Barrel headspacing

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

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.

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

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

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.