I have a pre 1920 30 WCF SRC that has a bit of an excessive headspace problem. The rifle shoots great but the primers are backed out at least .050"

Is there a way to easily correct this or should the gun be retired?

Are we talkin factory ammo here ? If reloads are involved to we know it's not related to the Brass , Pressure , or some other ammo concern?


444fitch

sounds like chamber pressure to me. If it is headspace, the barrel can be trimmed slightly at the chamber end, reamed and placed back in by a good gunsmith.

Is it just the primer backed out? How is the case shape after firing?

It happens on all ammo.....factory & full length resized reloads.....all reloads from mildest to hotter.

Cases are normal after firing. Cases seem to require fairly frequent trimming....maybe 4 firings with mild loads.

What would you estimate the cost to cut, set back, and ream the chamber? Any other options?

sounds weird.

Not sure of the cost of such a thing. My cases get trimmed that often as well, since the case is not bulged at the base or something, I would be tempted to use it as is.

Does this cause extraction problems?

If the primers are backing out that far, with all ammo it does indeed sound weird.
If it were my gun, I would have the headspace checked by a good gunsmith, and repaired as necessary.

Joe

If the primers are backing out that far, with all ammo it does indeed sound weird.
If it were my gun, I would have the headspace checked by a good gunsmith, and repaired as necessary.

Joe

Does sound like a headspace problem, there shouldn't be that much space brom the bolt face to the case head. Do understand that if the case doesn't "set back" it can leave a rised primer...but if it were to set back, may well lead to case seperation.

Know pwople shoot rifles with that condition and don't give it much thought...but I'd take a hard look at the round fired in that rifle that DON'T show that raised peimer...section one and tak a look for a weaking in the case wall just above the solid web.

Are ways it can be corrected, but not a home. Only you can decide if the cost of repair is worth it or not.

Levers,
If you are actually getting .050 primer setback the gun most likely has a large amount of headspace. You should take it to a COMPETENT gunsmith for a check out. If you have a Winchester warranty gunsmith in your area, he would be a good place to start. There were several locking blocks of graduated thicknesses which were supplied to correct modest headspace, but I doubt that these could correct this much. There could be other problems which are not apparent to the untrained eye, that an experienced gunsmith would recognize.

sounds weird.

Not sure of the cost of such a thing. My cases get trimmed that often as well, since the case is not bulged at the base or something, I would be tempted to use it as is.

Does this cause extraction problems?


No extraction problems & no case head bulging. I know a good smith. I'll take it in and ask his opinion.

Cases are normal after firing. Cases seem to require fairly frequent trimming....maybe 4 firings with mild loads.

What would you estimate the cost to cut, set back, and ream the chamber? Any other options?
I had a similar problem with my 348win.The primers would start to back out even when using moderate loads.I solved the problem by turning the sizing die up 1/2 turn when sizing rounds for this gun.After trying this even with maximum loads the primers looked normal.It may not be the same problem you are having, but it is a simple solution if it is.Let me know how you make out.Jeff Taylor.