Consequences of changing front bolt baffle on headspace?

[rbp75503]

I probably know the answer to my question, but I just can't seem to find the brain cell where it is stored.


Model 10, formerly .223 rem caliber, re-barreled to 6 x 45 with CDE bottom metal. The front baffle was cut to lengthen rear bolt travel to pick-up rounds to chamber. I butchered the job by getting the metal too hot with my dremel.

If I install a LA front baffle will it affect my headspace?

Thanks for the replies.

Bob

[darkker]

If I'm following you, you cut the tab off of the baffle, so you have a longer bolt throw.
The baffle is exactly what it's name implies and is a baffle for controlling gas escape. Which has exactly ZERO to do with headspace.
So if you changed something else, then there could be an issue.

[olddav]

My limited understanding makes me agree with darkker.

[olddav]

That didn't sound right but I hope y'all get my drift.

[foxx]

If you replace the front baffle you will need to recheck and more than likely adjust for proper headspace.

Having said that, i dont get why you think you need to replace the front baffle. I mean, sure, you might, and they can be had for just a couple bucks, but cant imagine how heating it could ruin it like you said. Nevertheless, you DO need to recheck headspace if you change either the bolt head or the front baffle.

[strut64]

The head space is the dimension from the back of the bolt head locking lugs to the face of the bolt head.

[darkker]

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j84/Darkker13/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20150906_090116_zps7kyv6ere.jpg
This is a bolt head, which is needed for headspace.
The front baffle, slides onto the bolt head; it has nothing to do with headspace.
The front baffle is what has the "long arm" to limit bolt travel. Cut it, change it, take a picture of it. Makes no difference to the headspace of the rifle.

[rbp75503]

The reason for the change is strictly cosmetic. The existing baffle is now blueish/black rather than polished silver in the area where I cut-off a portion of the bolt stop tab.

I thank you all for your replies, however I don't see an unanimous yea or nah answer to the question. :confused:

Tend to agree with Darkker based on 2nd post

[foxx]

I was thinking the width of the baffle affects headspace because it sits behind the head, but the head is mounted to the bolt body by a pin... i see now the baffle can be made shorter and the face of the bolt head's position will not change. I stand corrected.

[darkker]

Just assumed you started Mimosa Sunday earlier than I did, foxx:cool:

[DanSavage]

darkker is right, front baffle will not effect your head space.

[Robinhood]

And to make it magnanimous.............. It does not effect head space.

What does Malapropism mean?

[BillPa]

I probably know the answer to my question, but I just can't seem to find the brain cell where it is stored.


Model 10, formerly .223 rem caliber, re-barreled to 6 x 45 with CDE bottom metal. The front baffle was cut to lengthen rear bolt travel to pick-up rounds to chamber. I butchered the job by getting the metal too hot with my dremel.

If I install a LA front baffle will it affect my headspace?

Thanks for the replies.

Bob

No, as the others said if doesn't affect headspace but you could have just ground off the bolt guide "fin" and turned it 180 degrees.

Bill

[olddav]

rbp75503

Can't you polish the baffle to remove the discoloration?
Based on above post It's not a load bearing part.

[rbp75503]

rbp75503

Can't you polish the baffle to remove the discoloration?
Based on above post It's not a load bearing part.

Agreed it does not have any function other than gas venting and stopping the bolt. But it just looks like "garage gunsmithing". Have a replacement baffle in-hand and just waiting for my rifle to get back from the gunsmith who is skim bedding and cerakoting the rifle. Pretty sure it is beyond saving by polishing.

[daniel87]

Doesnt your smith have a mill head on the lathe have him mill off a bit. Ask him if it matters its his trade he is the expert

[velvetant]

And to make it magnanimous.............. It does not effect head space.

What does Malapropism mean?
the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with unintentionally amusing effect

[earl39]

Also to make it unanimous the answer is the baffle front and rear have nothing to do with headspace.