Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Gunsmithing Vintage 223 Misfires

I have an H&R 317 Ultra Wildcat in 223 that uses a Sako Vixen action. It misfires regularly with reloads that never misfire in my 223 Montana. I think it’s likely too much headspace or a weakened firing pin spring. It does not misfire with reloads using a Remington 6 1/2 primer. I’d like to check headspace to set my mind at ease. Is there a place to rent a
no-go gage? I could not find one locally and I’d just as soon not spend $40 on one.

I never have problems with my loads in any other rifles.

Thanks.

Frank

When's the last time you detail cleaned it? Half of such problems I've seen were caused by gunked up bolt innards. First thing I would look to anyway.

You might check firing pin protrusion, might be out of adjustment.

Hal

I did strip the bolt and clean it first thing. Unfortunately not the problem.

what kind of dent are you getting in the primer. My guess is weakened firing pin spring from sitting with the bolt cocked for a few generations.

Easy way to check the headspace, with a factory un fired cartridge, put one corner of scotch tape on the cartridge base, you should be able to close the bolt, two pieces stacked, no bolt closure, if the tape is .004 thick. I have some new tape that is .0015 thick, so there is that to consider.
The go should be about .004 over, the no go should be at .006-8 over.