Barrel headspacing

[mike8605]

Just ordered my new Shilen 223 AI barrel from NSS and this will be my first barrel swap. So from what I have been reading I will need a 223AI go gauge and a standard 223 gauge is my no go gauge correct? I have been reading I can use a standard new unfired 223 case to set my head space. I also read I need a .004 crush fit. My biggest question is how do I go about getting or knowing I have .004 cruch fit on my standard 223 case.

One more question. If I use the 223AI go gauge then I can just set my barrel up tight to that gauge and be go to go???

Any advice or help with this would be great.

Thanks MIke

[Cover Dog]

Your correct that you need a 223AI Go and a standard 223 for the No-Go. You can get by with just the Go gauge and use scotch tape on the base to make it a No-Go if you want. But as you questioned how do you know what .004" feels like. I always buy both, set the headspace and then I will try the tape method to see how close it is.

For the extra $25 I just feel safer using both. I do like to set the Go gauge a little tight. Never had a problem closing the bolt with new brass.

[Eric in NC]

The standard 223 "go" is your 223AI "no go" since the AI chamber is shorter than the standard.

[calib]

just do the go gauge with tape it is quick easy and works well

[helotaxi]

Or for a more precise adjustment, cut a piece off a feeler gauge of the appropriate thickness and place that between the go-gauge and the bolt face and tighten the barrel finger tight to that.