Article: Firing Pin Protrusion Data.

[thomae]

You can view the page at http://www.savageshooters.com/content.php?143-Firing-Pin-Protrusion-Data

[louielouie]

Following this method I originally had about 0.060 protrusion. Using about a 1/4 turn I reduced protrusion to 0.050. The problem was cratering of primers (Federal 210M which didn't crater before) since there must be some wear in this well-used rifle. I may need to consider a new bolt head. I just carefully polished the tip and put everything back the way it was, for now.

[memilanuk]

The problem may not be firing pin protrusion so much as an oversized hole vs. the pin. Might send it to Gre-Tan Rifles to have the firing pin hole bushed, the pin turned to size and the hole reamed to match. Minimal gap all the way around will likely cure any primer cratering issues you might have had. Their turn-around time is excellent... used to be about a week to ten days there and back.

HTH,

Monte

[Dennis]

It's hard to see in your pictures, but on my caliper, on end a bar protrudes out/in that will give you the exact measurement.

If necessary, I will take a picture and email it to you if you email you info.

Dennis

[Ratbuster]

Ben Chappell does high quality bushing jobs on Savage bolt heads for $40 with super quick turn around time. He has done 2 for me and for two other friends of mine. He will set the clearance tight for a bench gun or slightly looser for a field gun that sees more dirt and less cleaning. Will eliminate primer cratering.

You can find him on Accurateshooter.com forum. Do a search for "Grimstod"

[Robinhood]

I agree on Grimstod. But first I would measure the pin and the hole in the bolthead.