LE bolt head sizes [Archive]

RU shooter

10-31-2009, 06:29 PM

Quick question how much longer are the LE bolt heads say between a 0 and a 1, I seem to remember .005 but cant be sure.

Thanks,Tim

leadhead

10-31-2009, 07:46 PM

I seem to remember it being .003 between sizes, but not positive.
Denny

beemer

10-31-2009, 08:32 PM

Just happened to have the NRA book on Enfields laying on the table. Denny is correct, There are four boltheads, 0-3 the 3 being the longest in .003 in. increments.

Dave

curator

11-01-2009, 10:35 AM

Generally speaking each numbered No.4 bolt head is .003 longer from 0 to #3. However, not always. I have several #2s that are .003" smaller than a #1 marked head. Apparently there was a bit of "tolerance" in bolt head lengths from several factories. Its a good idea to bring a micrometer along when shooping for #4 bolt heads. Not possible over the internet, but some suppliers like Springfield Sporters and Brian Dick will measure what they have and try to get you what you need. Keep in mind there are other ways to deal with military headspace issues besides changing out the bolt head. Read the various stickies on this subject.

RU shooter

11-01-2009, 12:55 PM

Thanks for the help.

Tim

smlekid

11-01-2009, 05:22 PM

You might like to check out this interesting post over on gunboards
http://forums.gunboards.com/showthread.php?t=138121

beemer

11-02-2009, 07:43 PM

There is one more thing that should be considered when headspacing that I have read very little about,I can't remember what site I found it on. The bolt head should be timed properly, when the bolt head is bottomed out it should not turn more than 3/16'' past the bolt guide. This keeps the threads from taking the load when firing.

I'll have to look around and find the article.

Dave