etch the bolt. The underside of the bolt is a good spot.

Just thinking out loud here. If you have any fired empties from these rifles I would think you could sort it out by feel.

remcraz:

Do your bolts have their serial numbers etched on them?

Measure from the bolt face to the back of the locking lugs. If the distance variation is less than about .003" between the three bolts, it's really not worth worrying about - as long as they smoothly function of course.

Good job for smith with complete set of headspace gauges